By Helene Labriet-Gross Mon, June 29, 2009, 12:01 am PDT

Original cover of Michael Jackson's Thriller (Editor's Note: In light of the events of last week, we were reminded of this Spark from 2007.) After more than 15 years as a child star with The Jackson 5 and five successful solo albums, Michael Jackson hit new levels of superstardom in 1982 with "Thriller." 27 years later, Michael's sixth solo album is still an all time record-breaker, with 104 million copies sold worldwide, 80 consecutive weeks in the Billboard Top 10 (including 37 at number one), and seven Grammys. Michael earned top ten hits with seven of the album's nine tracks, including the Paul McCartney duet, "The Girl is Mine," and "Billie Jean," in which he denied allegations of fathering the child of an obsessive fan. "Billie Jean" also introduced the public to Michael's signature "Moonwalk" dance, said to be inspired by mime Marcel Marceau. The "Thriller" single went a (dance) step further with a 14-minute video directed by John Landis and narrated by the spooky voice of Vincent Price. In this horror movie spoof, Jackson turns into a werewolf, threatens to kill his date, and leads a chorus line of dancing zombies covered with grape jelly blood. Many -- especially Filipino prisoners -- cite it as the best music video ever, and there's no denying that both the album and the single made musical HIStory. Suggested Sites... Michael Jackson.com - official site of the late King of Pop. Thriller Videos - the best and the worst of aspiring Michael Jacksons, including performances by those Filipino inmates and Bollywood dancers. A Photographic History of Michael Jackson's Face - the "Thriller" makeup was frightening, but Michael's scariest face was yet to come. Thrill the World - learn how to dance like a zombie, and help break the record for simultaneous worldwide "Thriller" performances at the same time!

Directory categories: Michael Jackson, Rock and Pop Music, The 1980s, Michael Jackson Memorials and Tributes, R&B and Soul Music

Archived under: 1980s, Awards, Dance, Entertainment, Horror Films, Michael Jackson, Music, Music History, Thriller, Videos, Zombies

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