Watch it all, but pay attention to the absolute hysteria at 3:44. Has anything in music been the same since?
The clip is from “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.” Thought of as the greatest performance of the night, Michael performed “Bille Jean,” showcasing a new direction in his dancing and debuting the now signature Jackson move – the moonwalk – to the delight of everyone in the audience and to the millions of viewers around the world.
It’s far too easy to label Michael Jackson in negative terms. No doubt he was a flawed individual. But to ignore the colossal talent, the incredible music, and the legacy of showmanship he leaves behind — that would be an even bigger loss.
