Michael Jackson Performs at Motown’s 25th Anniversary
Michael Jackson Performs at Motown 25th Anniversary
On March 25, 1983, NBC aired “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.” The show was held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena California, the same Auditorium where Ray Charles ‘50 Years in Music’ was held.
This star filled gala featured reunions of Diana Ross and the Supremes and the Jackson 5.
The Jackson 5, which included brothers Jackie, Tito (whose real name is Toriano Adaryll), Jermaine, Marlon, Michael and Randy, who wasn’t a member of the original group the ‘Jackson 5’
Not having performed together in eight years, the brothers put on a spectacular show singing a medley of their greatest hits, which included ‘I Want You Back,’ ‘The Love You Save,’ ‘Never Can Say Goodbye,’ and ‘I’ll Be There’.
Not yet the super star he would become, Michael took the stage by himself, proclaiming that although he loved the old songs, he especially loved the new ones.
It was this solo performance that helped showcase MJs unbelievable talents to the world. With his single white glove, high black pants and white socks, he snapped into what would become his signature ‘Billie Jean’ stance as he popped his black fedora on his tilted head.
The crowd immediately jumped to their feet cheering and clapping, my family and I did the same thing at home as we watched from the living room couch. It was amazing; everyone jumped and cheered at the same time. Right on cue, with no practice what so ever. Michael had the power.
The rich soul thumping beat of ‘Billie Jean’ had everyone clapping including the guy in the orchestra on stage behind Michael.
Then he moonwalked and gave the world one of the best musical television performances ever, this was the first time anyone had seen this new Michael Jackson, and we loved him.
Michael Jackson, ‘the ultimate king of pop’ had transformed into a spectacular superstar and the whole world will marvel at his entertaining skill for decades to come.
Bob Cannon a writer for EW.com said “The performance lifted him to a new and almost frightening level of superstardom.” Cannon also noted. The viewer “tuned in to see Jackson defy physics by walking forward while moving backward, the consensus was immediate: This man was the most electrifying performer of his generation.”
It was the season’s top rated music special with an estimated 47 million viewers. It also won an Emmy in September for ‘Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program.’
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