Michael Jackson-Billie Jean 1:2:26 4.56 PM
Failed to add items
Sorry, we are unable to add the item because your shopping cart is already at capacity.
Add to basket failed.
Please try again later
Add to Wish List failed.
Please try again later
Remove from Wish List failed.
Please try again later
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Michael Jackson-Billie Jean 1:2:26 4.56 PM
-
Narrated by:
-
By:
About this listen
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Hello, I'm Gail Nobles on Q Memors! And I remember the day when nothing much was going on. That's when I heard Michael Jackson's Billie Jean.
It was a few years since I last heard Michael Jackson's music, but his classic hits still popped up on the radio, especially tracks from his "Off the Wall" album. Songs like "Off the Wall" and "Rock With You" seemed to play more than others. My journey with Michael's music has been long, but it really took off in 1983 when I first heard "Billie Jean" from his "Thriller" album. The song had such a smooth beat and bass that I couldn't help but groove to it. As I listened to the beginning, I had a feeling it was Michael Jackson before he even began to sing. His unique sound was unmistakable.
When the lyrics kicked in, and he sang, “People always told me be careful what you do,” I was certain it was him. I hurried to grab my little boom box to record the song, only managing to get part of it. I replayed it over and over, enjoying every moment. Back then, radio stations often played longer versions of songs, and everyone was enjoying "Billie Jean," bobbing their heads along to the rhythm. At that time, nobody had seen Michael's famous moonwalk yet.
One day, while riding in the car with my parents, I heard "Billie Jean" again, but this time it was a rock band covering it. I asked, “Who’s that singing MJ’s song?” I only heard their version a couple of times, but Michael’s original remained a huge hit. "Billie Jean" soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and quickly became one of his top singles, matching his earlier hits with the Jackson 5.
Years went by, and I hadn’t seen Michael perform in a long time. One evening, while watching Casey Kasem on "American Top 10," I was surprised to see a man in a stylish pink shirt with shiny, curly hair. It was Michael Jackson! His look was different; I only remembered him with his Afro from earlier days. I hadn’t seen any of his older music videos like "Rock With You" or "Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough," so I didn’t realize how much he had changed. His videos weren’t being aired much like in the days of NTV when music videos were at the forefront of music promotion. It seemed like I had missed the chance to see his older classics..
But then I caught a glimpse of his "Billie Jean" video, and it felt magical. The sidewalk lit up as he danced, creating a visual that was unlike anything else I had ever seen.
The magic reached its peak during the legendary "Motown 25" special, where he performed "Billie Jean" solo alongside his brothers. That’s when I saw the moonwalk for the first time. It was pure magic! Michael Jackson truly was an icon, bringing a unique style and energy to music that struck fans everywhere.
Radio Music Memories
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.