Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

Lore & Background

Jackson said that the lyrics were based on groupies' claims about Jackson's older brothers when Jackson toured with them as members of the Jackson 5. According to Jackson's biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli, "Billie Jean" was inspired by letters Jackson received in 1981 from a woman claiming he was the father of one of her twins. The letters disturbed him so much that he began to suffer nightmares. Eventually, Jackson received a parcel containing a photograph of the fan, a gun, and a letter instructing him to die at a particular time. The Jacksons later discovered that the fan had been sent to a psychiatric hospital.

Reader's Guide

Jackson's performance of "Billie Jean" on the TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever introduced a number of Jackson's signatures, including the moonwalk, rhinestone glove, black sequined jacket, and high-water pants. The "Billie Jean" music video, directed by Steve Barron, was the first performance by a black artist to be aired in heavy rotation on MTV.

Did You Know?

• "Billie Jean" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart in its fifth week.
• The song is certified diamond in the US and with 18 million copies worldwide, is one of the highest-selling singles of all time.
• The song received honors including two Grammy Awards and an American Music Award.