theGrio Reflects: Michael Jackson hits it big with “Thriller”

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

In 1984, NBC reporter Jack Perkins looks at the rising popularity of singer Michael Jackson and his top-selling album, “Thriller.”

Archival video provided by NBC Learn, the education arm of NBC News. For more historic video and classroom resources for teachers and students, visit nbclearn.com.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE