On this day in 1972, Michael Jackson receives his first solo US number one with Ben

The song was originally written for Donny Osmond, but he was on tour at the time and so the song was offered to Jackson. 

The song was written for a horror film of the same name about a boy and his pet rat. The songs themes and lyrics mirrored this story. Ben was performed by Lee Montgomery in the film whereas the Jackson version was played over the credits. Regardless, it was Jackson’s version that caught the public’s attention and it quickly raced to the top of the US and Australian charts and to number 7 on the UK singles charts.

Ben also earned Jackson the title of the third youngest person to have a song make the number one spot, beaten only by Stevie Wonder with Fingertips and Osmond with Go Away Little Girl. It received good critical reception and went on to become one Jackson’s most re-released songs throughout his career.