Michael Jackson Makes History as the First Artist to Score Top 10 Hits in Six Consecutive Decades
Michael Jackson Is First Artist To Chart in the Top 10 Across Six Decades
Michael Jackson has once again made music history, becoming the first artist ever to achieve Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 across six different decades. This unprecedented milestone was officially secured when his legendary track “Thriller” climbed from No. 32 to No. 10 on the chart dated November 15.A Historic Feat of Chart Longevity
With this achievement, the King of Pop has now charted in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and the 2020s, surpassing the previous record of five decades held by Andy Williams. Jackson’s remarkable run underscores his enduring influence and timeless appeal, continuing to captivate new generations more than a decade after his passing in 2009.His chart journey began in November 1971 with his solo debut single “Got To Be There,” marking the start of a historic career that would redefine pop music forever. Across his lifetime and posthumous releases, Jackson has accumulated an astonishing 30 Top 10 hits, including 13 No. 1 singles — a testament to his unparalleled cultural and artistic impact.
“Thriller” Reclaims the Spotlight
The latest resurgence of “Thriller” was fueled by Halloween season streaming and radio play. According to Luminate, the classic hit racked up over 14 million official streams during the tracking week, marking a 57% increase from the previous week. The song also experienced a significant spike in radio spins and digital downloads, reaffirming its perennial status as the ultimate Halloween anthem.Beyond its renewed chart success, “Thriller” now holds another record — it has become Michael Jackson’s longest charting Hot 100 single, spending 26 weeks on the chart and surpassing the runs of both “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.”
Legacy That Transcends Time
Decades after its 1982 release, “Thriller” continues to stand as a cornerstone of pop culture, celebrated for its groundbreaking music video, production by Quincy Jones, and its genre-defining fusion of pop, rock, and funk. The record’s latest milestone further cements Michael Jackson’s legacy as a permanent force in music history — one whose influence stretches across generations and genres alike.As streaming platforms and younger audiences rediscover his catalog, Jackson’s impact remains unmatched — proving that great artistry transcends time, trends, and technology.
