Written solely by Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean” was inspired by real-life experiences with obsessive fans and groupies during his time with The Jackson 5. One particular letter from a woman claiming Jackson was the father of her child haunted him. Though the specific “Billie Jean” wasn’t a real person, she became the symbol of a dangerous, delusional attraction. Jackson insisted on the song’s powerful, driving bassline and refused to let producer Quincy Jones soften the raw, paranoid edge of the lyrics.

Here’s a write-up on Michael Jackson’s iconic song “Billie Jean”: The Song That Redefined Pop When Michael Jackson’s Thriller album dominated the world in 1983, no single from the record was more mysterious, compelling, or groundbreaking than “Billie Jean.”