
‘Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever’ Turns 40: Michael Jackson, Diana Ross …

Do you remember what you were doing the evening of May 16, 1983? Well, you may have been one of the 47 million people tuned into NBC’s landmark special “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever.”
It was the star-studded celebration hosted by Emmy nominee Richard Pryor which saw Michael Jackson reuniting with his brothers for a medley of their Jackson 5 hits including “I Want You Back,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.”
But it was Jackson’s solo performance of his blockbuster No. 1 hit “Billie Jean” from his breakthrough album “Thriller” which galvanized the audience. It was an electrifying turn where he introduced the fedora, black sequin jacket and glove and his momentous moonwalk routine during the bridge of the song, all of which became his trademarks when performing “Billie Jean.” The New York Times described the routine as “astonishing. He is clearly the heir apparent to the dazzling androgyny...
It was the star-studded celebration hosted by Emmy nominee Richard Pryor which saw Michael Jackson reuniting with his brothers for a medley of their Jackson 5 hits including “I Want You Back,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.”
But it was Jackson’s solo performance of his blockbuster No. 1 hit “Billie Jean” from his breakthrough album “Thriller” which galvanized the audience. It was an electrifying turn where he introduced the fedora, black sequin jacket and glove and his momentous moonwalk routine during the bridge of the song, all of which became his trademarks when performing “Billie Jean.” The New York Times described the routine as “astonishing. He is clearly the heir apparent to the dazzling androgyny...
- 5/15/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Similar News
Amanda Barise eliminated on ‘American Idol’ after her ‘incredible’ scatting to Michael Jackson
- 4/28/2025
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby

2 ‘American Idol’ contestants cut as Top 14 take on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame hits: Who gave the best performance?
- 4/28/2025
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby

‘Road Diary’ Director Thom Zimny On Bruce Springsteen’s Incredible Capacity To Connect With Fans – Contenders TV: Doc, Unscripted & Variety
- 4/26/2025
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV

Yoko Ono Tried to Warn John Lennon That His Life Was in Danger But The Beatles’ Lead Singer’s Response Will Leave You Speechless
- 4/25/2025
- by Prathika Prashant
- FandomWire

‘Carême’ Trailer: Meet the ‘World’s First Celebrity Chef’ Antonin Carême
- 4/25/2025
- by Roma Dean
- FandomWire

What Is Apple TV+’s New Show ‘Carême’ All About?
- 4/23/2025
- by Avneet Ahluwalia
- FandomWire

IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.