A piece of pop culture kinda-history has died as authoritative proof has come out revealing that no, Michael Jackson really did not write The Simpsons' classic "Do The Bartman." Original songwriter Bryan Loren (whose name has been on the track the whole time) sold off his publishing rights to the song, as well as a number of his other compositions. Considering the lawsuits the Jackson family has been bringing against AEG, you can bet they'd stick their legs out if there was a chance Jacko's estate should be getting royalties for "Bartman."
"Do The Bartman" famously appeared on the compilations The Simpsons Sing The Blues during 1990 and became a hit, topping some charts overseas and receiving regular rotation on MTV. The track had always been labeled as a Loren creation but show creator Matt Groenig kept the pot bubbling by suggesting that Jackson had secretly been the songwriter. It was funny at first--Groenig being a funny guy and all--but he maintained the rumor for decades afterward. Loren, an established songwriter for performers such as Whitney Houston, got tired of it.
"The story of the song and its creation has been a thorn in my side since I did it," he said. "But, despite Matt Groening's repeated confessions, I am the sole writer of the song."
There's good news however, for those of you disappointed: Jackson certainly had a hand in creating the song, nonetheless. He sang backup vocals on the track and Loren claims that the pop star insisted he be cross-referenced in the lyrics. The title "Do The Bartman" was actually Jackson's title idea as well. Kind of makes us wonder, if all of that doesn't get you at least a sliver of songwriting credit, what does?
The primary performer, of course, is Nancy Cartwright, who's been voicing Bart for the entirety of the show's run.
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