On November 2, 1982, Michael Jackson released the single “Thriller,” a song that would go on to redefine pop music and leave a lasting mark on popular culture. Jackson’s album Thriller was already a huge success, but the release of the title track as a single set the stage for what would become one of the most iconic songs—and music videos—of all time.
Rod Temperton, the British songwriter behind “Thriller,” initially titled the song “Starlight.” However, he changed it to “Thriller” to align with Jackson’s vision of a spooky, cinematic vibe. Produced by Quincy Jones, the song is a unique mix of pop, rock, and funk with horror-inspired lyrics. The song’s spoken-word section by Vincent Price, a famed horror actor, added an extra layer of suspense and helped make “Thriller” a standout track on the album.
When “Thriller” was released as a single, it was an instant hit. But the song’s true impact came a year later with the release of its groundbreaking music video in December 1983. Directed by John Landis, the “Thriller” video was more like a mini-horror film than a standard music video. Featuring Jackson as a werewolf and leading a dance with a troupe of zombies, the video quickly became a cultural phenomenon, helping to shape MTV’s influence and raise the bar for music video production.
The release of “Thriller” as a single and its music video changed the way people experienced music and videos, blending the two into a powerful storytelling format. Jackson’s “Thriller” video and its now-famous zombie dance sequence have been celebrated for decades, and the song remains a popular choice each Halloween season.
More from us: Michael Jackson’s Kids Blocked From Receiving Money From Trust
Would you like to see more daily historical content from The Vintage News? What if we sent it directly to your inbox every day? Sign up here to receive our daily Today in History posts.
Today, over 40 years after its release, “Thriller” continues to be one of the most recognizable songs in pop music. November 2, 1982, marks the beginning of this song’s journey from a catchy tune to a pop culture legend, and its legacy shows no signs of slowing down.