The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5
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Name	The Jackson 5
Caption	The Jackson 5 in 1972 (left to right): Tito, Marlon, Jackie, Michael, and Jermaine.
Origin	Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Genre	Soul, R&B, pop, funk
Years active	1964–1990
Label	Steeltown, Motown, Epic
Associated acts	The Jacksons
Past members	Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Randy Jackson

The Jackson 5 were an American pop and soul group that became one of the most significant musical acts of the 1970s. Formed in Gary, Indiana in 1964, the group consisted of brothers Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, and Michael Jackson. Discovered by Motown founder Berry Gordy, they achieved unprecedented success with a string of chart-topping singles that showcased their youthful energy and polished harmonies, launching the legendary solo career of Michael Jackson.

History

The group was assembled and rigorously rehearsed by their father, Joe Jackson, performing locally in the Midwestern United States before winning a major talent show at The Regal Theater in Chicago. Their early recordings for the small Steeltown Records label attracted the attention of Motown artists like Gladys Knight and Bobby Taylor, leading to an audition for Berry Gordy. Signed to Motown in 1968, they were relocated to Los Angeles and introduced to the public with a legendary performance at the Daisy nightclub in Beverly Hills. Their first four singles for Motown—"I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There"—all reached number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, a record for a new act. The group starred in their own animated television series and a popular variety show on CBS, solidifying their status as a cultural phenomenon. In 1975, seeking more creative control, most of the brothers left Motown for Epic Records, where they were renamed The Jacksons; Jermaine Jackson remained at Motown and was replaced by younger brother Randy Jackson. The group continued recording and touring successfully through the 1980s before becoming inactive.

Members

The core members throughout the group's peak popularity were the five eldest brothers: Jackie Jackson (born 1951), Tito Jackson (born 1953), Jermaine Jackson (born 1954), Marlon Jackson (born 1957), and Michael Jackson (born 1958). Each member played a role, with Tito Jackson on lead guitar, Jermaine Jackson on bass, and Michael Jackson emerging as the charismatic pre-teen lead vocalist and frontman. Following the group's move to Epic Records in 1975, Jermaine Jackson departed and was replaced by the youngest brother, Randy Jackson (born 1961), who contributed keyboards and percussion. Their father, Joe Jackson, served as their manager during their formative years and early success.

Musical style and influences

Their early Motown sound was a polished, upbeat blend of bubblegum pop and soul, characterized by tight vocal harmonies, driving funk-inspired basslines, and the distinctive youthful lead of Michael Jackson. Key production and songwriting came from the corporation known as "The Corporation", a team that included Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Deke Richards, and Fonce Mizell. Their music was heavily influenced by contemporary Motown acts like The Temptations, The Supremes, and Smokey Robinson, as well as rock and roll pioneers such as Little Richard and James Brown. After moving to Epic Records, their sound evolved under the guidance of producers like Gamble and Huff and the brothers themselves, incorporating more disco, funk, and synthesizer-driven R&B.

Discography

The group's prolific output began with the 1969 album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, named for their mentor Diana Ross. Major studio albums for Motown include ABC (1970), Third Album (1970), and Maybe Tomorrow (1971). Their chart-topping singles defined the era, including "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", "I'll Be There", and "Mama's Pearl". After 1975, as The Jacksons, they released successful albums on Epic Records such as The Jacksons (1976), Goin' Places (1977), and the Michael Jackson-penned breakthrough Destiny (1978), which featured the hit "Blame It on the Boogie". Their final studio album was 2300 Jackson Street (1989).

Legacy and impact

The group is widely credited with revolutionizing the image and commercial potential of the teenage pop group, paving the way for later acts like New Edition and the boy band phenomenon of the 1990s. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. Their success on Motown was a vital financial and cultural lifeline for the label during a transitional period. Most significantly, the group served as the launching pad for Michael Jackson, who became the "King of Pop" and one of the best-selling artists in history. The group's music remains a staple of oldies radio and has been sampled extensively in hip hop by artists including The Notorious B.I.G. and Daft Punk. Their story has been dramatized in productions like the 1992 television miniseries and the Broadway musical Motown: The Musical.

Category:American pop music groups Category:American soul musical groups Category:Motown artists