Full Breakdown
Paul Anka and Michael Jackson: A Musical Collaboration Resurfaces
1/29/2026, 1:27:52 PM
Background of the Collaboration
In the 1970s, Michael Jackson became acquainted with Paul Anka during the Jackson 5's visits to Anka's shows in Las Vegas. By 1980, as Jackson was establishing his solo career with the release of *Off the Wall*, Anka invited him to his home studio in Carmel, California. Anka recalled Jackson as a professional and talented individual, eager to learn and succeed in the music industry.
The Shelved Songs
During their collaboration, Anka and Jackson co-wrote three songs. However, these recordings were shelved for decades, with speculation that they were even stolen by Jackson at one point. One of these songs, "This Is It," was initially intended for Anka's 1983 duets album, *Walk a Fine Line*, but remained unreleased until after Jackson's death in 2009. The song was eventually released with additional vocals from Jackson's brothers—Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy—and peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Posthumous Releases and Legal Matters
Following Jackson's passing, the song "This Is It" was featured in a concert film directed by Kenny Ortega, which documented Jackson's rehearsals for a planned residency in London. Prior to its release, Anka was not credited for his contributions, leading him to consider legal action against the Jackson estate. This dispute was resolved amicably, with Anka stating, “They’ve [Jackson’s estate] been very forthright. They’re giving me exactly what is fair and deserved in terms of my ownership of this track.”
In 2013, Anka released a duet version of "This Is It" on his album *Duets*. Another song they co-wrote, "Love Never Felt So Good," recorded in 1983, was released in 2014 as part of the *Xscape* album, a collection of Jackson's previously unreleased tracks. This song featured Jackson's original vocals and Anka on piano. A remixed version featuring Justin Timberlake also achieved commercial success, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Additional Collaborations
Another posthumous release, "Don't Matter to Me," featuring Drake, was released in 2018. This track utilized Jackson's original demo vocals and reached No. 2 in the UK and No. 9 in the U.S. The collaboration between Anka and Jackson, spanning decades, highlights the enduring legacy of both artists and the complexities of posthumous music releases.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Paul Anka and Michael Jackson illustrates the intricate relationship between artists and the music industry, particularly regarding the management of unreleased works. Their partnership not only produced memorable songs but also raised significant discussions about credit and ownership in the music business.
