Beat It Music Video
Year Released: 1983
Directed by: Bob Giraldi
Starring: Michael Jackson

While some may scoff at the red jacket worn by Michael Jackson in the video, which features real gang members, the apparel actually started a trend. As the song and video grew in popularity, more people clamored for red leather jackets much like Jackson wore. Perhaps that was because the choreography of the video, which sends the message to avoid fighting and violence at all costs, was a new high for music videos.

Few if any other musicians had put as much effort into the dancing and backgrounds of videos as Jackson did when this was released.

Little known fact: Eddie Van Halen plays the bridge of the song.

Beat It Lyrics (in a new window).