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

Daryl Hall reported that Michael Jackson was inspired by "I Can't Go For That" for his own version of the groove. John Oates agreed with Hall's assessment, recalling that Jackson aimed to create something similar. Hall had previously told Jackson that he had executed it in a decidedly different manner. Originally reported by MusicRadar.