page_title: Michael Jackson videography
section_title: Music videos
hierarchical_section_title: Michael Jackson videography / Music videos
caption_attribution_description: Steve Barron
context_page_description: American entertainer Michael Jackson debuted on the professional music scene at age five as a member of The Jackson 5 and began a solo career in 1971 while still part of the group. Jackson had seven of his solo albums promoted with music videos, or as he would refer them as "short films". Some of his short films drew criticism for their violent and sexual elements; others were lauded by critics and awarded Guinness World Records for their length, success and expense.
  In the early 1980s, Jackson became a dominant figure in popular culture and the first African American entertainer to have a strong crossover fanbase on MTV. The popularity of his music videos that aired on MTV, such as "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and "Thriller"—credited for transforming the music video from a promotional tool and into an art form—helped bring the relatively new channel to fame; MTV's focus shifted in favor of pop and R&B from channel's original 'rock 'n' roll only' format.
  Michael Jackson's Thriller short film marked an increase in scale for music videos, and has been named the most successful music video ever by the Guinness World Records.
caption: Steve Barron, director of "Billie Jean"
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