How Michael Jackson’s Genius Propelled Queen’s ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ to the Top

The 1980s were a transformative decade in the world of music, and for fans of both Queen and Michael Jackson, a unique and lesser-known collaboration had a profound impact on the history of rock and pop. While Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson never recorded a song together during their lifetimes, Jackson’s genius played a pivotal role in propelling one of Queen’s most iconic tracks, “Another One Bites the Dust,” to the top of the charts.

Freddie Mercury’s Missed Opportunity on Thriller

As much as Freddie Mercury is remembered for his unparalleled vocal range and flamboyant stage presence, few know that he was initially supposed to collaborate with Michael Jackson on Jackson’s landmark album, Thriller. The two had a mutual admiration for each other’s work, and Jackson, a big fan of Queen, was inspired by Mercury’s artistry. In fact, Jackson was so enamored with Queen’s music that he would attend their concerts whenever he could.

The collaboration idea came to life over dinner, where Jackson proposed working together. “I think one of the tracks would have been on the Thriller album if I finished it, but I missed out,” Mercury later reflected in an interview. As he explained, he was initially supposed to contribute vocals to one of the tracks on Thriller, but timing—and Mercury’s commitment to Queen—prevented it from coming to fruition.

The song Mercury was supposed to contribute to eventually saw the light of day, but with another legendary artist. The track, “State of Shock,” was completed with Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones, who replaced Mercury when he was unable to finish his vocal parts. Mercury, who was in Munich at the time, simply couldn’t find the time to record, as he was deeply immersed in Queen’s ongoing projects. “I said, ‘I can’t, I really haven’t got time.’ I was working with Queen,” he said.

While it’s a bit of a “what could have been” moment in musical history, Mercury’s loss on Thriller didn’t spell the end of the story between the two superstars.

Michael Jackson’s Impact on “Another One Bites the Dust”

Despite never appearing on a Thriller track, Jackson had a major influence on one of Queen’s most successful songs, “Another One Bites the Dust.” The track, from Queen’s 1980 album The Game, was initially released as an album cut with no particular expectation of major commercial success. But it was Jackson—who was already riding high on the success of his Off the Wall album—who saw something special in the track.

As Mercury explained, Jackson heard “Another One Bites the Dust” and suggested it be released as a single. “It was Michael who pushed us to release ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ as a single,” he said. The result was a song that would go on to become one of Queen’s biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and cementing Queen’s place in the global music scene.

“Another One Bites the Dust” was only Queen’s second song to reach the top of the charts in the U.S., following “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” also from The Game. The track’s infectious bassline, funky groove, and catchy chorus were a departure from Queen’s usual sound, blending rock with disco and funk influences—something Jackson himself was deeply familiar with. His input proved to be a masterstroke for Queen’s career in America, where the band’s popularity was on the rise.

Even decades later, “Another One Bites the Dust” remains one of Queen’s most beloved songs, and Jackson’s influence continues to be acknowledged by the band’s members.

A Legacy of Unlikely Collaborations

Though Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury never shared the mic on a single release, their relationship highlights how collaboration in music can be more than just recording together—it’s about shared creative energy and inspiring each other to push boundaries. Jackson’s advice, his ability to spot hits, and his understanding of the commercial side of the music industry helped steer Queen toward their success with “Another One Bites the Dust.”

As we reflect on the legacies of both artists, it’s clear that the 1980s were a time of synergy between rock and pop—an era in which two musical giants crossed paths and influenced each other in ways that continue to resonate in the music world today. Michael Jackson might not have appeared on Thriller with Freddie Mercury, but his genius undeniably helped elevate Queen to new heights.