1983 - Billie Jean and Beat It were already on heavy MTV rotation when Michael agreed to appear alongside his brothers for Motown’s 25th anniversary television special, but only on condition that he also be allowed to perform Billie Jean in a solo spot.

Produced by Suzanne DePasse – who had been present at the Jackson Five’s audition nearly fifteen years earlier – Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever was taped at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 25, 1983 and broadcast nearly two months later on May 16th.

After Michael and his brothers – including Jermaine – performed a medley of their Motown hits, they left the stage while he grabbed a fedora hat while the opening notes to Billie Jean brought the crowd to its feet. In what would become his defining moment in show business, he performed his “moonwalk” dance for the first time during the song’s guitar break before the final chorus.