Michael Jackson’s Loving Tribute to his Pet Rat

Animals played an important role in Michael Jackson’s life, abruptly cut short yesterday. One of Jackson’s earliest hits, and a personal favorite song of his, was “Ben,” a loving tribute to a pet rat. Jackson was just 14 years old when he recorded the song, becoming the youngest ever performer at the time to top the U.S. charts while still being a member of a group, The Jacksons.

“Ben” was written for a 1972 film of the same name. A young boy befriends Ben the rat in the movie, which was echoed in Jackson’s own life since he owned a rat as well.

From Discovery News, June 26