The Jackson 5 or Jackson Five….later known as The Jacksons is an American popular music family group from Gary, Indiana. Formed in 1964 under the name the Jackson Brothers….the founding members were Jackie, Tito and Jermaine. Marlon and Michael would later join….and the band’s name would be changed to The Jackson 5. After participating in talent shows and the chitlin’ circuit….they entered the professional music scene in 1967 as The Jackson Five….signing with Steeltown Records and releasing two singles….and in 1969 they left Steeltown Records in order to sign with Motown.
The Jackson 5 is one of the first groups of black American performers to attain a crossover following….preceded by the Supremes, the Four Tops and the Temptations. Scoring 17 top forty singles on the Hot 100, after continuing with further hits such as “Never Can Say Goodbye” and “Dancing Machine”….most of the group with the exception of Jermaine….left Motown for Epic Records in 1975….where, with brother Randy taking Jermaine’s place….they released five albums between 1976 and 198….including the hit albums Destiny (1978) and Triumph (1980)….along with hit singles, “Enjoy Yourself”, “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “Can You Feel It.” In 1983, Jermaine reunited with the band to perform on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever….and subsequently released the Victory album the following year. After the end of their tour to promote the album….Michael Jackson and Marlon Jackson promptly left the group. The remaining four released the poorly received 2300 Jackson Street album in 1989 before being dropped from their label. Inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999, the Jacksons reunited in 2001 on Michael’s 30th anniversary television special. Following the death of Michael Jackson in 2009, the four eldest of the brothers embarked on their Unity Tour in 2012. This video provides the moment when the Jackson 5 reunited to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Motown.
