https://www.forbes.com/sites/ogdenp...-from-michael-jacksons-thriller/#32092f13acd9
35 years ago, Michael Jackson released what would become the world’s best-selling album. With over 60 million units sold worldwide, it wouldn't be surprising to see colleges and universities implement a course about the global impact of Thriller.
If you're a musician, even aspiring to attain half of the amount of acclaim, fame and fortune as Michael Jackson is a long shot at best. Still, there are some fundamental principles about showmanship, marketing and promotion that can’t be simplified with the internet or a social media campaign.
Embrace The Slow Burn
Thriller’s tracklist holds a handful of Jackson’s most popular songs. Cuts such as “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” “Beat It” and “P.Y.T.” have become required listening when it comes to R&B and pop music - if you don’t know them lyric for lyric, some may question the rock you’ve lived under.
But none of those songs was the lead single for the album. Instead, “The Girl Is Mine,” featuring Paul McCartney, was the chosen cut to ignite the promotion of Jackson’s sixth album in 1982. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but received heavy criticism from Rolling Stone, who labeled the song to be a “wimpoid MOR ballad” and Paul McCartney’s efforts “tame.” It wasn’t until after the album was released that the aforementioned songs began to find their way onto the charts.
Invest In Your Live Show
During the television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, in 1983, Jackson debuted a dance move that validated his superhuman image: the moonwalk.
Sales for Thriller likely increased after audiences in the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and at home witnessed the effortless glide that took place during the break beat of “Billie Jean.” Still, according to Michael Jackson, Inc., written by FORBES' Zack O’Malley Greenburg, Jackson was unsatisfied with the performance because he was unable to sustain a landing on his toes after a ferocious spin move following his moonwalk.
Invest In Ancillary Content
According to Michael Jackson, Inc., Thriller’s titular track required a impressive $1.2 million budget. And it was well worth the investment. The mini-horror film helped boost album sales and accolades, as Jackson took home eight Grammys during the 26th Annual award show - a feat that hasn’t been accomplished in a single night since.
