On this day July 2, 1988, Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson became the number one song in America. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of July 2 through July 8 and also reached number one in Belgium, continuing Jackson's global dominance during the late 80s.
Dirty Diana was the fifth number one single from his blockbuster album Bad. The song featured an edgier, rock infused sound, with a searing guitar solo from Steve Stevens, known for his work with Billy Idol. The lyrics told the story of a seductive groupie and showcased a darker side of Jackson’s persona, far removed from the upbeat tone of earlier hits like The Way You Make Me Feel.
This track proved that Jackson could blend pop, rock, and dramatic storytelling into a chart topping package. Its raw energy and emotional intensity made it one of the standout singles from Bad and a fan favorite.
80s insight: By 1988, Michael Jackson had already reinvented the music video, broken racial barriers on MTV, and shattered sales records. Dirty Diana’s success showed he could also push boundaries musically while still dominating the charts.
Dirty Diana was the fifth number one single from his blockbuster album Bad. The song featured an edgier, rock infused sound, with a searing guitar solo from Steve Stevens, known for his work with Billy Idol. The lyrics told the story of a seductive groupie and showcased a darker side of Jackson’s persona, far removed from the upbeat tone of earlier hits like The Way You Make Me Feel.
This track proved that Jackson could blend pop, rock, and dramatic storytelling into a chart topping package. Its raw energy and emotional intensity made it one of the standout singles from Bad and a fan favorite.
80s insight: By 1988, Michael Jackson had already reinvented the music video, broken racial barriers on MTV, and shattered sales records. Dirty Diana’s success showed he could also push boundaries musically while still dominating the charts.
