Industry Apr 4, 2026
John 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
John Oates has confirmed Daryl Hall's assertion that Michael Jackson’s popular song “I Can’t Go For That” served as the inspiration for Jackson’s hit “Billie Jean.” Hall had previously related Jackson's acknowledgement of the groove.
“He obviously wanted to do something like that for Billie Jean and he did his own version of that groove,” Oates stated, recounting his conversation with Jackson. Originally reported by MusicRadar.