Industry Apr 5, 2026

Hall & Oates on Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" Inspiration

“I told him: ‘Oh Michael, what do I care? You did it very differently,’” Hall previously said

Originally published by MusicRadar
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Hall & Oates on Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" Inspiration

John Oates has corroborated Daryl Hall's account that Michael Jackson's hit "Billie Jean" was inspired by the Hall & Oates song "I Can't Go For That." Hall recounted telling Jackson that he had produced a very different version. Originally reported by MusicRadar.