As one of the great musicians of our time, Michael Jackson has a long history of smash hits. The record-breaking artist has had a passionate and dedicated fan base since he was a child star in his family’s music group, The Jackson 5. Given his enduring popularity and high exposure, it’s hard to believe that there are songs Jackson helped create that aren’t commonly remembered by audiences. However, the megastar wrote several songs performed by other artists that many are unaware of his involvement.
Given that Jackson wrote over 150 songs during his career, it’s inevitable that some would fall through the cracks of the collective memory. The singer experienced great success writing many of his own songs, but he also lent his talents to other superstars such as Paul McCartney and Diana Ross. Unlike time Michael Jackson lost Janet a multi-million dollar contracthe helped his sisters La Toya and Rebbie Jackson write and produce their own songs.
The Man – Paul McCartney
Michael Jackson and the Beatles are two of the biggest powerhouses in music history, and the two first came together when Paul McCartney and Jackson had a duet called “The Girl Is Mine” on Jackson’s record-breaking “Thriller” album. The two then made another hit duet called “Say Say Say” for McCartney’s fourth solo album titled “Pipes of Peace”. What you didn’t know about Paul McCartney is that he also co-wrote and sang with Jackson on another quieter track from 1983 called “The Man”. The co-written lyrics read: “There’s a man everybody thought they knew. Oh, there’s such a man. He’s not like me and you.”
Eaten Alive – Diana Ross
Michael Jackson helped longtime friend and star Diana Ross on her 1985 album by co-writing the album’s title track, “Eaten Alive.” The song was also co-written by Maurice and Barry Gibb, and eventually became a hit on the dance charts. The song incorporated wild and seductive lyrics such as “Catch me, my blood is red. Another victim of your ritual. For you my skin is shed. Ecstasy is not what you find.”
Night Time Lover – La Toya Jackson
In 1980, Michael Jackson and his sister La Toya Jackson co-wrote a song called “Night Time Lover”. They originally called the song “Fire Is the Feeling” and wrote it for Donna Summer, but it ended up on La Toya’s album. Michael also produced and sang on the track with his sister. The song included the bridge, “Baby, this is the night. Baby, let’s make it our time. Moonlight has your sunshine. Lead a lifetime. Let’s make it your time.” Given the bond the siblings shared, La Toya Jackson’s stunning performance 15 years after her brother Michael’s death had some worried fans.
All right now – Ralph Tresvant
Michael Jackson also helped write songs for other artists in the 90s. In 1990, Jackson assisted New Edition singer Ralph Tresvant on his post-group debut solo album. Jackson provided backing vocals and co-wrote the album track “Alright Now”, which surprisingly was never released as a single. This is one of the reasons why many people are not aware that Jackson helped write the song. The song was also co-written and produced by John “LA Jay” Barnes. The lyrics included: “‘Cause it’s okay now with me. Yeah, it’s okay now, you see. I’ll be all you’ll ever need. This time (this time).”
You’re The One – Jennifer Holliday
In the same year that Michael Jackson co-wrote Diana Ross’ album title track, he also co-wrote a song for Jennifer Holliday. In 1985, Jackson helped write “You’re the One,” which was the opening track on Holliday’s second album, “Say You Love Me.” Despite being the song that opened the album, it was never released as a single. Holliday instead chose to release “Hard Time for Lovers” and “No Frills Love” as the album’s singles. The romantic lyrics Jackson helped write included: “One day a prince will come to you. He’ll smile at you and say. He’s been waiting all his life. For someone like you.”
Centipede – Rebbie Jackson
After helping La Toya Jackson write and release “Night Time Lover” in 1980, Michael Jackson ended up helping another sister write and release her debut single in 1984. Michael was the sole writer on his sister Rebbie Jackson’s debut single, “Centipede”. He also provided backup vocals for the song, which was released by Rebbie, the eldest Jackson sibling. The hot and steamy lyrics read: “Like a centipede that’s hot. The fire is in your touch. Like a centipede you’ve got. A lot of love to touch.”
It had to be – The Brothers Johnson
After producer Quincy Jones teamed up with Michael Jackson to produce his 1979 “Off the Wall” solo album, which included smash hits like “Rock with You” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” the pair collaborated again in 1980 on the Brothers Johnson’s R&B number “It Had to Be.” The song was produced by Quincy Jones, with Jackson serving as backup vocalist and co-writer along with the Johnson brothers, George and Louis Johnson. The song is known for its poetic and sensitive lyrics, which include “This smiling heart burned so tender. Now don’t believe everything you see. Vases don’t mean much to me. When the heart is a thorn, that’s what it is.”
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