His 1982 album Thriller had solidified him as pop force to be reckoned with.Īfter Walter Yetnikoff, president of CBS Records Group, threatened to pull all other CBS videos from MTV, the network agreed to air the music video for ‘Billie Jean’. MTV execs justified that Black music largely did not fit the requirements to appear on the rock-focused channel, but Michael Jackson was not so easily dismissible.

Whilst music fans could see videos by many of their favourite artists on MTV in the early 80s, Black artists were noticeably absent from the channel. Although the One Love Peace Concert did not alleviate the violence in Jamaica, it did raise proceeds for emergency sanitary products and housing in West Kingston.ġ983: The ‘Billie Jean’ music video airs on MTV During his set with The Wailers, Marley joined the hands of political rivals Michael Manley and Edward Seaga in a powerful symbolisation of the nation’s desire for peace. Upon being released from jail, Massop flew to London in order to convince Marley to perform. However, Massop and Marshall realised that their plan had a missing piece in the shape of Bob Marley.

The One Love Peace Concert was conceptualised. When two members of rival political factions, Claudius ‘Claudie’ Massop and Aston ‘Bucky’ Marshall, found themselves locked up in jail together, they began brainstorming ways to unite the country and end the violence between the two opposing sides. 1978: Bob Marley performs at The One Love Peace Concertĭuring a political civil war in Jamaica between the Jamaican Labour Party and the People’s National Party, the One Love Peace Concert was held at The National Stadium in Kingstun, Jamaica.

James brown discography