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
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John Oates on Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' Inspiration

John Oates has agreed with Daryl Hall that Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" was inspired by Hall & Oates' song "I Can't Go For That." Oates recalled telling Jackson that he had created a distinctly different version of the groove. Originally reported by MusicRadar.