Claim: Michael Jackson released an album in 1982.
Evidence: His music videos , including those of `` Beat It '' , `` Billie Jean '' , and `` Thriller '' from his 1982 album Thriller , are credited with breaking racial barriers and transforming the medium into an art form and promotional tool.
Thriller was released on November 30 , 1982 in the United States by Epic Records and internationally by CBS Records.