10 Michael Jackson Songs - #1

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A while back I asked if you liked Michael Jackson. This was a prelude to bringing you 10 of his well-known songs. They are listed in no particular order. "Beat It" was released in 1982 and was written by Jackson. The guitar solo is amazing and was played by Eddie Van Halen. This song was one of the best-selling singles of all time, selling over 7 million copies worldwide; and it received several awards. The music video cost $150,000 to create; and 80 genuine gang members, 18 professional dancers and 4 break dancers were hired for the filming. There is a conflict between two rival gangs; and a rumble, in this case a knife fight, is planned between two gang leaders. The lyrics express Jackson's dislike of violence: "Don't wanna see no blood, don't be a macho man..." In the video, Jackson breaks up the fight: "It doesn't matter who's wrong or right. Just beat it, beat it..." The gang realizes that violence is not the answer. The video also received several awards. The song hit #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the US Billboard Hot Black Singles and on the US Cash Box chart and #14 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons