Michael Jackson’s Song-Making Process

Few people in the history of music have achieved the fame and success that Michael Jackson did.

He created iconic dance moves, went on three popular concert tours – and had a unique way of making songs.

Whole songs would come to him “from above”.

“The lyrics, the strings, the chords, everything comes at the moment like a gift that is put right into your head and that’s how I hear it,” he said in 1994.

Jackson – who could not read or write sheet music – would then dictate the song into a tape recorder, singing the lyrics and beat-boxing each instrumental arrangement. The recordings would serve as the foundation for his songs.

In the recording studio, Jackson was known for his meticulous attention to detail. He would spend hours perfecting his vocal performances and refining the instrumental arrangements.

His dedication to achieving the desired sound of each of his songs was a key part of his success.