Michael Jackson - Billie Jean on Motown 25 (1983) ...

Michael Jackson - Billie Jean on Motown 25 (1983)
Debut of the Moonwalk

On March 25, 1983, Jackson performed “Billie Jean” to critical and popular acclaim. Staged at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever was a celebration of Motown Records’ twenty-fifth anniversary. Organised by Suzanne De Passe, the event was to feature all the previous Motown acts. The Motown stars were to reunite for one evening, paying tribute to Berry Gordy and acknowledging his effect on their lives. Jackson initially refused the invitation, stating that he did not want to perform live, or perform with his brothers again. Jackson reconsidered after a personal visit from Gordy, whom the singer had a great respect for. Jackson would perform on the condition that he have a solo spot. Gordy agreed and it was decided that the singer would perform “Billie Jean”. Jackson executing the moonwalk during his performance on Motown 25.

Following performances by Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and Mary Wells, the Jacksons took to the stage for the first Jackson brothers performance in eight years. The Jacksons sang a medley of their old hits, finishing with “I’ll Be There” and left Michael alone on stage. After addressing the audience, Jackson went into his routine. Wearing black pants, leather penny loafers and a single white rhinestone glove, Jackson snapped a fedora to his head and struck a pose—his right hand on his hat and his left leg bent. Throwing the hat aside, Jackson lip synced to “Billie Jean”. Then, during a musical interlude, the singer executed a move which many claim to have sealed his status as a pop icon. Gliding backwards, Jackson performed the moonwalk, before spinning on his heels and landing en pointe. It was the first time Jackson had performed the moonwalk in public, having practiced it in his kitchen prior to the show.

The program was watched by 50 million people and earned Jackson an Emmy nomination. With the performance Jackson reached a new audience and increased the sales of Thriller, which eventually became the biggest selling album in the world. The day after the show aired, Jackson was called by his childhood idol Fred Astaire who commended the singer. Another childhood idol, Sammy Davis Jr., later received Jackson’s black sequined jacket, having admired it during the performance.

Jackson stated that he was disappointed in his performance; he’d wanted to remain on his toes longer than he had. Jackson has subsequently said that “Billie Jean” is one of his favourite songs to perform live, but only when he doesn’t have to do it that way. “The audience wants a certain thing - I have to do the moonwalk in that spot”, he later said. “I’d like to do a different version.”

Fastforward to 3:35 for some mind=blown action.

Source suicideblonde

Reblogged from suicideblonde