Industry Apr 4, 2026
John Oates Confirms "I Can't Go For That" Inspired Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" Groove
“I told him: ‘Oh Michael, what do I care? You did it very differently,’” Hall previously said
Originally published by
MusicRadar
John Oates has corroborated Daryl Hall's account that Michael Jackson's hit "Billie Jean" was influenced by the groove of Hall & Oates' song "I Can't Go For That." Hall recounted a conversation with Jackson where he expressed admiration for the groove, to which Hall responded that Jackson's rendition was distinct. Originally reported by MusicRadar.