It transformed the sound—and the future—of global music

When discussing the evolution of Black music and its influence on popular culture, few albums stand as tall as Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Released in November 1982, the album did far more than top charts—it reshaped the music industry, redefined the role of music videos, and showcased a creative vision that crossed every boundary of genre and culture. Now, as the world looks back on the 40th anniversary of Thriller’s historic Grammy sweep, it’s the perfect moment to revisit the project that changed music forever and the awards night that sealed its legendary status.

Thriller arrived at a turning point in Jackson’s artistic journey. Already widely known as the King of Pop, Jackson was determined to craft an album that appealed to every corner of the world. Working alongside the iconic producer Quincy Jones, the pair embarked on an ambitious mission: create a body of work that blended pop, R&B, rock, funk, and even hints of new wave into a cohesive sonic landscape. Critics later described the album as “a perfect fusion of commercial appeal and artistic ambition” (Rolling Stone). Their collaboration resulted in a groundbreaking masterpiece that challenged—and ultimately reshaped—mainstream music expectations.

The album’s influence was immediate and undeniable. Music videos became central to the album’s success, especially the revolutionary visual for the title track, Thriller. Directed by John Landis of An American Werewolf in London, the video merged cinema and music in a way the world had never seen before. It featured Jackson’s electrifying choreography, movie-level makeup and special effects, and a storytelling style that blurred the line between horror, humor, and pure entertainment. At the time, major outlets such as The New York Times noted how the video elevated music films into an “art form of their own” (The New York Times). The zombie dance sequence would go on to become one of the most recognizable dance routines in history.

Although the album debuted in November 1982, the Thriller video didn’t premiere until December 1983. By the end of that year, the album had already sold 32 million copies worldwide (Billboard). For decades, it remained the best-selling album of all time—holding the record for 36 years until The Eagles’ Greatest Hits overtook it in 2018. Even today, Thriller remains No. 2 globally, a testament to its enduring appeal (RIAA). At a time when MTV rarely showcased Black artists, Thriller forced change. The overwhelming success of Jackson’s visuals essentially compelled the network to feature his work, an industry shift that opened doors for other Black musicians and reshaped the future of music television (BBC).

The cultural breakthrough culminated on February 28, 1984, at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards. That night, Michael Jackson and Thriller made history. With 12 nominations, the album secured a record-setting eight Grammy wins, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for Beat It. Jackson also made history as the first Black artist to earn such sweeping recognition from the Recording Academy. The broadcast became the most-watched Grammys in history, drawing 51.67 million viewers as audiences witnessed Jackson dominate the night like no artist had before (The Guardian).

The influence of Thriller stretched far beyond music. Jackson’s red leather jacket became a defining fashion statement of the 1980s, inspiring countless replicas and remaining a pop culture symbol even today. The iconic dance moves from the Thriller video are still performed around the world—from Halloween flash mobs to viral internet challenges—more than forty years later. The album’s title track itself has evolved into a cultural anthem, celebrated annually and continually referenced in film, television, fashion, and global entertainment.

As we reflect on the 40th anniversary of Thriller’s award-winning legacy, it becomes even clearer that Michael Jackson’s work marked a seismic shift in the music industry. The album opened new creative possibilities for Black artists, transformed artistic standards across genres, and redefined what global pop music could be. Even decades after its release, Thriller continues to resonate with audiences of every age, reaffirming Jackson’s status as one of the most influential artists in music history.

Take a look back at a clip from that unforgettable Grammy night below.