Imagine contributing to the most iconic song in music history and walking away with barely a fraction of its monumental success. That’s exactly what happened to Vincent Price, the legendary voice behind the chilling spoken-word segment of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. While Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time, with over 70 million copies sold, Price’s role in its enduring legacy earned him a mere $20,000 flat fee—and no residuals. But here’s where it gets controversial: was Price unfairly shortchanged, or did he simply agree to a deal he later regretted? Let’s dive into the story that’s equal parts fascinating and frustrating.
Vincent Price’s haunting narration in Thriller is unforgettable, yet his compensation for the track was anything but thrilling. According to director John Landis, Price reached out a year after the album’s release, expressing his disappointment: ‘The kid made the most successful record of all time, and I made less than $1,000… Michael won’t take my calls… I’m very upset about it.’ Price even appeared on the British series Aspel & Company, where he shared a gift Jackson sent him—a life-sized framed picture of the pop star, complete with platinum and gold records, inscribed with a thank-you note. ‘Can you believe that? And I got none of it,’ Price remarked. ‘I’m not bitter, mind you. Just hurt.’
But here’s the twist: Price signed the contract knowing he’d receive a flat fee and no royalties. By legal standards, Jackson did nothing wrong. Still, the moral question lingers: Should Price have been compensated more fairly for his contribution to such a cultural phenomenon? And this is the part most people miss—Price wasn’t exactly struggling financially at the time. Could his comments have been delivered with his signature wry humor, or was there genuine resentment? It’s a debate that sparks differing opinions even today.
Interestingly, Price’s involvement in Thriller came about thanks to Peggy Lipton, wife of producer Quincy Jones, who suggested him for the role. While his financial outcome was less than ideal, his impact on the song remains undeniable. So, here’s the question for you: Did Vincent Price deserve more than what he got, or was the flat fee a fair deal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one controversy that’s still worth discussing decades later.
