by Michael Jackson: More Than Just a Pop Star
Michael Jackson is renowned worldwide as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. His iconic music videos, dazzling dance moves, and distinctive singing voice made him a true pop phenomenon. However, what some may not realize is that Jackson was also an incredibly gifted songwriter who penned songs for not only himself, but for many other artists as well. Throughout his career, Jackson quietly worked behind the scenes writing songs that became hits for other major performers. Here is a closer look at some of the surprising songs Michael Jackson wrote that achieved success beyond his own recordings.
One of the earliest collaborations Jackson was involved in was “It Had to Be” by the R&B/funk duo The Brothers Johnson. Released in 1980, “It Had to Be” showcased a smoother, more soulful side of Jackson’s songwriting compared to his own pop-oriented material at the time. The Brothers Johnson were known for their instrumental prowess and funky grooves, and “It Had to Be” allowed Jackson to flex his skills writing in a genre adjacent to R&B. With its sultry lyrics and seductive melody, the song became a Top 20 hit on the Billboard R&B charts. While not a massive crossover pop hit, “It Had to Be” was an early sign that Jackson’s talents extended beyond just writing for himself. Partnering with acts like The Brothers Johnson gave Jackson experience crafting songs with different stylistic approaches.
Another notable song Jackson co-wrote was “Some Girls” for Racey in 1978. Racey was a British rock band formed in the late 1970s. “Some Girls” had a harder, guitar-driven sound compared to Jackson’s usual style. The song became a Top 20 hit in the UK, showing that even at a young age, Jackson was capable of writing in various genres beyond his own. His collaborations with The Brothers Johnson and Racey from this early period in his career demonstrated his versatility and ability to understand the musical sensibilities of artists outside of his normal pop/R&B sphere.
In 1983, Jackson teamed up with music legend Paul McCartney to write “The Man” for McCartney’s album Pipes of Peace. By this point, both McCartney and Jackson were global superstars, so their collaboration understandably generated significant buzz. However, “The Man” was a riskier song than either artist had recorded on their own in recent years – it had a funkier, almost New Wave-inspired sound. McCartney was looking to contemporize his music at the time, and “The Man” helped achieve that goal. Featuring a catchy synth hook and infectious guitar riff, the song became a Top 30 hit in the UK and Top 20 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. Their partnership showed that even two of the biggest pop stars on the planet were willing to take creative chances by working together on music outside their comfort zones. The success of “The Man” proved Jackson’s talent for writing hit songs extended to legendary artists like McCartney as well.
In 1984, Jackson wrote “Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’ (Too Good to Be True)” for Jermaine Jackson, his older brother and member of The Jackson 5. The song appeared on Jermaine’s platinum album Precious Moment. With its soulful lyrics and upbeat tempo, “Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin'” demonstrated Michael’s skill at crafting material tailored specifically for Jermaine’s smooth R&B style. While not a massive solo hit for Jermaine, the song helped strengthen Michael’s reputation as a songwriter who could successfully write for family as well as outside artists. His understanding of Jermaine’s musical talents and persona resulted in a contribution that fit Jermaine’s artistry perfectly.
In addition to writing for established acts, Jackson also penned songs for up-and-coming artists as their careers were just beginning. In 1984, he wrote “Torture” for Olivia Newton-John’s movie musical Two of a Kind, starring Newton-John and Travolta. While the film underperformed at the box office, “Torture” received acclaim as one of the stronger songs on the soundtrack. Its seductive lyrics and sultry melody played to Newton-John’s strengths as a performer and helped introduce her to a new generation of fans through the film. The exposure from Two of a Kind allowed Newton-John to transition her career in a more contemporary direction after her earlier country-pop crossover success. Partnering with cutting-edge talents like Jackson aided that transition.
Another emerging artist Jackson wrote for was Siedah Garrett. In 1987, Garrett had just begun her solo career after years of session work and backup singing. Jackson penned “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”, which became the lead single from Garrett’s debut album. A soulful, romantic ballad, “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” demonstrated Jackson’s gift for melody and feel-good lyrics. The song became a massive international hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helping propel Garrett’s solo career forward. She went on to achieve further success with follow-up singles and albums over the next few years. Jackson’s contribution as a songwriter was instrumental in establishing Garrett as a new artist to watch in her own right.
In addition to writing for individual performers, Jackson also penned songs that ended up in major motion pictures. In 1987, he co-wrote “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” with Siedah Garrett for the film Dirty Dancing. Of course, the song became one of the most memorable and enduring love themes in cinema history when paired with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s passionate final dance. Its enormous success earned Jackson and Garrett an Academy Award for Best Original Song. A year later, Jackson co-wrote “Man in the Mirror” for the film Moonwalker, though it was ultimately never included in the movie. Instead, Jackson recorded his own version which became one of his signature songs and biggest hits. Both “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” and “Man in the Mirror” demonstrated Jackson’s rare talent for crafting emotionally resonant, cinematic love songs that resonated far beyond any one artist’s recording or movie placement.
Throughout the 1990s, Jackson continued writing songs for other established artists like Celine Dion, Rebbie Jackson, and The Jacksons. In 1991, he penned “In the Closet” for Prince and changed the direction of their careers by pushing the envelope sexually through the controversial music video. That same year, he wrote “Gone Too Soon” as a tribute to his close friend Ryan White who passed away from AIDS. Released as a charity single, “Gone Too Soon” helped raise awareness of HIV/AIDS during the epidemic’s early years. Jackson proved through songs like these that he was willing to take creative risks and use his platform to advocate for important social issues.
Michael Jackson was one of the most prolific songwriters of all time, penning over 200 songs in a career that spanned over four decades. However, many of his contributions have been overshadowed by his own global superstardom. Diving deeper into Jackson’s catalog reveals a true Renaissance man whose talents extended far beyond performing his own hits. By writing for such a wide variety of artists across multiple genres and eras, Jackson left an immense legacy as one of pop music’s most collaborative and impactful songwriters of the 20th century. Even more than 30 years after his death, the songs Michael Jackson penned for other artists continue inspiring new generations of fans and musicians alike.
