Study Notes on Race, MTV, and Michael Jackson

Race and MTV: The Case of Michael Jackson

Introduction to Representation of African American Artists on MTV

  • African American music and musicians largely absent from MTV, leading to criticism.
  • Donna Summer (only notable exception) had limited airplay; her video for "She Works Hard for the Money" (1983) was in light rotation.
  • MTV executives stated that black music did not fit the station's format, claiming dedication to rock and roll.

Criticism of MTV's Programming Decisions

  • MTV faced heavy backlash for excluding black artists from rotation.
  • MTV played cover of "You Can't Hurry Love" by Phil Collins but did not feature original Motown artists.
  • By the 1980s, genre lines were blurring, making it harder to justify the exclusion of African American artists (e.g., Eurythmics vs. Donna Summer).

Michael Jackson: Breaking Down Color Barriers

  • Michael Jackson as a pivotal figure in challenging MTV's racial boundaries.
    • Emerged as lead singer of The Jackson Five (1960s-70s), showcasing crossover appeal.
    • Released first solo album, "Off the Wall" (1979), marking transition from child star to adult pop artist.

The Impact of "Thriller"

  • Released in 1982, "Thriller" became a cultural phenomenon, breaking numerous records.
  • Achievements of Thriller:
    • Number one on Billboard charts for 37 weeks.
    • Recognized as the best-selling album of all time.
    • Released seven of the nine songs as singles, an unprecedented move.
  • Jackson's intention for "Thriller" was to cross genres/styles, achieving this in an unmatched way.

Musical Style and Production of "Thriller"

  • Produced by Quincy Jones, the album featured:
    • Catchy, clean songs: bass-driven and synthesizer prominent.
    • Weightier sound compared to new wave pop (e.g., Blondie), yet lighter than funk (e.g., George Clinton).
  • Examples of Tracks:
    • "The Girl Is Mine": A duet with Paul McCartney, aligned with pop.
    • "Billie Jean": Featured infectious dance beat, synthesized strings, and catchy chorus, noted for being chart-topping.
    • "Beat It": Included an electric guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, punctuating Jackson's versatility.

Visual Appeal and Influence of Music Videos

  • Jackson's visual performance was striking, often perceived as superhuman.
  • Notable events included the moonwalk debut on live television in 1983, which led to increased sales of Thriller.
  • His music videos were innovative, contributing to his visual appeal:
    • "Beat It": Featured ensemble dance with professional dancers and Los Angeles gang members, showcasing his ability to blend artistry with street culture.
    • Production Cost: Spent $150,000 on the "Beat It" video, exceeding typical production costs by three times.
    • "Billie Jean": Directed by Steve Barron, depicted Jackson evading a detective in a cinematic narrative.
    • Jackson's character escapes capture through clever choreography and visual storytelling.

Conclusion

  • Michael Jackson’s contributions to music and video significantly influenced both the music industry and television representation. He played a key role in integrating African American artists into mainstream media, particularly on platforms like MTV.