The Jackson 5 <div hidden>The Jackson Five The Jacksons</div>
The Jackson 5, one of the most iconic family bands in music history, formed in Gary, Indiana, in the mid-1960s under the strict guidance of their father, Joe Jackson. Composed of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and the young Michael Jackson as lead vocalist, they rose from local talent shows to global stardom with Motown Records.
The group started when Joe Jackson noticed his sons' musical talent around 1964, initially with Jackie (born 1951), Tito (born 1953), and Jermaine (born 1954) playing instruments like guitar and bass. Marlon (born 1957) and five-year-old Michael (born 1958) soon joined, adding tambourine, congas, and dynamic vocals; they performed under names like the Jackson Brothers before settling on Jackson 5. Early wins included a 1966 local contest covering "My Girl" and a 1967 Apollo Theater victory that drew Gladys Knight's attention.
Signed to Motown in 1968 through Bobby Taylor and Berry Gordy, the group moved to California and debuted "I Want You Back" in October 1969, which hit number one. They followed with consecutive chart-toppers "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There" in 1970, blending bubblegum pop, soul, and precise choreography that captivated audiences. Their youthful energy and Afros made them trailblazers as one of the first major African American boy bands.
Motown tensions led most brothers (except Jermaine, who stayed) to leave for Epic Records in 1976, renaming to the Jacksons and adding brother Randy (born 1962). They released albums like G.I.T. and toured successfully, including the 1984 Victory Tour overshadowed by injuries and conflicts; Michael and later Marlon departed for solo paths. By then, they had sold over 100 million records worldwide.
The Jackson 5's influence endures through hits, inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1997 as Jackson 5, 1997 as the Jacksons), and family dynamics marked by Joe's management and Katherine Jackson's support. Reunions occurred sporadically, like 2001's Michael tribute, but ended with Tito's death in 2024; they remain a cornerstone of pop-soul history.
ABC
Written-By – The Corporation™
2:42
A2 One More Chance
Written-By – The Corporation™
2:56
A3 ABC
Written-By – The Corporation™
2:38
A4 2-4-6-8
Written-By – L. Ware, P. Sawyer
2:48
A5 (Come Round Here) I'm The One You Need
Written-By – Holland/Dozier/Holland
2:40
A6 Don't Know Why I Love You
Written-By – D. Hunter, L. Hardaway, P. Riser, S. Wonder
3:15
B1 Never Had A Dream Come True
Written-By – H. Cosby, S. Wonder, S. Moy
2:52
B2 True Love Can Be Beautiful
Written-By – B. Taylor, J. Jackson
3:07
B3 La-La Means I Love You
Written-By – T. Bell, W. Hart
3:01
B4 I'll Bet You
Written-By – T. Clinton, S. Barnes, P. Lindsey
3:17
B5 I Found That Girl
Written-By – The Corporation™
2:42
B6 The Young Folks
Written-By – A. Story, H. Gordy 2:58
Label: Motown – MS-709
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Pop Soul, Motown
ABC is the second studio album by The Jackson 5, released by Motown on May 8, 1970. It is considered a definitive work of the group's early "bubblegum soul" sound and cemented their status as international superstars.
The album peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Pop Albums Chart and topped the Billboard Black Albums chart.
It features two of the group's signature songs and consecutive number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100: "ABC" and "The Love You Save". Both singles famously unseated The Beatles' "Let It Be" from the top spot.
The album perfectly captures the raw and fresh talent of the young group, especially the then 11-year-old lead vocalist Michael Jackson, whose charismatic and soulful performance belied his age.
Much of the album was produced by the Motown songwriting and production team known as "The Corporation" (Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell, and Deke Richards), who crafted an infectious blend of funk, R&B, and pop.
ABC remains one of The Jackson 5's most popular and enduring efforts, highly regarded for its upbeat energy and timeless appeal. The title track was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016.
Reviewers at the BBC and Apple Music praise the album for its "beautiful bubblegum soul" and the "happy frenzy of handclaps, stride piano and popcorn rhythms" that showcase the group's vitality and Michael's burgeoning talent.