One of Michael Jackson’s songs made its debut as Billboard Hot 100’s Number 1. However, many are not aware that the song’s lyric was penned by not Jackson but another well-known R&B singer. 

Jackson’s HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I have the distinction of being a unique album. It was initially thought of as the biggest hit album of the artist with some new tracks. However, the Beat It artist had an album full of fresh materials by the time he completed it. 

In its final form, HIStory comprises of two separate discs. While the first disc constitutes the biggest hit music album, the second one has only the artist’s fresh recordings. The album was an innovative way to let the new fans get acquainted with the Bad hitmaker’s earlier hit songs while also highlighting his musical journey. 

You Are Not Alone is one of the album’s most popular songs and the musician requested R. Kelly to pen a song for him. Kelly first thought Jackson was jesting. 

He soon realized that Jackson was serious about it and felt privileged by the latter’s request. He immediately went to the studio and penned a number for the King of Pop. Kelly attempted to use the singer’s feminine side in that song, The A.V. Club writes. 

In an interview given in 2013, Kelly mentioned that Michael Jackson had a feminine side to him. While some of the singer’s numbers such as Rock with You are specifically meant for the dance floor, You Are Not Alone tries to display the tender vocals of Jackson. 

The R&B artist even mimicked the singer’s unique vocal style while giving his demonstration for the song. However, those who are keen to know what Kelly’s take on that number was should listen to the track’s cover on his album titled Love Letter. 

It came as a big surprise for Kelly when he got to know that the Smooth Criminal hitmaker kept the song unaltered when it was recorded. The song made its debut at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 songs on Sept. 2, 1995. 

The song also emerged as the first No. 1 on Billboard for the singer since his previous number Black or White around four years ago. After this song, a single making its debut at Number 1 has become a frequent phenomenon. 

For instance, three other singles made its debut as No.1 on Billboard in 1995 alone. However, when it was about making a debut at No.1, Michael Jackson was a trendsetter for sure, Showbiz Cheat Sheet reports.