UNDATED (AP) – It’s still memorable enough to get people to the dance floor – and has spawned any number of imitations. But many music fans might forget that the title track to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” wasn’t the first single released from the album, which was released 30 years ago today. In fact, it was the final single from the project. The first was “The Girl Is Mine,” a duet Jackson did with Paul McCartney. It wasn’t as well received as later hits like “Billie Jean,” “Human Nature,” “Beat It” and “Wanna Be Starting Something.” Quincy Jones produced “Thriller” and says he gave Jackson a nickname while they worked on the project: “smelly.” The story went that it was because Jackson would go for several straight days in the studio without bathing. But Jones says he gave Jackson the nickname because the singer would use “smelly” as a substitute for funky – because he thought funky sounded too much like profanity.

NEW YORK (AP) – This New Year’s Eve show on ABC will be more than a look back at the past 12 months. It will also feature a look back at the life of Dick Clark, the man who hosted the event for 40 years. Clark died in April at age 82. During the December 31 show, there will be a two-hour tribute to Clark before the countdown to 2013 begins. Ryan Seacrest will host the countdown to midnight from Times Square, with Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepsen, Flo Rida and Pitbull among those performing.

WASHINGTON (AP) – Paul McCartney acknowledges drugs played a big part in the making of “Sgt. Pepper,” but he says it never was anything hardcore. He made those remarks to interviewer Joe Smith, who has donated audio of dozens of musician interviews to the Library of Congress, which has put them online for anyone to hear. In another interview, Mick Jagger says he believes the Rolling Stones’ bad-boy image is what led to Keith Richards becoming a junkie and Brian Jones “cracking up completely.” Bo Diddley says Elvis Presley made a lot of money by copying him and Jackie Wilson, and he takes his hat off to Presley for doing that.

CLEVELAND (AP) – Rock fans have long complained about who has been overlooked for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They’re coming out in force to push Rush for induction. This year, the Rock Hall is letting fans vote on who should be inducted, and those votes will be considered in deciding the inductees. Rush leads the fan poll with 24.3 percent of the vote. Deep Purple is second with 17.1 percent, and Heart is third with 12.4 percent. You can make your choices at www.RockHall.com. Voting ends Monday.

NEW YORK (AP) – Paul McCartney returns for his fourth stint as musical guest on the “Saturday Night Live” Christmas show on December 15. Martin Short will host. On December 8, Ne-Yo will be the musical guest, as Jamie Foxx hosts.