Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk Turns 30 Years Old
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Phil Dent/Redferns(NEW YORK) — It has been 30 years since the late Michael Jackson first moon-walked across a stage.
The groundbreaking moment came at the end of his performance of “Billie Jean” for the Motown 25th anniversary special, which aired on NBC March 25, 1983.
Although he wasn’t the originator of the dance move — James Brown is among those who’d performed a variation — and Jackson’s moonwalk lasted only seconds, it captivated the world.
Jackson’s electrifying performance, with his single sparkly glove and black sequined jacket, helped elevate him to another level.
Initially reluctant to appear on the special, Jackson only agreed to play his old Jackson 5 Motown hits with his brothers if he was allowed to perform “Billie Jean,” then the country’s number one song, afterward.
His singular performance overshadowed not only the Jackson 5 performance, but those by the reunited Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.
His album Thriller, which had been out for four months, went on to become the biggest selling of all time.
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