The Jackson Five were an American popular music family group from Gary, Indiana. Founding group members Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael formed the group after performing in an early incarnation called the The Jackson Brothers. They originally consisted of a trio of the three older brothers. Active from 1964 to 1989, the Jacksons played from a repertoire of R&B, soul and pop. During their six and half year Motown tenure, The Jacksons Five were one of the biggest pop music phenomena of the 1970’s and the band served as the launching pad for the solo careers of their lead singers Jermaine and Michael, the latter brother later transforming his early Motown solo fame into greater success as an adult artist.
The Jackson Five were the first act in recording history to have their first four major label singles, “I Want You Back”, “ABC”, “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There”, reach the top of the American charts. Other Jackson Five songs, “Never Can Say Goodbye” and “Dancing Machine” were top five pop hits and number-one hits on the R&B singles chart. Most of the Jakson Five early hits were written and produced by a specialized songwriting team known as the “The Corporation” which included Jackson Five ABC lyrics. The Jackson Five Christmas album was also recorded during this time.
Since the passing of Michael Jackson in June 2009, Jackson Five ringtones sales along with other Jackson Five memorabilia have skyrocketed. You can purchase most of their ringtones via your cell phone company or online. In 1975, Joseph Jackson negotiated a new recording contract with CBS Records, who offered a royalty rate of 20% per record, compared to Motown’s standard 2.8% and would allow the Jackson brothers to write and produce their own records and play their own instruments. After unsuccessfully attempting to talk the group into staying on the label, Motown sued for breach of contract. Although Motown eventually let the group go, The Jackson Five were forced to change their name to The Jacksons, because Motown retained the ‘Jackson Five’ trademark during the settlement of the lawsuit. It was previously known as the Samuel Jackson Five.
There are not many Jackson Five video available, but a thorough look through www.YouTube.com will show older footage from the early 1970’s. Motown may consider re-licensing dozens of Jackson 5-related juvenile products, including the now famous J5 Heart logo which appears on Johnny Jacksons drum kit and many of The Jackson 5's album covers, stickers, sewable patches and posters since the passing of Michael Jackson. Check out your favorite website for Jackson Five and Michael Jackson memorabilia.
