Introduction
Released on August 15, 1995, as the second single from Michael Jackson’s double album HIStory: Past, Present and Future—Book I, “You Are Not Alone” marked a significant moment in pop music history . Written and co-produced by R. Kelly—who later expressed profound excitement at hearing his song performed by his idol —the ballad blends heartfelt lyrics with sweeping R&B production, embodying themes of love, comfort, and emotional connection.
On September 2, 1995, the song made history as the first-ever track to debut at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100—a rare feat that also earned it recognition in the Guinness World Records . Internationally, it resonated widely, topping charts in the UK, France, Ireland, Spain, New Zealand, Belgium, and more .
The official short film (music video), directed by Wayne Isham, premiered in July 1995 and stands as one of Jackson’s seven cinematic “short films” crafted for HIStory . Filmed at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, it features Michael alone on a deserted stage, in expansive natural landscapes, and intimately with then-wife Lisa Marie Presley—scenes inspired by Maxfield Parrish’s 1922 painting Daybreak. The video’s ethereal and at times controversial imagery—including scenes of semi-nudity and angelic effects—sparked mixed reactions .
Certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA on October 13, 1995, the song was also nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 38th Grammy Awards in 1996 .
Beyond its commercial triumphs, “You Are Not Alone” endures as a poignant, emotionally resonant ballad that captured a deeply personal sentiment and firmly cemented Michael Jackson’s legacy as the King of Pop.