As the undisputed “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson’s songs might seem an unlikely source of inspiration for jazz musicians. Yet, beneath the surface of his polished pop anthems lies a wealth of material that jazz artists have explored, reimagined, and transformed for decades.
Producer Quincy Jones worked with Jackson on his solo album Off The Wall (1979) and famously compared Jackson to some of the great jazz singers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin, Dinah Washington, and Ray Charles – all of whom possessed an unmistakably unique vocal sound.
That album may have been a commercial success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide, but it was Jackson’s follow-up album, Thriller, in 1982 that would go on to break all records.
With an estimated 70 million copies sold and drawing influences from funk, pop, R&B, and rock, it cemented Jackson’s status as a global icon. His impact was undeniable and all-pervading; it wasn’t long before jazz musicians began exploring his catalog, adding their own interpretations to his timeless songs.
It wasn’t one way traffic either: Jackson’s affinity for the genre can be heard as far back as 1972 when the 14-year old recorded a version of the classic jazz tune “All The Things You Are” for his album Music & Me.
We picked out a selection of favourite Michael Jackson jazz covers over the last 5 decades, which highlight the depth of his compositions – not to mention the versatility and creativity of these artists in reshaping his work.
Let us know in the comments section below which one’s you’d have included..!
Miles Davis – “Human Nature”
Recorded for his final album with Columbia Records, You’re Under Arrest (1985), Miles Davis delivers a mesmerizing take on “Human Nature.”
Backed by layers of synthesizers and tight arrangements, Davis plays with his signature Harmon-muted trumpet, transforming the pop ballad into a haunting, introspective piece.
His interpretation shows yet another side of the legendary trumpeter’s career, as he ventured into new sonic territories.
For fans of saxophonist Kenny Garrett, check out the “Live in Paris” DVD where one of the latest iterations of Miles’ group, with the Garrett on sax, perform a great version of this tune too!
Vijay Iyer – “Human Nature”
Pianist Vijay Iyer takes a different approach to “Human Nature” on his 2010 solo album Solo.
Using only acoustic piano, Iyer digs deeper into the harmonic structure of the song, his left-hand lines and comping providing a fresh and thoughtful interpretation.
While instantly recognizable, Iyer’s version highlights the complexity beneath the simplicity of the original, bringing a deeper level of reflection to the piece.
Mal Waldron – “Beat It”
Mal Waldron’s choice to cover “Beat It” in 1983 for his trio album Breaking New Ground may have been a surprise to fans and followers.
Yet, his minimalist approach, marked by echoes of Thelonious Monk’s sparse melodies, transforms the driving pop anthem into a contemplative jazz piece.
Drummer Ed Blackwell, using no cymbals, complements Waldron’s unusual take with rhythmic intensity, making this a standout reinterpretation that defies expectations.
Brian Bromberg – “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”
On his 2016 album Full Circle, bassist Brian Bromberg takes on Jackson’s high-energy hit “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” with a driving, hard-swinging arrangement.
Accompanied by a big band, the track bursts with energy, featuring a standout tenor sax solo. Notably, the ‘guitar’ solo isn’t a guitar at all—it’s played on a piccolo bass, showcasing Bromberg’s extraordinary technique and creativity.
Joey DeFrancesco – “Thriller”
Organist Joey DeFrancesco’s 2010 album Never Can Say Goodbye: The Music of Michael Jackson offers some of the most original interpretations of Jackson’s classics, including an unforgettable version of “Thriller.”
With a band that features guitarist Paul Bollenback, DeFrancesco breathes new life into the iconic track, delivering a fresh, invigorating take that blends jazz with the haunting atmosphere of the original.
Phillip “Doc” Martin – “I Can’t Help It”
In this smooth jazz rendition of the Stevie Wonder-penned “I Can’t Help It,” alto saxophonist Phillip “Doc” Martin sticks close to the original melody but adds his own touch with a warm and flexible tone.
Featured on Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall album, the song gets a laid-back, soulful treatment here, emphasizing Martin’s pleasing, effortless style.
BWB (Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown) – “Man in the Mirror”
The group BWB, comprised of trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, and guitarist Norman Brown, offered their take on several Jackson songs for their 2013 album Human Nature.
Among the highlights is their tender performance of “Man in the Mirror,” originally from Jackson’s Bad album.
The trio’s jazz sensibility is evident throughout, with each musician contributing heartfelt solos to this moving version.
George Benson – “The Lady in My Life”
On his 2011 album Guitar Man, George Benson delivers a sublime instrumental rendition of “The Lady in My Life.”
Recorded with tasteful string arrangements, Benson’s guitar playing takes center stage, full of emotion and technical brilliance. Originally from Jackson’s Thriller, this version highlights the song’s elegance, with Benson’s understated yet powerful interpretation.
Joey DeFrancesco – “Rock With You”
Another standout from DeFrancesco’s Never Can Say Goodbye is his version of “Rock With You.”
The organist turns the dance-floor favourite into a laid-back, swinging tune, with his solo showcasing the full range of his virtuosity. The track’s gentle rock beat serves as a perfect backdrop for DeFrancesco’s smooth and tasteful interpretation.
Esperanza Spalding – “I Can’t Help It”
Grammy-winning bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding brought her own blend of jazz and soul to Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It” (originally featured on Off The Wall) for her album Radio Music Society (2012).
Spalding intertwines her smooth, velvety vocals with intricate bass lines, showcasing both her technical prowess and emotional depth.
Her version exudes a rich, organic feel, leaning into the song’s jazz sensibilities while maintaining the groove and warmth of the original.
The interplay between her voice and bass creates a captivating and intimate take on the Stevie Wonder-penned tune, making it a standout on the record.
BWB (Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Norman Brown) – “Another Part of Me”
Closing out their tribute to Jackson, BWB’s “Another Part of Me” from Bad gets an upbeat and funky treatment.
With a lively horn section and strong solos, the trio brings a smooth jazz flavor to this catchy track, proving once again that Jackson’s music can thrive in any genre when approached with imagination and skill.
Round Up: Michael Jackson Goes Jazz
The idea of jazz musicians borrowing repertoire from other areas is nothing new; in fact, it’s as old as jazz itself.
Perhaps no artist in the last half-century has transformed music as much as Michael Jackson and it’s yet another nod to the quality and appeal of his recordings that so many jazz greats have chosen to use them as starting points for their own output.
As always, let us know what you liked (and what we missed!) in the comments section below.
Looking to get back on track with more traditional jazz repertoire? Head over to our list of the greatest jazz albums of all time.