History 40 Years Ago: Michael Jackson’s Thriller is Released Worldwide

On this day in history (30th November 1982), the King of Pop and world famous music artist Michael Jackson released his sixth album, Thriller, produced by Quincy Jones who had previously worked with Jackson on his 1979 album Off the Wall.

Jackson wanted to create an album where “every song was a killer” and that it did become.

Thriller spent approximately 37 weeks at Number 1 on the US Billboard chart from February 26, 1983, to April 14, 1984. Thriller became a global phenomenon breaking records worldwide.

The album sold almost 35 million copies worldwide by the end on 1983, and today 40 years later, it is still being streamed by millions.

Thriller earned 8 Grammy awards including Album of the Year in 1984.

Said to be the best selling album of all time, 9 tracks reached Number One:

1. “The Girl Is Mine“
   Released: October 18, 1982
2. “Billie Jean“
   Released: January 2, 1983
3. “Beat It“
   Released: February 14, 1983
4. “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’“
   Released: May 8, 1983
5. “Human Nature“
   Released: July 3, 1983^[1]
6. “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)“
   Released: September 19, 1983^[2]
7. “Thriller“
   Released: November 5, 1983^[3]

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