The Influential Role of Michael Jackson in Making Another One Bites The Dust a Hit
It is well known that Michael Jackson had a significant impact on the music industry, influencing not only his own career but also that of many other musical acts. One of the most interesting examples of this influence comes from the legendary British band Queen. The iconic song, Another One Bites The Dust, was originally planned for release as part of their 1980 album The Game. However, it was Michael Jackson who suggested that the track should be released as a single, a suggestion that proved to be pivotal in its success.
Queen's Initial Plans and Michael Jackson's Interventions
According to drummer Roger Taylor of Queen, the band had no plans to release Another One Bites The Dust as a single until Michael Jackson made the suggestion. Michael Jackson, a passionate fan of Queen and a regular attendee at their concerts, had a unique taste and a keen sense of what would resonate with audiences. His suggestion demonstrated both his influence and his genuine appreciation for the band's music.
From Album Track to Chart-Topping Hit
The song, originally intended to be part of their 1980 album The Game, was introduced to radio stations in the United States through black radio stations. These stations played a significant role in introducing the song to a wider audience. It was Michael Jackson's suggestion that ultimately propelled Another One Bites The Dust to its status as one of Queen's biggest hits. The song managed to hold the number one spot on the pop, country, and RB charts for 39 weeks in the United States, a testament to the power of Michael Jackson's suggestion.
Queen's Gratitude to Michael Jackson
The impact of Michael Jackson's suggestion on the success of Another One Bites The Dust was not overlooked by Queen. In fact, Roger Taylor himself discussed the impact of this decision during an interview or a public statement. His revelations highlight the collaborative and supportive nature of the music industry, particularly during the peak of Queen's and Michael Jackson's careers.
Other Interesting Tidbits
There are additional interesting facts surrounding the making and success of Another One Bites The Dust. At the 1981 American Music Awards, the song was nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal but ended up losing to Against the Wind, a song by Bob Seger. However, the music video for Another One Bites The Dust made an appearance in a preliminary cut of the film Rocky III, before it was ultimately replaced by Survivor's Eye of the Tiger.
Interestingly, Queen's then-guitarist Brian May attended one of the band's concerts in Los Angeles in 1984, where the topic of the song's release was brought up. Furthermore, the bassline of the track has close to 110 beats per minute, urging the British Heart Foundation and the Resuscitation Council UK to recommend 100–120 chest compressions per minute in CPR procedures, a unique and unexpected connection to the song's popularity.