The Jackson 5 were an American pop band composed of members of the Jackson family….as the group was founded in 1965 in Gary, Indiana by brothers Jackie, Tito and Jermaine….with younger brothers Marlon and Michael joining soon after. They were among the first black American performers to attain a crossover following….while being preceded by Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, the Supremes, the Four Tops and the Temptations.
The Jackson 5 performed in talent shows and clubs on the Chitlin’ Circuit….then signed with Steeltown Records in 1967…..where they released two singles….then in 1968, they left Steeltown Records and signed with Motown….where they were first group to debut with four consecutive # 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 with the songs “I Want You Back”, “ABC”, “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There”….and ImaSportsphile has two of those seen in the Jackson 5 performance herewith. They also achieved 16 top-40 singles on the chart. The group left Motown for Epic Records in early 1976….with the exception of Jermaine….who was replaced by Randy. At Epic, they released four studio albums and one live album between 1976 and 1981….which included the successful albums Destiny in 1978 and Triumph in 1980….along with the 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 the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever TV special….and they released their Victory album the following year….which was followed by an extensive tour that also featured songs from Michael’s solo albums. After the Victory tour, Michael and Randy Jackson left the group. The remaining four released the poorly received 2300 Jackson Street album in 1989 before being dropped from their label. In 2001, the Jackson 5 reunited on Michael’s 30th Anniversary Celebration TV special…..while the four eldest of the brothers embarked on their Unity Tour in 2012 following Michael’s death.
The Jackson 5 have sold more than 100 million records worldwide….which makes them one of the best-selling bands of all time. In 1980 the brothers were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as the Jacksons. They were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997….and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. Two of the band’s recordings….“ABC” and “I Want You Back” are among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll ….and, alongside “I’ll Be There”….were also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
