Billie Jean

Thriller was Michael Jackson's sixth studio album, released on November 30, 1982 by Epic Records. It is the best-selling album of all time. "Billie Jean" is a dance-pop R&B song that was included on the album, despite being disliked by producer Quincy Jones.

The song's lyrics are based on a real-life experience of Jackson's. A mentally ill female fan wrote to Michael and claimed that he had fathered one of her twins. Subsequently, the fan mailed Jackson a photo and a gun, requesting that he kill himself.

The song is well known for its distinctive bass line and Jackson's vocal hiccups. Bruce Swedien mixed the song 91 times before it was finally accepted.

"Billie Jean" was Thriller's second single, released on January 2, 1983. It was a huge success, topping both the US and UK charts simultaneously. This single won 2 Grammy Awards and an American Music Award. It was also inducted into the Music Video Producers Hall of Fame.

The song was also promoted through Jackson's Pepsi commercials. During the filming of one commercial, Jackson's scalp was severely burned.