 On March 25 , 1983 , Michael Jackson performed " Billie Jean " to critical and popular acclaim . Staged at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium , Motown 25 : Yesterday , Today , Forever was a celebration of Motown Records ' twenty @-@ fifth anniversary ( despite the fact that Motown , launched in 1959 , was only 24 years old in 1983 ) . Organized by Suzanne de Passe , the event was to feature all of the most popular Motown acts , both past and present . The Motown stars were to reunite for one evening , to pay tribute to Berry Gordy and acknowledge his effect on their lives . Jackson initially refused the invitation , but reconsidered after a personal visit from Gordy , for whom the singer had great respect . It was decided that the singer would perform " Billie Jean " . 
