Early Years as The Jackson 5 (1964–1975)

The Jacksons, originally known as The Jackson 5, were one of the most successful and influential family musical groups in history. The group was formed in Gary, Indiana, in the early 1960s by Joseph (Joe) Jackson, the father of the five brothers who made up the original lineup:

• Jackie Jackson (born May 4, 1951)

• Tito Jackson (born October 15, 1953 - died September 15, 2024)

• Jermaine Jackson (born December 11, 1954)

• Marlon Jackson (born March 12, 1957)

• Michael Jackson (born August 29, 1958 – died June 25, 2009)
   

Initially, their older brother, Rebbie Jackson, and younger siblings Randy, Janet, and La Toya were not part of the group, though Randy later joined, and Janet went on to a hugely successful solo career.

Joe Jackson, a strict and ambitious father, recognized his children's musical potential and pushed them toward a career in entertainment. The brothers first performed at local talent shows and clubs, quickly gaining recognition for their energetic performances and tight harmonies. By 1967, they won a major talent competition at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, which helped them secure professional gigs.

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Signing with Motown (1968–1975)

In 1968, Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, signed The Jackson 5 after being impressed by their talent. He moved them to Los Angeles, where they began working with Motown’s top producers, including The Corporation (Freddie Perren, Deke Richards, Fonce Mizell, and Berry Gordy himself). Their first major single, “I Want You Back”, was released in 1969 and became an instant hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Following this, they had a string of hit singles, including:

• “ABC” (1970)

• “The Love You Save” (1970)

• “I’ll Be There” (1970)

• “Mama’s Pearl” (1971)

• “Never Can Say Goodbye” (1971)

• “Dancing Machine” (1974)
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The Jackson 5 became Motown’s biggest act and were marketed as a teenage pop sensation, rivaling even The Beatles. Their music blended R&B, soul, funk, and pop, and Michael Jackson, as the lead singer, quickly became the focal point of the group due to his extraordinary voice and stage presence.

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By the mid-1970s, tensions grew between the group and Motown. The brothers wanted more creative control, and Michael, in particular, was being groomed for a solo career. This led to a major change in 1975.

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Transition to The Jacksons and Departure from Motown (1976–1981)

In 1975, the group left Motown and signed with Epic Records. However, Motown owned the name “The Jackson 5,” so the group rebranded as The Jacksons. Jermaine, who was married to Berry Gordy’s daughter, remained with Motown, and their youngest brother, Randy Jackson, replaced him in the new lineup.

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As The Jacksons, the group took more creative control, writing and producing their own music. Their first two albums with Epic, “The Jacksons” (1976) and “Goin’ Places” (1977), contained moderate hits but were not as commercially successful as their Motown years.

Their real breakthrough under Epic came in 1978 with “Destiny”, which featured:

• “Blame It on the Boogie”

• “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)”​

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