THRILLING Friday Fact

When mega-star Michael Jackson sang “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” he wasn’t kidding.

That “Somethin’” turned out to be a record-shattering album named “Thriller” produced by the legendary Quincy Jones. It later spawned a music video the likes of which the planet had never seen.

When Thriller the album was released 36 years ago on November 30, 1982 (*), the early MTV (“Music Television”) generation went wild. And no, they haven’t gotten over it. Nor do they want to.

“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” was just one of many hits featured on “Thriller.” Another introduced fans to a girl named “Billie Jean.” “The Girl is Mine” was a duet sung by Jackson and fellow luminary Paul McCartney.

Then there was the video.

Who could forget its mesmerizing dance moves and the spooky voice-over and wicked laugh supplied by horror film legend Vincent Price?

Its bewitching choreography was replicated by many, including brides, grooms and their attendants who tried to copy the moves -- for better or for worse -- at their wedding receptions. Their efforts are a favorite on YouTube.

Even the venerable Library of Congress was impressed by Jackson’s album. In 2008 LOC announced that “Thriller” had been added to its 2007 National Recording Registry (NRR). It described “Thriller” as “the best-selling album of all time...” and reported that it had met the following qualifications: “Culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” (**)

Whoever said librarians aren’t hip?

(*) “Thriller Released: Anniversary” article from the 2018 Chase’s Calendar of Events available at MidPointe Library.

(**) “Thriller’ in the Library of Congress : 2007 National Recording Registry Announced.” May 14, 2008 (Revised May 22, 2008).

https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-08-079/

Information on MTV is available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTV

“Thriller” photos for this blog were found on Google images.

MidPointe offers onsite music and biographies of Michael Jackson:

http://encore.middletownlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__Smichael%20jackson__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=def

Additionally, MidPointe has a voluminous digital platform from which library cardholders can choose music, movies and TV programs:

https://www.midpointelibrary.org/page/movies-and-tv