Michael Jackson’s Classic Hits A Milestone Few Songs Will Reach
Michael Jackson's hit song 'Billie Jean' has spent 52 weeks on the U.K. Official Singles chart, marking a rare milestone for the late artist. The song's continued popularity is attributed to ongoing interest in his music, bolstered by a recent biopic.
Why it matters
The enduring chart performance of legacy artists demonstrates the impact of biographical media and streaming culture on the longevity of classic music catalogs.
Hollywood & Entertainment Michael Jackson’s Classic Hits A Milestone Few Songs Will Reach By Hugh McIntyre ,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts. Follow Author Aug 11, 2026, 08:45am EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” reaches 52 weeks on the Official Singles chart, becoming only his second hit to spend a full year on the U.K.’s main songs ranking after “Thriller.” The classic slips to No. 31 but remains one of four Jackson tracks on the Official Streaming chart, while “Beat It” rises to No. 65 on the main tally.
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