Top Three Music Videos Influenced by Jazz Dance Masters

1. “Beat It” by Michael Jackson
   Broadway giant, Jerome Robbins, had "Cool" take place in an empty garage in the 1961 movie version of West Side Story. Michael Jackson's "Beat It" did so as well in 1982. Along with both pieces dealing with warring gangs, the two works have strikingly similar scenic elements. In the “Beat It” video choreographer Michael Peters is the gang leader in white wearing sunglasses.

Influence: Jerome Robbins, "Cool" from West Side Story  

Artist: Michael Jackson, "Beat It"   

2) “Material Girl” by Madonna
The father of American jazz dance, Jack Cole, choreographed this number to “Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend” for Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Madonna paid tribute to the original Marilyn Monroe number in her “Material Girl” video choreographed in 1985 by Kenny Ortega. The costumes and props are the same in both numbers. Much of the original choreography is lovingly recreated in several sections also.

Influence: Jack Cole, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Artist: Madonna, “Material Girl”

3) “Get Me Bodied” by Beyonce
"Get Me Bodied" is what I imagine "Rich Man's Frug" would look like if it was done in 2006 instead of 1969. Frug was a type of dance in the l960’s much like the twist, watusi, pony, etc. There are many elements of the original Fosse piece that you can see in this video; some of the opening dialogue, the set, the pony-tail hair throw, the dancers in cages, the isolations with punches and contractions, the knockout line from "The Heavyweight" section, the special effects, and more. Rhapsody, Todd Sams, Clifford McGhee and Bethany Strong are listed as choreographers for "Get Me Bodied." I love the way there are references to Fosse style, combined with new choreography utilizing the Fosse aesthetic.

Influence: Bob Fosse, “Rich Man’s Frug” from Sweet Charity

Artist: Beyonce, “Get Me Bodied”