The primary members of the group were all the sons of Katherine and Joseph Jackson: Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, and Randy Jackson. Joseph Jackson formed the band in 1964 and served as its manager, with Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and unrelated youths Reynaud Jones and Milton Hite comprising its original lineup. Within a year, Michael and Marlon joined the band, and Michael became lead singer as the group developed a following in the eastern and midwestern United States during the mid-1960s. Signed to the Motown label from 1969 to 1975, and to CBS Records (as "The Jacksons") from 1975 until their disbanding in 1990, the Jackson 5 were one of the most popular groups of the era and became the first recording act 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. Several future singles, among them "Mama's Pearl", "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "Dancing Machine", were Top 5 pop hits and number-one hits on the R&B singles chart. Most of the early hits were written and produced by a specialized songwriting team known as The Corporation™; later Jackson 5 hits were crafted chiefly by Hal Davis.
While not the first act considered a "boy band", The Jackson 5 is one of the earliest examples of the type as it is defined today: five adolescents specifically packaged and marketed by a record label for crossover pop success. Upon their departure from Motown for CBS in 1975, the Jacksons, were forced to change their name and trade Jermaine (who remained at Motown) for Randy. The group took control of their songwriting, production, and image, and their success continued into the 1980s with hits such as "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" and "State of Shock", and a highly successful 1984 Victory tour. The Jacksons officially disbanded in 1990.
History
Early works
The Jacksons were a working-class family from Gary, Indiana. Katherine, being a Jehovah's Witness, raised the children as such, while their father, Joe, was not of that faith. Their father, a steel mill employee who often performed in an R&B band called "The Falcons" with his brother Luther, was a strict disciplinarian. Many of the Jackson children recall being severely beaten by Joe for misbehaving.
The children found an outlet in music, with elder brothers Jackie (born Sigmund Esco Jackson, 1951), Tito (born Toriano Jackson, 1953), and Jermaine (b. 1954) borrowing their father's guitar without his permission and playing along to the radio. Younger brothers Marlon (b. 1957) and Michael (b. 1958) were allowed to watch as long as they did not tell. Joseph eventually discovered that the older three boys were playing his guitar when one of the strings broke[2]. Although he was furious at first, Joseph realized the boys had talent and began making plans to create a musical act for them.
In 1965, Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine began performing around the Gary area with two neighborhood children, Milford Hite (on drums) and Reynaud Jones (on keyboards), in a group called The Jackson Brothers. Joe Jackson served as the manager, at first only part-time, and then eventually quitting his job at the steel mill. Jermaine sang lead and played bass, and Tito played guitar.
In 1966, younger brothers Marlon and Michael, joined the group as its tambourine and bongo players. Already showing talent as a singer and dancer[3], Michael replaced Jermaine as lead vocalist by mid-1967. Shirley Cartman, Tito's junior high orchestra teacher, noticed the group's talents and served as an early mentor to the group, by then calling itself The Jackson Five.
During this period, the boys toured Indiana extensively, and after winning a major local talent show in 1966 with a rendition of The Temptations' "My Girl", led by Michael, they began playing professional gigs in Chicago, Illinois and across the mid-eastern U.S. Many of these gigs were in a string of black clubs and venues collectively known as the "chitlin' circuit", and the young kids sometimes had to open for strip teasers and other adult acts in order to earn money.
Shirley Cartman got the Jackson Five a record deal with Gordon Keith's local Steeltown label, and the group began making their first recordings in 1967. Their first single, "Big Boy", became a regional hit. During this period, Johnny Jackson (no relation) on drums and Ronnie Rancifer on keys replaced Milford Hite and Reynaud Jones.
The Jackson Five had a number of admirers in their early days, including Sam & Dave, who helped the group secure a spot in the famous Amateur Night competition at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. The group won the August 13, 1967 competition during the Amateur Night showdown at the Apollo, impressing Motown Records artist Gladys Knight of The Pips. Knight recommended the group to Motown chief Berry Gordy, but Gordy, who already had teenager Stevie Wonder on his roster, was hesitant to take on another child act because of the child labor laws and other problems involved.
The Jackson Five's sound was influenced by many of the biggest stars of the 1960s, especially including family funk bands Sly & the Family Stone and The Isley Brothers, soul pioneer Marvin Gaye, doo-wop boy band Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, and soul shouters like Wilson Pickett, Jackie Wilson, Stevie Wonder and James Brown [4]. At the time of their early success, soul and funk stars, especially coming from Motown Records, were among the most popular musicians; Motown had launched the careers of dozens of the decade's biggest stars, most notably Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Diana Ross & the Supremes.
Influences
From these sources, The Jackson Five developed many of their vocal arrangement styles and dance movements. The group's multi-lead vocal style was inspired by that of The Family Stone, while young Michael adapted Jackie Wilson and James Brown's impassioned singing and dancing styles into his own.
