On This Day: Nov. 14, 1991
The Rollercoaster Ride of Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” Video Debut
Michael Jackson made a monumental comeback to the music world in 1991 with the release of his new album “Dangerous,” following the success of his 1987 record “Bad.” The album’s lead single, “Black or White,” was released on Nov. 11, 1991, along with the music video debut on Nov. 14. Premiering on MTV, BET, VH1, and the Fox network, the video was seen by a record-breaking 500 million viewers worldwide.
The debut was strategically scheduled after a new episode of “The Simpsons” on Fox, which had featured Jackson in its Season 3 premiere. In return, Bart and Homer Simpson appeared in a brief intro and outro for the “Black or White” video. The grand release made the music video a pop culture sensation, drawing in people from different age groups.
At a whopping $4 million budget, directed by John Landis, the “Black or White” video featured guest appearances by Macaulay Culkin and George Wendt, cutting-edge special effects, and a memorable extended dance routine by Jackson himself. However, it was this last sequence that prompted a public outcry, leading to its removal from future airings.
Despite the controversy, the album “Dangerous” became an instant hit, topping the charts upon its release and selling 1.8 million copies by the end of 1991. However, Jackson’s public image took a hit following allegations of sexual abuse, which overshadowed the success of the album and ensuing world tour.
Today, the “Black or White” video and its once-controversial dance sequence have been restored. Critics now view it in the context of the early ’90s, when racial tensions and injustices were prevalent, shedding new light on this iconic music video.
