On Nov. 29, 1982, Michael Jackson released “Thriller,” a record-breaking album that redefined the music industry and established him as the King of Pop.
The album emerged in response to the 1980 Grammy Awards, where his critically acclaimed “Off the Wall”received just two nominations. The perceived snub drove Jackson to create a masterpiece that would command recognition and remake popular culture.
With hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the title track, the album broke boundaries and records. It became the first to produce seven Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles and remains the best-selling album of all time, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide. Certified 34 times Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), “Thriller” is the only album to have spent more than 500 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.
“Thriller” also swept the 1984 Grammy Awards, earning a record-setting eight wins, including Album of the Year. The album’s impact was further cemented when it became the first inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. Later, the title track’s iconic short film was preserved in the National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
The album’s success extended to its groundbreaking short film for the title track, directed by John Landis. Released in 1983, it revolutionized the music video format, combining cinematic storytelling with elaborate choreography. In 2017, the short film was restored in 4K and 3D, receiving a limited theatrical release in 2018. Its re-upload to YouTube in 2022 coincided with the 40th anniversary of “Thriller.” Recently, the video reached a historic milestone, surpassing one billion views. Along with “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “They Don’t Care About Us,” Jackson now holds the distinction as the first 20th-century artist with four videos crossing one billion views each.
Beyond its commercial triumphs, “Thriller” broke down racial barriers and reshaped the entertainment industry. It made Jackson the first Black artist to achieve heavy rotation on MTV, paving the way for greater representation in mainstream music media. The album’s global influence reshaped not just music but also fashion, dance, and the concept of superstar branding.
In December, Let It Be Known News, part of the 197-year-old Black Press of America, will celebrate Jackson’s enduring influence with a special broadcast about the reopening of “Michael Jackson ONE,” the Cirque du Soleil tribute to Jackson at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The program will include exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, exploring how Jackson’s genius inspires new generations of fans and how his legacy remains unparalleled in its reach and relevance.
“Michael’s music transcends time,” Jackson Estate co-executor John Branca said earlier this year. “His legacy is a beacon of creativity and impact, reminding us all of what’s possible when talent meets vision.”
Forty-two years after its release, “Thriller” remains the gold standard in music, with achievements unmatched and an influence that continues to shape the world. Michael Jackson’s masterpiece didn’t just set records; it defined an era and ensured his place as one of history’s greatest entertainers.
