Facts on 8 June

1982 – Michael Jackson’s Thriller Begins Production

On June 8, 1982, Michael Jackson began production on the music video for Thriller, a groundbreaking visual and musical project that would transform the music industry. Directed by John Landis, Thriller was more than a music video—it was a cultural phenomenon. With horror-film elements, choreographed dance routines, and a cinematic approach, it challenged norms and broke racial barriers on platforms like MTV, which had previously excluded most Black artists. The video helped make Thriller the best-selling album of all time and turned Jackson into a global icon. It also elevated the role of Black artists in shaping popular culture and opened the door for other artists of color to receive mainstream visibility.

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