Jackson 5

About Jackson 5

Joseph Jackson formed the group in 1964 around his three eldest sons Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine, who taught themselves guitar by borrowing their father's instrument without permission. When Joe discovered this, he recognized their talent and began managing the act. Younger brothers Marlon and Michael joined in 1966, with Michael quickly taking over as lead vocalist by mid-1967. The family worked the chitlin circuit throughout Indiana and the midwest, winning local competitions and gradually building a following that caught the attention of Motown Records.

After signing to Motown in 1969, the Jackson 5 became one of the most significant acts of the 1970s. Their first four singles for the label, I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, and I'll Be There, all reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, an unprecedented achievement. The Corporation and later producer Hal Davis crafted most of their early hits, with follow-up singles like Mama's Pearl, Never Can Say Goodbye, and Dancing Machine achieving Top 5 status and R&B chart success. The group's combination of tight harmonies, funky arrangements, and Michael's distinctive vocals made them influential across soul, funk, and disco audiences.

When the Jackson 5 left Motown for CBS Records in 1975, they rebranded as The Jacksons and took creative control of their songwriting and production. Jermaine departed to remain at Motown while Randy joined the lineup. This period brought hits like Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) and State of Shock, plus a highly successful 1984 Victory tour. The group officially disbanded in 1990 after nearly three decades as a working unit. The Groove Hunter currently tracks 7 editions of Jackson 5 and Jacksons releases, including ABC in clear vinyl, the Quadraphonic Mix of Greatest Hits, Christmas Album, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, and the original ABC pressing.