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Jackie, Marlon, Tito, Jermaine and Michael!
Yes, that is the name of the super group that
dominated the charts back in the early 70's, and
also
where the Michael Jackson of today got his feet
wet... so, journey back to the J5 area, c'mon, it's
easy as "ABC"!
The Early Years: The Jackson 5 became
a
teen sensation after their first hit in 1969, titled
"I Want You Back". The boys, however, where
no
overnight success. By the time they reached the
wonderful wizard of Tamala Motown records, Berry
Gordy, the boys played gig's at strip joints,
theaters, and everywhere in between. The lead
singer,
little Mike, was only 5 when he took the lead,
out-doing older bother Jermaine. With his powerful
falsetto and James Brown style moves, he led the
group to all that lie ahead. Each member, however,
where talented in their own right: Tito played a
mean
bass, Jermaine was a skillful guitar player and had
a
smooth voice, while Marlon and Jackie were good
dancers. The perfect combination, and in 1968, the
J5
were signed to Motown.
They Were There: From 1969 to 1971,
the
Jackson 5 became national stars. "I Want You
Back" was followed by three other #1 smash hits,
all
written by The Corperation, except the fourth
hit;"ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll
Be There". A massive tour began in 1970, and you
couldnt find a teen magazine that didnt have their
likeness on the cover. This was the first wave of
Jacksonmania and Michaelmania soon followed.
Michaelmania: Michael Jackson's first
solo album was released in 1972, titled ,Got To
Be
There. With hits like "Rockin Robin", "Got To
Be There", and "Ain't No Sunshine", Mike
became a superstar in his own right. Later that
year,
Ben, his second solo effort hit stores. The
powerful title track became the young stars' first
solo number 1.
The Later YearsAs the years rolled on,
the J5 cooled off considerably. By 1973, they seemed
to be a thing of the past, or as Michael later put
it, an "oldies act". But with "Dancin'
Machine, the group got back into the mainstream,
which was now dominated by disco. But that was the
groups last major hit under Motown records, and in
1975, they wanted out. Berry Gordy didn't want to
let the group go easily, and a messy lawsuit
followed. But in 1976, the Jackson 5 became the
Jacksons, minus Jermaine and plus Randy at Epic
records, where a whole new history was written for
the Jackson clan.
Although the Jackson 5 no loger exists (except
rumors of a new album), the songs will always be
there. The music, with little Michael Jackson
singing his heart out, never left us, and never
will.
"Just call my name, and I'll be
there...."
