Photo by Scope Features
 
Negative Year: 1984
Print size: 18.3x25.2 cm 
Style: Vintage gelatin silver print
Stamp on the verso
 
The Backstory:
The producers of the 1984 Grammys knew they needed a performance by Michael Jackson, who at that time was hotter than anyone had been in pop music since The Beatles.
There was just one problem: Jackson didn’t want to do it.
 
The producers of Epic Records, Michael’s label, wanted him to perform. His father wanted him to perform. His sister Janet, talked to him about performing. And even Quincy Jones, a great supporter of the Grammys, couldn't change his mind.
 
Michael Jackson probably knew that he didn't have to perform to dominate the evening.
Or did he feel mistreated at the Grammy voting in the past?
The Jackson 5 (and later The Jacksons) never won a Grammy. Jackson had never previously been nominated in a “Big Four” category – album, record and song of the year plus best new artist. Maybe that was his way of getting back.
 
Jackson won a record of eight Grammys in 1984, seven for his work on Thriller and one for narrating a children’s recording, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial... still the most Grammys ever received by a single artist in one night!
 
The King of Pop knew how to make an unforgettable entrance. His sequined jacket, matching trousers and the infamous white glove helped him shine for the big moment.
For his seventh trip to the stage that night (for Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male), Michael removed his sunglasses - a promise to his friend, Katharine Hepburn.
 
Until today Michael Jackson is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century - and most probably he will always be.