Singer Ola Ray released the song “Remember” on Friday as a tribute to Michael Jackson . Ray, who starred in Jackson’s “Thriller” video, wrote, directed, and produced the six-minute short.
In the original “Thriller” video, Jackson appears watching a movie at a theater with his girlfriend, Ola Ray. A character also played by Jackson turns into a werewolf in the movie, chasing down the girlfriend, also played by Ray.
The singer explained that the new track was created to honor Jackson and commemorate the time they spent together working on “Thriller.” Ola Ray released a statement, saying:
“This project has been a year in the making. I am very happy to have finished it in time for Michael Jackson’s fourth year anniversary passing. I hope everyone will enjoy.”
While Ola Ray gained fame for her part in “Thriller,” the singer and dancer began her career in Tokyo in the late 1970s . She formed a dancing troupe with her twin brothers and sister. While the group landed a CBS Records deal, Ray was able to secure modeling jobs in Japan.
Ola Ray became “ Playmate of the Month ” when she returned to the United States. Then came the “Thriller” video in 1982. While Ray wore a 50s ensemble during her video with Michael Jackson, the singer and dancer wore several racy outfits during “Remember.”
Those outfits included a see-through white number, along with a low-cut leotard and black skinny pants. The “Remember” video shows a dream sequence involving Ola Ray’s memories of filming the historic video with Jackson. The singer dreams that she goes to a theater that ends up being her remake of “Thriller.”
While the dancing is arguably not as good as “Thriller,” Ola Ray and students from Sheldon High School in Elk Grove in Sacramento, California, gave it their best shot. Meanwhile, Ray sings, “Oh, I wish you were here tonight. ‘Cause in my mind I see you. In my dreams I miss you.”
What do you think of Ola Ray’s tribute to the late Michael Jackson?
