Billie Jean was written and performed by Michael Jackson and released in 1983 as a single from Thriller, his 1982 album. Its distinctive bass line, vocal hook and acclaimed music video helped make it one of his signature recordings. The song also became closely associated with Jackson’s televised Motown 25 performance, where he showcased the moonwalk. Decades later, chorus excerpts remain common in dance videos, nostalgic pop edits, music challenges and scenes that play on the lyric’s themes of denial and accusation.