On this day February 26 1983 Michael Jacksons Thriller reached number one on the US album charts solidifying its place in music history. The album not only topped the charts in America but also hit number one in the UK Canada France the Netherlands Austria and Australia. Over time Thriller became the best selling album of all time setting a record that still stands today.
Released on November 30 1982 Thriller quickly gained momentum thanks to a string of hit singles including Billie Jean Beat It and Wanna Be Startin Somethin. The albums genre blending sound combining pop R&B rock and funk helped it appeal to a massive global audience. Legendary producer Quincy Jones worked alongside Jackson to craft an album that redefined the music industry.
One of the biggest contributors to Thriller’s success was the groundbreaking Thriller music video released later in 1983. The horror inspired short film directed by John Landis became an instant cultural phenomenon and changed the way music videos were made turning them into high production cinematic experiences.
By the end of the 1980s Thriller had sold over 30 million copies and its legacy only continued to grow. To date the album has sold over 70 million copies worldwide making it the highest selling album in history.
Fun fact: Michael Jackson became the first artist in history to win eight Grammy Awards in a single night thanks to the success of Thriller at the 1984 Grammy Awards.
Trivia question: Thriller became the best selling album of all time but can you name the album that held the record before it?
Released on November 30 1982 Thriller quickly gained momentum thanks to a string of hit singles including Billie Jean Beat It and Wanna Be Startin Somethin. The albums genre blending sound combining pop R&B rock and funk helped it appeal to a massive global audience. Legendary producer Quincy Jones worked alongside Jackson to craft an album that redefined the music industry.
One of the biggest contributors to Thriller’s success was the groundbreaking Thriller music video released later in 1983. The horror inspired short film directed by John Landis became an instant cultural phenomenon and changed the way music videos were made turning them into high production cinematic experiences.
By the end of the 1980s Thriller had sold over 30 million copies and its legacy only continued to grow. To date the album has sold over 70 million copies worldwide making it the highest selling album in history.
Fun fact: Michael Jackson became the first artist in history to win eight Grammy Awards in a single night thanks to the success of Thriller at the 1984 Grammy Awards.
Trivia question: Thriller became the best selling album of all time but can you name the album that held the record before it?
