“Billie Jean” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks in 1983.
Written and composed by Michael Jackson and produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones, the song appeared on Jackson’s landmark album Thriller. Its instantly recognizable bass line, rhythmic production, and tense narrative made it one of the album’s central tracks.
“Billie Jean” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1983 and remained there for seven weeks. It also topped the Billboard Hot R&B Singles and Dance Club Songs charts. The song won two Grammy Awards at the 1984 ceremony.
Its music video and Jackson’s performance of the song on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever helped expand his influence on television and live pop performance. “Beat It,” another Thriller single, also reached No. 1, but “Billie Jean” was released first and had the longer Hot 100 reign.