Music By: Michael Jackson Billie Jean

Written solely by Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean” was inspired by real-life experiences with obsessive fans and groupies during his time with The Jackson 5. One particular letter from a woman claiming Jackson was the father of her child haunted him. Though the specific “Billie Jean” wasn’t a real person, she became the symbol of a dangerous, delusional attraction. Jackson insisted on the song’s powerful, driving bassline and refused to let producer Quincy Jones soften the raw, paranoid edge of the lyrics.

Here’s a write-up on Michael Jackson’s iconic song “Billie Jean”: The Song That Redefined Pop When Michael Jackson’s Thriller album dominated the world in 1983, no single from the record was more mysterious, compelling, or groundbreaking than “Billie Jean.” music by michael jackson billie jean