Songfacts®:

• This was the first release of a new Michael Jackson song following his death. It is the radio single from a two-disc album of music inspired by the Michael Jackson's This Is It movie, which chronicles the King of Pop's final days rehearsing for his comeback concerts in London's O2 arena before his passing. The song was only released to radio, and wasn’t made available to buy or download as a single release.
• The song features backing vocals by Michael's brothers, the Jacksons.
• John McClain, co-producer of the album said: "This song only defines, once again, what the world already knows - that Michael is one of God's greatest gifts."
• This string-backed ballad was reportedly written by Jackson in 1983 under the title of "I Never Heard." It was co-written by former '50s teen idol Paul Anka, whose 1957 chart-topper "Diana" was one of the biggest hits of the decade. The tale of unrequited love was intended for inclusion on Anka's duets album Walk a Fine Line, but the pair fell out, and Jackson took the master tapes before Anka got them back. The ballad was eventually recorded in 1991 by Latin freestyle and R&B singer Safire, ("Thinking of You"), however her version has partially different lyrics. When Anka was not contacted about the release of the Jackson single, which originally credited the Billie Jean singer as the sole songwriter, he threatened to sue. However, the situation was quickly resolved, with the administrators of Jackson's estate acknowledging Anka's work and agreeing to give him a 50 percent publishing cut.
• A spokesman for Jackson's estate said: "The song was picked because the lyrics were appropriate because of the name Michael gave his tour. We are thrilled to present this song in Michael's voice for the first time."
• Jackson's original recording was found in a box of tapes with only his voice and a piano accompaniment. A full arrangement including strings, newly recorded backing vocals from Jackson's brothers and finger-click percussion were added by McClain for the 2009 version.
• A producer named Michael Jonzun filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court, claiming he helped remake "I Never Heard" into this song. According to the suit, filed in October 2012, Jonzun owns one-third of the tune and is owed at least $24 Million for his work so he's suing.
  
  Paul Anka responded by telling TMZ that until he was given details of the suit, he had never even heard the name Michael Jonzun before. Therefore any claims Jonzun owns a portion of "This Is It" are "BS."
• The video was directed by movie director Spike Lee, who had previously worked with Jackson on his clip for "They Don't Care About Us."