Question: What was Michael Jackson’s first solo number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100?
Show answer
Ben.
Michael Jackson’s first solo number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 was “Ben.” Released in 1972, “Ben” was the title track for the movie of the same name, which was a sequel to the 1971 horror film “Willard.” The song was a significant milestone in Jackson’s career as it marked his emergence as a solo artist, separate from his earlier success as the lead singer of The Jackson 5.
“Ben” is a tender ballad about a boy’s friendship with a rat, the protagonist of the film. The song’s poignant lyrics and Jackson’s heartfelt delivery struck a chord with listeners, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through his music even at a young age. Michael Jackson was just 14 years old when “Ben” topped the charts, making him one of the youngest artists to achieve such a feat.
Written by Don Black and composed by Walter Scharf, “Ben” not only became Jackson’s first solo number one single but also earned him critical acclaim. The song won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for an Academy Award in the same category. Jackson performed “Ben” at the 45th Academy Awards ceremony, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the music industry.
The success of “Ben” helped pave the way for Jackson’s subsequent solo career. It demonstrated his potential to captivate audiences as a solo performer and set the stage for his later achievements. Over the following years, Jackson continued to release hit songs and albums, eventually becoming known as the “King of Pop” for his groundbreaking contributions to music and entertainment.
