Even more than a decade after his passing, Michael Jackson’s music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with his iconic tracks regularly racking up impressive streaming and sales figures. This week, one of his most legendary hits, “Billie Jean,” has made a remarkable return to the charts, proving once again the enduring power of the King of Pop.
“Billie Jean,” a track that defined a generation and solidified Jackson’s place in music history, has re-entered Billboard’s global charts. Though it occupies the lower ranks, its presence on these tallies is nothing short of impressive for a song that’s over 40 years old. On the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, the track climbs to No. 198, marking the highest placement it has achieved on either of the global lists this week. Simultaneously, “Billie Jean” lands at No. 199 on the Billboard Global 200, further cementing its status as one of the most-consumed tracks in the world, even decades after its initial release.
Legal Battles and Auction Blocks: The Ongoing Legacy of Michael Jackson
In other news, the legal saga surrounding Michael Jackson’s estate continues as a Los Angeles court recently ruled against his mother, Katherine Jackson, in her ongoing efforts to challenge a significant transaction involving her late son’s music catalog. The court sided with the estate’s co-executors, attorney John Branca and A&R executive John McClain, allowing them to proceed with a reported $600 million sale of half of Michael’s catalog to Sony. Katherine, now 94, had filed multiple objections, but the court found that her arguments lacked merit and did not align with the terms of the trust.
While legal battles unfold, Michael Jackson’s influence remains strong in other areas as well. His iconic sequined jacket, worn during the 1984 Victory Tour, is set to hit the auction block, with expectations of fetching $100,000. The jacket, designed by the late Bill Whitten, symbolizes an era when Jackson was at the peak of his popularity with albums like Thriller and Bad dominating the charts.
The Genius Behind the Music: Crafting the Iconic “Billie Jean” Sound
Adding another layer to the legacy of “Billie Jean,” the original programmer behind the track’s unforgettable four-chord stack, Bill Wolfer, recently shared insights into how he created the song’s iconic sound. Wolfer, who programmed and performed on the Yamaha CS80 for “Billie Jean,” explained that his “secret sauce” involved a shorter release on the filter than the VCA, contributing to the track’s distinctive sonic texture. Composer Anthony Marinelli also broke down the process in a YouTube video, offering fans and musicians alike a glimpse into the intricate craftsmanship that went into creating one of the most recognizable sounds in pop music history.
As “Billie Jean” reclaims its place on the charts and Michael Jackson’s influence continues to permeate both legal and cultural landscapes, the King of Pop’s legacy remains as powerful as ever, proving that his music will continue to resonate for generations to come.
