Billie Jean is a song by Michael Jackson from his 1982 album Thriller, released as a single in early 1983 and written by Jackson himself. It became one of his signature hits, helped by its distinctive bassline and his famous Motown 25 performance, where he debuted the moonwalk. Decades later, the opening groove still circulates online as a short clip in dance videos, edits and reaction content, because listeners recognise it immediately even without the vocals or lyrics.