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The Jackson 5

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Jackson 5 was a family group from Gary, Indiana, started in 1964 by father Joe Jackson with his sons Jackie, Tito and Jermaine. Soon afterwards Marlon and the five-year-old Michael joined as well. The brothers won talent contests in Gary and Chicago and in 1967 also at the Apollo Theater in New York. After a first record deal with the small Steeltown Records, singer Bobby Taylor arranged an audition at Motown in 1968, and Berry Gordy signed the group. Michael soon became the lead singer.

Music and breakthrough

Gordy sent the brothers to Hollywood and set up a special songwriting and production team, The Corporation. Their first Motown single, I Want You Back, was released in October 1969 and reached number 1 in America in January 1970. ABC, The Love You Save and I'll Be There followed: the first four singles all reached number one. The debut album was called Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5. In 1975 the group left Motown for Epic, where they continued as The Jacksons, with Randy in place of Jermaine.

Influence

The Jackson 5 made cheerful, danceable soul and pop for a young audience, with Michael's clear boyish voice out in front and the harmonies of his brothers behind it. They were among the first black artists with a large audience across several genres. Motown sold posters, stickers and even a cartoon series: in effect this was one of the first boy bands. Michael later grew into one of the biggest solo stars in pop history.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to I Want You Back and notice the piano glissando at the start and the nimble bass line that drives the whole song. Hear how the brothers answer Michael's lead vocal with short responses.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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See also

Categories: ArtistsMotown