Blame It On the Boogie – The Jacksons | 2025InSongs #140

1. INTRODUCTION

“Blame It On the Boogie” was released by The Jacksons on September 8, 1978 as the lead single from their album Destiny. Though originally written and recorded by Mick Jackson (no relation), The Jacksons’ version became the definitive hit, peaking at:

• #8 on the UK Singles Chart
• #3 on the US R&B Chart
• #4 in Australia
• #2 in Spain

The song was composed by Mick Jackson, David Jackson, and Elmar Krohn, and brought to The Jacksons by producer Bobby Colomby. It features Michael Jackson on lead vocals, with contributions from Greg Phillinganes (keyboards), Jerry Hey (horn arrangements), and Nathan Watts (bass)—a dream team of session legends.

2. HISTORY OF THE BAND

The Jacksons, formerly known as The Jackson 5, transitioned from Motown to Epic Records in the mid-1970s. This move gave them creative control over their music, leading to a more mature and funk-driven sound.

By 1978, the group—Michael, Jackie, Tito, Marlon, and Randy—were redefining themselves. Destiny marked a turning point, with “Blame It On the Boogie” helping them break free from their bubblegum pop image and embrace disco and R&B with swagger.

Fun fact: The release sparked a media frenzy dubbed the “Battle of the Boogie”, as both Mick Jackson and The Jacksons released versions of the song within days of each other.

3. ON THE VIDEOCLIP

The official music video for “Blame It On the Boogie” was released in 1978 and directed by Peter Conn. It features the group dancing against a black background with electronic trail effects, created using the Scanimate analog computer system and Quantel DFS 3000 digital framestore—cutting-edge tech at the time.

This video is notable for being Michael Jackson’s first music video appearance, predating his solo video work. No choreographer or dancers were credited, as the focus was on the band’s synchronized moves and visual effects.

4. TALK NERDY TO ME

Musically, “Blame It On the Boogie” is a disco-funk hybrid with infectious energy:

• Key: E♭ Mixolydian
• Chord Complexity: High, with rich harmonic layering
• Melodic Complexity: Above average, featuring syncopated vocal phrasing
• Rhythm: Driven by a tight groove and funky bassline
• Signature Hook: “Don’t blame it on the sunshine…”—a lyrical mantra that builds tension and release

The song’s Mixolydian mode gives it a bright, funky feel while allowing for bluesy inflections. The chorus’s rhythmic repetition and call-and-response structure make it a dancefloor magnet.

5. 🎶 MORE FROM THE ARTIST

If “Blame It On the Boogie” got your feet moving, check out these other hits from The Jacksons: