Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking video, directed by Bob Giraldi, is sure to be remembered as one of the greatest videos of all time.
Beat It” is a song written and performed by Michael Jackson and co-produced by Quincy Jones for Michael’s sixth solo album, Thriller which was released in 1982.
Eddie Van Halen was played the song’s distinctive guitar solo. “Beat It” was released on February 14, 1983 as the album’s third single following the successful chart performances of the albums singles “The Girl Is Mine” and “Billie Jean”.
The song was promoted with a short film that featured Jackson bringing two gangs together through the power of dance.
“Beat It” was awarded two Grammy Awards and two American Music Awards and was inducted into the Music Video Producers Hall of Fame. “Beat It” along with the song’s music video propelled Thriller into becoming the best-selling album of all time.
The single was certified platinum in 1989. Rolling Stone magazine placed “Beat It” in the 337th spot on its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
In the decades since its release, “Beat It” has been covered, parodied, and sampled by numerous artists including:
- Fergie
- Weird Al Yankovic
- Fall Out Boy
The song was also featured in the National Highway Safety Commission’s anti-drunk driving campaign.
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