Michael Jackson music video legacy

Credit: AP Photo / Doug Pizac

In the wake of his untimely death, Michael Jackson will be remembered for his creative and innovative music videos. He was one of the pioneers - the first black artist to receive airplay on MTV. He revolutionized the concept of music videos. Not only did he shatter prejudice, he shattered records.

As memorials and tributes pour in -- let's take a look back at some of the King of Pop's most memorable music videos.

Billie Jean (1983)

This is the video that changed history - the first video by a black artist to be aired on MTV. When the network refused to play the video the president of Jackson's record label threatened to go public with their stance on black musicians. MTV caved and Billie Jean was added to heavy rotation.

Thriller (1983)

The 13-minute music video, directed by John Landis, was the most expensive music video of its time, costing roughly $500,000 to produce. In 2006, Guiness World Records listed Thriller as the most "successful music video", selling over 9 million units. The video features choreographed zombies performing with Jackson, who transforms into both a zombie and a werecat. In 1984, Jackson won three MTV Video Music Awards for Best Overall Performance in a Video, Best Choreography, and Viewer's Choice. The following year the song won Jackson a Grammy for Best Video, Long Form.

Beat It (1983)

Based on the Broadway musical West Side Story, the video features mass choreography, a Jackson trademark. To add authenticity to the video, 80 real-life gang members were featured along with 18 professional dancers. The video earned Jackson a number of awards from the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Black Gold Awards, and more.

Bad (1987)

The first video in which Jackson's choreography -- the occasional grab or touch of his chest, torso and crotch -- garned mixed reception from both fans and critics. The  18-minute short film / music video cost an impressive $2.3 million to produce and was directed by Martin Scorsese. The video features a cameo from actor Wesley Snipes.

Smooth Criminal (1988)

There are four versions of the video for Smooth Criminal, directed by special effects coordinator, Colin Chilvers. The Original Moonwalker Version, the Moonwalker Version, the Sped Up/Moonwalker Credits Version, and the Album Version. In 1993, Jackson patented the anti-gravity lean that is seen in the music video.

 Black or White (1991)

Featured Macaulay Culkin, Tess Harper, and George Went and guest appearences from supermodel Tyra Banks and actress Peggy Lipton. Second video directed by John Landis, who also directed Thriller. The video helped to usher in morphing technology in music videos. Controversy followed the music video and MTV, along with other music video networks, removed the last four minutes of the video from most broadcasts.

Jam (1992)

The music video for Jam features two MJs (Jackson and Michael Jordan). In the video Jackson teaches the basketball ledgend how to dance. In return, Jordan teaches Jackson how to play basketball. The extended version of the video includes footage of Jackson teaching Jordan how to moonwalk. Rappers Kris Kross and Heavy D make cameo appearances.

Remember the Time (1992)

Remember the Time was one of Jackson's longest videos, clocking in at over 9 minutes. The video, set in ancient Egypt, featured groundbreaking visual effects and appearences by Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson. (Director: John Singleton)

 Scream (1995)

Jackson collaborated with sister Janet Jackson in this video - the most expensive video ever made. The critically acclaimed video was filmed primarily in black and white and cost an impressive $7 million. The song and accompanying video are a response to the media backlash Jackson received following his sexual abuse accusations and marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley.

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