Industry Apr 5, 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 concurred with Daryl Hall's assertion that Hall and Oates's song "I Can't Go For That" served as the inspiration for Michael Jackson's hit "Billie Jean." Hall had previously conveyed to Jackson that his rendition of the groove was distinct. Originally reported by MusicRadar.