Introduction:
Blame It on the Boogie: A Catchy Tune with a Twist
While many associate “Blame It on the Boogie” with the iconic Jackson 5, the song’s origins lie with a different Jackson altogether. Mick Jackson, a lesser-known British singer-songwriter, co-wrote and originally recorded the song in 1977. Mick, along with his brother David Jackson and Elmar Krohn, penned the tune, even aiming it for the legendary Stevie Wonder.
The Jacksons, by then known simply as “The Jacksons” after departing Motown, picked up “Blame It on the Boogie” in 1978. It landed on their album “Destiny,” released that same year. Their version, featuring Michael Jackson on lead vocals, transformed the song into a disco-funk anthem. Michael’s signature vocals and the band’s infectious groove propelled the song to become a global hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US.
Interestingly, “Blame It on the Boogie” wasn’t the only version to gain popularity. Latin superstar Luis Miguel also covered the song, bringing it to Spanish-speaking audiences. The song’s catchy melody and playful lyrics about finding an excuse to dance (“blame it on the boogie”) transcended language barriers.
So, the next time you hear “Blame It on the Boogie,” remember its intriguing backstory. It’s a song that started with one Jackson and became a massive hit for another, solidifying its place as a timeless disco classic.