42 Years Ago, a '70s Music Legend Made Massive History Olivia KlimekSun, March 1, 2026 at 7:10 PM UTC 0 Fortytwo years ago, legendary pop artist Michael Jackson made music history by sweeping the 26th annual Grammy Award Ceremony. The ceremony, held on February 28, 1984, came just a year and a half after the release of Jackson's iconic 1982 album, Thriller. Due to the unmatched reception the album experienced, Jackson received a recordbreaking 12 nominations, eight of which he won.
42 Years Ago, a '70s Music Legend Made Massive History
Olivia KlimekSun, March 1, 2026 at 7:10 PM UTC
0
Forty-two years ago, legendary pop artist Michael Jackson made music history by sweeping the 26th annual Grammy Award Ceremony.
The ceremony, held on February 28, 1984, came just a year and a half after the release of Jackson's iconic 1982 album, Thriller. Due to the unmatched reception the album experienced, Jackson received a record-breaking 12 nominations, eight of which he won. This marked the highest number of Grammys won in a single night by any artist in history—a feat only rivaled when Carlos Santana tied the record at the 2000 ceremony.
Jackson took over the live broadcast, stunning viewers in a blue and gold bedazzled suit, sparkling silver gloves and large aviator-style sunglasses. During his seventh acceptance speech, the pop legend adjusted his look, removing his dark glasses for his iconic record-breaking moment.
Michael Jackson at the 26th annual Grammy Award ceremony in Los Angeles, California.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
"I made a deal with my self, if I win one more award, which is this award, which is seven, which is a record, I would take off my glasses," Jackson said. "No, I don't want to take them off, not really. Well Katherine Hepburn, who is a dear friend of mine, she told me I should and I'm doing it for her. And the girls in the back."
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The memorable victory was well-deserved after the massive critical acclaim and commercial success of Thriller. Since its release, the album has become the best-selling album of all time, selling an estimated 70 million copies worldwide. It was also the first album to be certified Platinum 34 times by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The ceremony takeover showcased Jackson's industry domination, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest pop acts in history.
Michael Jackson's 1984 Grammy Nominationsand Wins
Producer Of The Year — Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson — Win
Best Recording For Children — E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial by Michael Jackson (narration and vocals) — Win
Best Rhythm & Blues Song — "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson — Win
Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male — "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson — Win
Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male — "Beat It" by Michael Jackson — Win
Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male — "Thriller" by Michael Jackson — Win
Album Of The Year — Thriller by Michael Jackson — Win
Record Of The Year — "Beat It" by Michael Jackson — Win
Best Rhythm & Blues Song — "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" by Michael Jackson
Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal — "The Girl Is Mine" by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney
Song Of The Year — "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
Song Of The Year — "Beat It" by Michael Jackson
Related: This 1969 Classic Song Reached No. 1 on Billboard 56 Years Ago Today
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: March 2, 2026 at 12:36AM on Source: RED MAG
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