In the early 1980s, Vincent Price, already a household name in horror films, was approached to lend his iconic voice to a new, experimental track for pop sensation Michael Jackson’s upcoming album. The song, "Thriller," was set to include a spoken-word segment to enhance its eerie, horror-inspired theme, and Price’s legendary voice was the perfect match. What came next was a decision that would echo through music history: Price was offered the choice between taking a share of the album's profits or accepting a one-time flat fee of $20,000 for his contribution.
Price, a seasoned actor with decades of experience in film and radio, opted for the $20,000 fee—a reasonable sum at the time. However, what seemed like a smart financial decision in the moment turned out to be a missed opportunity of a lifetime. Thriller, released in November 1982, went on to become the best-selling album in music history, selling over 70 million copies worldwide and cementing Michael Jackson's status as the King of Pop. If Price had chosen to take a percentage of the album’s profits, his earnings would likely have reached into the millions, given the unprecedented commercial success of the album.
The voice-over itself became one of the most memorable parts of the "Thriller" experience. Price's distinctive, haunting voice narrates the chilling verse near the song’s climax, perfectly complementing the spooky atmosphere. The infamous evil laugh that closes out the track became a defining moment of the song, contributing to the theatricality that helped Thriller transcend traditional pop music and establish itself as a cultural phenomenon. Price’s narration was a vital element in creating the cinematic, horror-movie feel that made the song’s accompanying music video legendary.
In the decades since Thriller’s release, Price’s decision to accept a flat fee has been the subject of much conversation and intrigue. While he could not have predicted the massive success that awaited the album, Price was already an established star, and it’s possible he saw the gig as a fun, creative one-off rather than a potential financial windfall. After all, at that point in his career, Price had little to prove. He had appeared in countless films, from horror classics to comedic parodies, and his voice work had been featured in a variety of radio programs, commercials, and cartoons.
Despite missing out on millions in potential profits, Price remained gracious about his involvement in Thriller. In interviews, he expressed his amusement and pride in being part of such a monumental moment in pop culture. His contribution to Thriller further extended his legacy beyond the horror genre, making him a key player in the success of the best-selling album of all time.
The story of Vincent Price’s $20,000 choice serves as a reminder that even the most legendary projects can have surprising and unexpected behind-the-scenes stories. His voice remains immortalized in Thriller, and while he may not have reaped the financial rewards of its success, his contribution helped create one of the most iconic moments in music history, ensuring his place in pop culture for generations to come.
Though the decision may seem like a misstep in retrospect, it also speaks to the unpredictability of the music industry and how no one could have foreseen the meteoric rise of Thriller. For Vincent Price, it was a decision he made with confidence, and ultimately, his voice continues to echo in the annals of both music and horror history, making his presence on the track invaluable, no matter the price tag.