Dr. Diana North PhD

How Michael Jackson Predicted Queen’s Biggest Hit of 1980 In 1980, an unexpected conversation between two of the biggest names in music helped change the course of Queen’s career. Michael Jackson, already establishing himself as one of the most influential entertainers in the world, recognised the potential of a song that the British rock band was initially reluctant to release as a single. The track was “Another One Bites the Dust,” written by Queen’s bassist, John Deacon, for the album The Game. With its infectious bassline, sharp rhythm and unmistakable groove, the song represented a different musical direction for the band, blending rock with funk and disco influences. Despite its distinctive sound, Queen were not entirely convinced that the track would succeed as a single. The group had built its reputation on powerful guitar riffs, theatrical performances and Freddie Mercury’s extraordinary voice. A song driven by a minimalist bassline and dance-inspired rhythm seemed like an unexpected choice. Michael Jackson, however, saw something the band had overlooked. After attending a Queen concert in Los Angeles, he met the musicians backstage and encouraged them to release the song as a single. He believed it had the potential to become a major hit, and his enthusiasm made a lasting impression on the group. Queen eventually followed his advice, and the results exceeded expectations. Released as a single in 1980, “Another One Bites the Dust” climbed the American charts and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for three weeks. The success was significant for several reasons. It introduced Queen to a wider audience, including listeners drawn to funk and dance music, and became one of the band’s most commercially successful recordings. Its instantly recognisable bassline remains one of the defining features of the song. The story also highlights the remarkable musical instincts of Michael Jackson. Although he was known primarily for his own groundbreaking pop career, his appreciation for other artists demonstrated an ability to recognise commercial potential beyond his own work. More than four decades later, “Another One Bites the Dust” remains a classic, proving that a simple recommendation between fellow musicians can sometimes lead to extraordinary results. #freddiemercury #michaeljackson