In 1980, Queen played Michael Jackson a new song. He told them it would reach number one
Michael Jackson encouraged Queen to release John Deacon’s “Another One Bites the Dust” after hearing it before the album *The Game* came out. His confidence helped the band recognise the song’s hit potential, and its success marked a shift towards a more accessible, danceable sound.
Freddie Mercury later credited Jackson, a friend and fan of the band, with urging him to make music people could dance to. The article says Jackson heard the finished song, called it “the gravy” and predicted it would top the charts; Queen released it, and it became one of their biggest pop hits after “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
In short
- Michael Jackson urged Queen to release “Another One Bites the Dust”.
- He predicted it would top the charts.
- John Deacon wrote the enduring hit.
Explained simply
Queen were a British rock band led by singer Freddie Mercury, with John Deacon on bass. By 1980, they were known for ambitious songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody”, but they were also exploring a more direct, danceable sound.
Michael Jackson was an American singer who became a friend and fan of the band. “Another One Bites the Dust”, written by Deacon, featured a prominent bass line and a steady rhythm, helping Queen reach listeners beyond their established rock audience.
The song’s success showed how a change in style could broaden a band’s appeal. It also reflected the influence musicians can have on one another: Jackson’s reaction encouraged Queen to recognise the song’s potential.