Joining Motown
By 1968, the Jackson 5 were a headlining act for the All Star Floor Show at Chicago's The Guys' and Gals' Cocktail Lounge and Restaurant. From July 12 - 27, 1968, the Jackson 5 opened for Motown group Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers at Chicago's Regal Theater. Taylor was also very impressed with the boys, and he decided to make the commitment to bring them to Detroit and Motown. Joseph and the Jackson Five stayed on the floor of Bobby Taylor's Detroit apartment the night of July 22, while Taylor and Motown executive Suzanne de Passe arranged for the Jackson Five to audition for the label.
On July 23, the Jackson Five had their Motown audition, for which they performed James Brown’s then current hit "I Got the Feelin’". Berry Gordy was not in attendance, but the audition was videotaped and sent to him in Los Angeles. Gordy's initial reluctance to sign the group disappeared when he finally saw the boys perform. Gordy decided to sign the Jackson Five to Motown, and hosted a party at his Detroit mansion on November 25, 1968 to introduce them to the Motown staff and stars.
Motown began negotiations to buy out the Jackson Five's Steeltown contract, completing the deal in March 1969. By the summer, Bobby Taylor began producing the group's first recordings at Motown's Hitsville U.S.A. recording studio in Detroit. The early Taylor-produced Jackson Five records were all covers of both contemporary hits and Motown-standards, including Sly & the Family Stone's "Stand!" and their famous rendition of The Miracles' "Who's Lovin' You", written by Smokey Robinson.
In mid-August 1969, Gordy moved the Jackson Five and Joseph to California, and he and Suzanne de Passe began the process of grooming them as the label's next big act, while the rest of the family remained in Gary. While looking for a house in California, Joseph, Jermaine, Tito, and Jackie lived with Berry Gordy, while Michael and Marlon lived with Motown star Diana Ross.
Destiny
The Jackson 5 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've taste the city life and it's not for me
Now I do dream of distant places
Where? I don't know now, but it's destiny...
If it's the rich life
I don't want it
Happiness ain't always material things
I want destiny
Give me the simple life
I'm getting away from here
Let me be me
see'mon let me feel free
Now I'm a man that's for all seasons
And what the city offers me ain't naturally
I look to greet the stars but there are no stars to see
I'm gonna search this world until I find my destiny
If its the rich life I don't want it
Happiness ain't always material things...
I want destiny
It's the place for me
Give me the simple life
I'm getting away from here
Let me be me
see'mon let me feel free
Let me be me
I want to get far from here
Or should I up and fly away so fancy free
yeah
Nobody can change my mind
the words of destiny are calling me wild time...
(Music break)
Ah destiny
you and me
so fancy free
Ah destiny
should we fly away
Ah destiny
you and me
so fancy free
Ah-----------------------
destiny
The Jackson 5's song "Destiny" is about searching for purpose and fulfillment, particularly for the singer who feels dissatisfied with the materialistic city life. The opening lines set up the theme of confusion in the world and the singer's disillusionment with city life. He dreams of finding something more meaningful and fulfilling, even though he does not know where that may be. This quest for destiny is more important to him than the wealthy city lifestyle. He wants the simple life and the freedom to be himself, away from the confinements of the city.
The lyrics further suggest that the singer is an individualistic person, who believes that his destiny is not predetermined but something that he must find himself. The line "I'm a man that's for all seasons" suggests that he is adaptable and open to exploring different facets of life. The song's chorus repeats the idea that the singer wants "destiny" and the "simple life." He is willing to search the world to find it, even if he has to do it alone. The bridge of the song expresses a desire to escape and fly away from the present circumstances, emphasizing the singer's impatience to find his purpose.
Overall, "Destiny" represents a timeless message of searching for purpose and fulfillment, even if it means leaving behind wealth and materialism. The singer is a relatable figure for anyone dissatisfied with their circumstances and on a quest to find their place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
In this world there's much confusion
The world is full of chaos and disorder
And I've taste the city life and it's not for me
I have experienced the city lifestyle, and I do not prefer it
Now I do dream of distant places
I now dream of going to faraway lands
Where? I don't know now, but it's destiny...
I am not sure where I am headed, but I believe it is my fate
If it's the rich life
If it is a life of luxury and wealth
I don't want it
I do not desire it
Happiness ain't always material things
Happiness cannot always be achieved through material possessions
I want destiny
I desire to fulfill my destiny
It's the place for me
That is the place where I belong
Give me the simple life
I want a simple and uncomplicated lifestyle
I'm getting away from here
I am leaving this place behind
Let me be me
I want to be my true self
see'mon let me feel free
Allow me to experience freedom and liberation
Now I'm a man that's for all seasons
I am a versatile and adaptable man
And what the city offers me ain't naturally
The city life does not come to me naturally
I look to greet the stars but there are no stars to see
I look up to reach great heights, but I cannot see the stars
I'm gonna search this world until I find my destiny
I will journey through the world to fulfill my destiny
Let me be me
I want to be my true self
I want to get far from here
I want to go far away from this place
Or should I up and fly away so fancy free
Or, should I take off and fly away without any obligations or concerns?
