Watch Michael Jackson stand completely still while debuting a one-night-written song for Sammy Davis Jr., leaving the cancer-stricken legend openly weeping onstage.

Michael Jackson Stands Completely Still While Debuting a One-Night-Written Song for Sammy Davis Jr., Leaving the Cancer-Stricken Legend Openly Weeping Onstage

In 1989, Michael Jackson received an invitation to the 60th Anniversary Celebration for Sammy Davis Jr., a man Michael had always revered as a pivotal idol and mentor throughout his career. Eschewing the predictable choice of a familiar hit, Michael was determined to present Sammy with a truly special tribute.

The night before the ceremony, Michael and songwriter Buz Kohan worked without sleep, composing the bespoke song, “You Were There,” specifically for the occasion. The lyrics were a profound thank you, acknowledging Davis as a pioneering force who “broke down the color barrier,” thus paving the way for future generations of Black artists like Michael himself to achieve global stardom.

During the performance, Michael did something highly uncharacteristic: he stood almost completely motionless. He deliberately omitted his signature dancing and instead focused entirely on his voice and the sincerity of the lyrics to convey his deep emotion. The performance was so heartfelt and sincere that Sammy Davis Jr., who was visibly battling cancer at the time, was unable to hold back his tears, weeping openly on the stage. Michael immediately walked off the stage and embraced his idol in a powerful moment of shared reverence and gratitude.