Post by Motorcity on Jul 21, 2004 11:08:32 GMT -5
Jackie (Sigmund), Tito (Toriano), Jermaine, Marlon and Michael were first introduced to music through both parents and especially their father, Joe Jackson.
The boys grew up in Gary, Indiana and began practicing their vocals, their moves, and their instruments. Johnny Jackson and Ronnie Rancifer also became members of the group in 1962, prior to Marlon and Michael joining the group when they became of age. Originally, the group was known as Ripples & Waves Plus Michael, later as the Jackson Brothers, and finally the Jackson 5. They began performing in area spots and later progressed to travelling further distances to perform.
They also entered many talent contests. In 1966, the group won a rather important talent contest, performing the Temptations' smash hit, "My Girl". Following that accomplishment, the boys began getting paid engagements. The following year, the group performed at the renowned Apollo Theater's Amateur Night competition and won! Motown recording artist, Gladys Knight saw the performance, congratulated the boys and most likely was the first to mention the group to Motown. Later the same year, the boys recorded and released, "Big Boy" for the Steeltown label in Gary, to local success. In 1968, the boys were performing in Chicago, were noticed and well received by another Motown recording artist, Bobby Taylor, of Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers. Bobby Taylor then insisted on taking them to Detroit to audition for Motwn.
Following the audition, Bery Gordy apparently liked what he saw; he signed them and brought them to Los Angeles to become the next big stars! Gordy promised three number one singles to the group. He also formed a new writing team; himself, Freddie Perren, Alphonso Mizzell, and Deke Richards, better known as The Corporation.
In December, 1969, the J5 opened for newly solo Diana Ross and early the following year, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 was released, with the first of four number ones and the certified platinum, "I Want You Back"; a tune originally offered to Gladys Knight and The Pips AND originally recorded and vaulted on David Ruffin's recently released, David.
The group continued with number ones "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There". "Mama's Pearl" and "Never Can Say Goodbye" were both number twos in 1972.
In the meantime, Jacksonmania was in full swing; there were dolls and a cartoon. Michael and Jermaine would both become solo artists in conjuction with their membership in the Jackson 5. Michael's solo recordings included the smash hits "Got To Be There", "Rockin' Robin", and "Ben"; Jermaine's hit was "Daddy's Home".
In 1974, J5 had it's last major hit with the label in "Dancing Machine", which launched the dance the Robot and was an homage to the disco craze of the time. The group was continuing to grow restless with the "bubble gum" tunes and was seeking more artistic independence. By 1976, the group had signed with Epic Records. Motown retained the rights to the name Jackson 5, Jermaine remained with the company, and Randy (Stephen Randall) Jackson; the youngest of the Jackson boys, had been touring and playing instruments for the group for quite sometime; filled the spot left vacant by his older brother. Jermaine later had a successful tune in "Let's Get Serious", a collaboration with Stevie Wonder. The newly christened Jacksons recorded successfully at their new label; Michael broke out as a superstar; and Jermaine rejoined the group in 1984, for the blockbuster Victory album and tour. Marlon and Michael took leave from the group and Jackie, Tito, and Randy appeared on the Burglar soundtrack as the Jacksons.
The group that brought youth and excitement to the end of the classic era of Motown is still one of the biggest selling groups in history, selling over 100 million records! An accomplishment only one other group has surpassed!
Hallelujah day..........just a couple of toons not mentioned above.
This was a true example of a family from humble beginnings who came up together and experience fame together. They were/are the symbols of black pride no matter what the media tries to say about either one of them, Michael included.