Nobody can change my mind
Nobody can persuade or alter my decision
the words of destiny are calling me wild time...
Fate is calling me to embark on a wild and exciting journey.
Ah destiny
Oh, fate
you and me
You and I, destiny
so fancy free
Uninhibited and carefree
should we fly away
Shall we take off and embark on our journey
Ah destiny
Oh, fate
you and me
You and I, destiny
so fancy free
Uninhibited and carefree
Ah-----------------------
Oh-----------------------
destiny
Fate
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JACKIE N JACKSON, MARLON N JACKSON, MICHAEL JOE N JACKSON, STEVEN RANDALL JACKSON, TITO N JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@livinglikenemoASMR
✨Destiny✨
The Jacksons
[Verse 1]
In this world there's much confusion
And I've taste the city life and it's not for me
Now I do dream of distant places
Where, I don't know now, but it's destiny
[Pre-Chorus]
If it's the rich life, I don't want it
Happiness ain't always material things
[Chorus]
I want destiny (destiny)
It's the place for me
Give me the simple life
I'm getting away from here
Let me be me
C'mon let me feel free
[Verse 2]
Now I'm a man that's for all seasons
And what the city offers me ain't naturally
I look to greet the stars but there are no stars to see
I'm gonna search this world until I find my destiny
[Pre-Chorus]
If it's the rich life, I don't want it
Happiness ain't always material things
[Chorus]
I want destiny (destiny)
It's the place for me
Give me the simple life
I'm getting away from here
Let me be me
C'mon let me feel free, let me be me
[Bridge]
I wanna get far from here
Or should I up and fly away so fancy free, yeah
Nobody can change my mind
The words of destiny are calling me wild time
[Chorus]
I want destiny (destiny)
It's the place for me
[Outro]
Ah destiny, you and me
So fancy free
Ah destiny
Should we fly away
Ah destiny, you and me
So fancy free
Ah, Destiny (woo!)
@sreeparvathyprakash5427
In this world there's so much confusion
And I've tasted the city life and it's not for me
Now I do dream of distant places
Where I don't know now, but it's Destiny
If it's the rich life, I don't want it
Happiness ain't always material things
I want Destiny
It's the place for me
Give me the simple life
I'm getting away from here
Let me be free, let me be me
I'm a man that's for all seasons
What the city offers me ain't naturally
I look to greet the stars
But there's no stars to see
Gonna search this world until I find my Destiny
If it's the rich life, I don't want it
Happiness ain't always material things
I want Destiny
It's the place for me
Give me the simple life
I'm getting away from here
Let me be free, let me be me
I'm a man that's for all seasons
What the city offers me ain't naturally
I look to greet the stars
But there's no stars to see
Gonna search this world until I find my Destiny
I wanna be far from here
Should I up and fly away so fancy free
Nobody can change my mind
I'm screamming out these words for me
While time
Destiny, ah destiny, it's calling me
Destiny, a place for me
Ah, destiny
I want destiny
It's the place for me...
@ileanavicktoria978
Michael is without a doubt the owner of the most beautiful voice!😢
@smoke5635
I dont think most beautiful but definitely most unique theres alot of voices out there I think Erykah Badu had a beautiful voice or Jill Scott recently Tamela Mann cant forget Yolanda Adams we've been blessed to live threw some amazing times with amazing singers
@ilmazzu5110
Sono d'accordo con te e la voce più bella quando lo sento mi crea un emozione unica che non riesco a spiegare ha volte ho la pelle d'oca quando lo ascolto e unica tanti hanno una bella voce ma nessuno è paragonabile alla sua se parliamo di voce l'unico che si avvicina e Freddy Mercury ma Michael non è solo la voce ma è l'artista musicale più grande della storia della musica
@adonisblair
@smoke5635 You're talking about the King of Pop, whose Thriller is still unsurpassed to this day. This doesn't take anything from other artists, far from it.
@ileanavicktoria978
Happiness ain't always material things😢
@ign1096
😢😢🤧🤧
@deboracunha9324
😢😢
@ethanang3527
"I want destiny!" That is MJ destined to be the best singer, the best performer of all time in the world. Nobody can beat him till today.
@thecharger98
That’s not at all what this song is about. This wasn’t an ego trip for him. He wanted the freedom to live his life the way he wanted to, with simplicity and gratitude for the little things.
@The_Infamous_T
Best Singer is a stretch