Today marks the 41st anniversary of when MTV first aired the video for Billie Jean, the second single from Michael Jackson’s album, Thriller on March 10th, 1983.
That might not seem like such a big deal now, but back then it was huge. MTV had been on the air for just about two years and almost all of the videos they played were by white bands and musicians. The excuse for this back then from the suits that ran the station was that they played rock ’n roll and there weren’t that many black rock ’n roll artists.
MTV originally refused to air the video for Billie Jean, when CBS records submitted it to the music channel, according to the label’s president at the time, Walter Yetnikoff. After Yetnikoff threatened to pull every video from the station, they caved in, played the video and it was the start of black artists getting their rightly deserved exposure on MTV.
The video was a huge hit and went into heavy rotation and the song became a number one hit for Michael Jackson and helped push him to superstar status.
Below are six online articles about this groundbreaking musical moment in history and a link to a mini video documentary about the video and song.
And then there’s the MBIP Coming Attractions as to what’s happening on the blog next week!
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Sunday Links
How the ‘Billie Jean’ Video Changed MTV - This article looks back at how MTV caved in to the pressure to finally run “Billie Jean” and how it changed the structure of the network.
How MTV Handled Accusations of Racism and Became More Inclusive - Billie Jean was the first step that started MTV’s integration of black artist’s becoming part of the rotation of videos and later having shows dedicated to black musicians.
30 Cool Facts You Didn’t Know About ‘Billie Jean’ - I never knew that producer Quincy Jones hated the intro and bass line, which Michael Jackson rightfully fought for and gave the song it’s originality.
Behind The Song: Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean” - An article that goes behind the making and writing of “Billie Jean.”
The Number Ones: Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” - This article shows how “Billie Jean” took Michael Jackson to superstar status in the showbiz world.
Steve Barron recalls directing Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’: ‘I thought, when people see this, the world is going to change.’ - The video was groundbreaking and no one knew this better than Steve Barron, who directed it.
Behind The Music - ‘Billie Jean’ by Michael Jackson - A mini documentary on the song and video that changed MTV and Michael Jackson’s solo career.
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MBIP Coming Attractions
Monday: I went out and got a Saturday night cheeseburger at Clink Bar & Events in Peoria Heights. They opened up last October and I thought I’d go and check the place out, so that’s exactly what I did!
Tuesday: It’s week number two on the MBIP Mac and Cheese tour and this week Terry Towery joined me at Kenny’s Westside Pub to sample their cheesy side dish.
Wednesday: We’re going to continue our Shopping Locally At: Northwoods Mall with a stop at Jane’s Sweet Addictions.
Thursday: We’re starting a new monthly series here where we’re going to sample twelve fried chicken dinners in twelve months. We’re going to be doing this under the direction of Peoria’s Fried Chicken Guru. And who is Peoria’s Fried Chicken Guru? Tune in Thursday and find out!
Friday: We’ll be celebrating yet another local Peoria tavern on the MBIPTGIF Happy Hour post. I just need to figure out which one!
Saturday: We’re going to have a special St. Patrick’s Day Meanwhile, Back In Peoria’s Past post. Too rah loo rah loo rah!
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Sunday Comic
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Related Posts: Sunday Links: John Lennon “More Popular Than Jesus” Anniversary, Groundhog Day and Cheap Trick.