THE HIGH 5

Who isn’t familiar with Michael Jackson and his legendary voice?
What not many know is that what launched his music career was a music group. Michael Jackson was part of The Jackson 5 (also spelled The Jackson Five or The Jackson 5ive, abbreviated as J5, and later known simply as The Jacksons).
People say-Don’t get family in business, but in that case it was a huge success.

The Jackson Five was created in 1964 and their music still remains popular.

It doesn’t take much time to get hooked to the Jackson Five. You just need to start with-“I’ll be There,” “I Want You Be Back,” and “Blame It on the Boogie” for a tiny sample to know what I’m talking about, then become enthralled by their music and end up listening all their albums.

What’s their secret?

To be honest, I don’t know exactly the answer to this, but I’m going to share with you my opinion.

1969-
Their first TV appearance-on Miss Black American Pageant performing ‘It’s Your Thing’. You could see in the video how Michael has the audience. Since a very young age Michael was a performer with his own kind of magic. Maybe Michael’s charm is one of the main reasons they became and have remained so popular. Since Michael is the one who became the biggest star as a solo singer, I would consider it as one aspect for their relevance these days.

I believe another aspect that keeps the Jacksons in the headlines nearly as much as their music does, is their drama that comes along with them.
Love affairs, jealousy between the siblings and abuse by their father (belt whipping to discipline) or an arrest of one of the brother’s wife for domestic abuse are just some of the drama they had in life. The press is always there to make sure we all know about it, keeping them relevant and in the spotlight.

Let’s put the drama aside (I know it’s hard to do so) and keep going with their timeline.
Later on that year (1969) they have one of their iconic performances on Ed Sullivan Show on December 14.
They hit the Sullivan stage to perform “Who’s Loving You” and “I Want You Back,” along with a cover version of Sly and the Family Stone’s “Stand!”  The group, led by Michael Jackson’s one-of-a-kind vocals and charismatic presence, delivers a captivating performance that evening which helps them gain national exposure.

1970 is a year of firsts for the Jacksons starting with their
first concert as Motown artists and also appearing on their first album cover on Soul Magazine, starting their first national tour and become the first group to have four consecutive #1 hits!
Let me tell you, it is just the beginning of their worldwide success.

1971-

When their career just starts taking off, being at the top with their own cartoons, merchandise line including stickers, coloring books and posters, the Jacksons decide to leave California and go back home to Gary Indiana. On the same time Michael starts his own solo career, releasing his first single “Got To Be There”.

1972-

The Jacksons perform for the queen! They also break the attendance record set by The Beatles at the Liverpool Empire Theater.

1973-

Their world tour continues with concerts in Japan and Australia, making them the first black music group to ever perform in Australia nationally.
The Jackson 5 appeared on almost all covers of Right On! magazine.

1974-

The Jacksons open a Vegas show with their sisters joining- LaToya Randy and Janet, a big milestone in their music career.

1976-

The Jacksons sign a new contract with Epic Records and change the group’s name from The Jackson Five to the Jacksons since Motown (their former record label) had the rights of the original name. They start their own ABC series called The Jackson’s and continue releasing new songs.

1979-
The Jacksons release their album Destiny that goes platinum, meaning they sold a minimum of 1 MILLION copies!
They also get a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame!

The 80′-
In the beginning of the 80′ The Jacksons release their album-Triumph that goes gold and platinum. At the end of that decade they release their very last album-2300 Jackson St. Their contract with Epic Records is fulfilled and is not renewed.

 The 90′ keep the group busy raising their own families.
Even though they are not making new music anymore, they still remain in the spotlight; having a book released by their mother Katherine about the family and also having a mini TV series about their lives- “The Jacksons-An American Dream”, making it the most watched mini-series in the last 3 years before its release. It seems like the family is always in the center of the media.

The OO’-THEY ARE BACK ON STAGE AGAIN!
The Millennium is treating the group pretty well in the beginning. Starting with a performance at Michael’s 30′ anniversary special. They are also named as Music Icons by the The BMI Urban Awards. Unfortunately, the decade ends with a bitter taste with the passing of the King Of Pop-Michael.

Michael’s death is an end of an era.
I believe losing the pillar of the music industry and especially their music made the entire world want to know more about the icon Michael was and get to know him more. It’s amazing how Michael was a legend before and keeps being one even after his death. ONCE A LEGEND ALWAYS A LEGEND.

In 2010-
“The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty” a TV series starring members of The Jacksons airs on A&E (minus Michael and Randy).
Maybe it was another way of the family to try and stay relevant.

In 2012- the Jacksons go on The Unity Tour, their first concert tour in the united states in 3 decades! The brothers go on tour without Michael who passed away in 2009 as mentioned before and younger brother Randy who has his own record label and is focused on his own career.

As you may have noticed I see Michael Jackson as one of the main reasons for their success. I believe his contribution to their music career and popularity was tremendous. Michael was the one in the center of attention and he changed the entire music industry with him being a pioneer in that field with his outstanding talent in singing and dancing.