Michael Jackson in 1983: A Landmark Year for the King of Pop

Few artists in music history have had a year as monumental as Michael Jackson did in 1983. Coming off the release of Thriller in late 1982, Michael’s 1983 became a non-stop stream of musical triumphs, boundary-breaking visuals, and record-shattering accomplishments. From hit singles to legendary performances, 1983 was the year that cemented Michael Jackson’s legacy as the King of Pop.

January: The Rise of “Billie Jean”

The year kicked off with the release of “Billie Jean” on January 2, a single that would quickly become one of Jackson’s most iconic tracks. Paired with “The Girl Is Mine,” his duet with Paul McCartney, the anticipation for Thriller skyrocketed. The track’s mix of funk, mystery, and raw rhythm captivated audiences worldwide.

February: Music Meets Visuals

In February, Jackson began filming the music video for “Billie Jean,” which would go on to revolutionize the music video format. That same month, Thriller was awarded double platinum, and he was honored by Jane Fonda. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Jackson expressed gratitude for his success and shared insights into his creative process—songs often came to him spontaneously, even while flying at 50,000 feet.

March: History in the Making

On March 5, “Billie Jean” topped both the pop and R&B charts simultaneously, a feat never before achieved. Just a few days later, Jackson filmed the video for “Beat It,” shot over two intense nights. That same month, he attended the opening of Dreamgirls and later the Motown Anniversary Party, where he reflected on his deep connection to performing: “On stage is the most magic place I can be.”

May: The Moonwalk is Born

The world stopped on May 16 when the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special aired. During his solo performance of “Billie Jean,” Jackson debuted the Moonwalk—a move that instantly became a pop culture phenomenon and further solidified his status as a true innovator.

June: Global Recognition

By June, Jackson was officially named the No. 1 artist in the world. He credited much of the Thriller album’s magic to working alongside producer Quincy Jones and an elite team of musicians. His relentless work ethic and perfectionism shone through, with long nights spent in the studio mixing and re-mixing.

September–October: Non-Stop Momentum

September saw the release of another single, “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” and the filming of “Say Say Say” with Paul McCartney. In October, Jackson began production on what would become his most iconic music video—Thriller. His ambition was to bring back cinematic short films, aiming to elevate the art of the music video itself.

November: Tour Announcement and Private Previews

On November 14, Jackson hosted a private screening of the Thriller video. Eleven days later, on November 25, he announced the Jacksons’ Victory Tour. Though he remained soft-spoken, the anticipation was palpable. Despite his fame, he remained humble, focused more on introducing his family than himself.

December: Thriller Changes the Game

On December 2, the Thriller music video debuted on MTV and instantly redefined what a music video could be. It wasn’t just a video—it was a cultural event. Later that month, Jackson visited Disney World’s Epcot, reflecting on the joy and magic he loved to bring to audiences: “It’s entertainment, it’s joy, it’s love.”

Throughout 1983, Michael Jackson was more than a pop star—he was a cultural force. With each video, each performance, and every new milestone, he didn’t just entertain—he inspired. From “Billie Jean” to “Thriller,” Jackson’s genius and heart were on full display, making 1983 a year the world will never forget.