My Favorite Scenes: Michael Jackson Performs at Motown 25

It is one of the greatest live performances of all time, by one of the greatest performers of all time.

Before child molestation trials, shocking amounts of plastic surgery, and other tabloid goings-on, Michael Jackson was just another pop star, prepping for the release of his sophomore solo effort on Epic Records. Unbeknownst to him and them rest of the world, this album would become the biggest in world history.

Before all of that, MJ appeared on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever with his brothers for a Jackson 5 reunion. Although he planned on attending, his stipulation for performing his old Motown hits was being able to perform new material. Berry Gordy, head of Motown, allowed it. After the Jackson 5 performance, Michael introduced the crazed audience and the world to Billie Jean, arguably his best single.

The Motown 25 was THE performance that put Michael Jackson on the map. He was electrifying, even though he didn't sing live. No one really cared, because Mike had the world hypnotized by his dancing. Speaking of dancing, it was this performance that had him debut the infamous Moonwalk move.

Pop music would never be the same after that night.

Michael's performance that night set the course for one of music's most legendary careers. Thriller sold more copies that any album in the world (106 million). His subsequent records all sold well. 13 of his singles topped the US charts, and countless more hit the top 10. Despite all his success, its been overshadowed by mas hysteria, brought on by his supernatural fame.

Stripping away everything else, there is no argument in the world that can suggest Michael Jackson is not one of the most important artists in history. He is a legend, and this performance helped solidify that fact.