Twenty years ago, Michael Jackson was probably the coolest person in America and on his way to making history with an album called “Thriller.”

Released Dec. 1, 1982, “Thriller” became the biggest-selling album of all time, with about 46.7 million sold worldwide, 26 million of those in the United States.

In the two years after its release, the album was the biggest thing in America, influencing not only music but dance, fashion and television.

“Thriller” hit No. 1 on the Billboard album chart on Feb. 21, 1983, and stayed there for a record 37 weeks. Seven of the album’s songs were top 10 hits, including three at No. 1.

Jackson became the first black artist whose music aired on MTV, with the video for “Billie Jean.”