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 Corporationâ„¢; 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.
Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing
The Jackson 5 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From a room I heard her say
"Good Lord help my son find his way"
"Lord he's just a country boy"
"Thinks the world is great big toy"
There ain't nothin' he can't do
If he wants to
Saved his money and bought him a guitar
Played from sun up to sundown, hey, hey, hey
(He don't wanna) Go to schoool no more
Don't do his household chores
But I'm a hit, the neighbors biggest sound, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(He's) Got some big ideas
He's talkin' 'bout leavin' here
Going to a place called New York City
And here's what he told me
Mama, I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Let me go
Mama, (Yeah) I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Let me go
Mama said, "My son, my son you're only sixteen"
"I know being a star is your dream"
"But I think it's time you stop all this foolin'"
"And get to your schoolin'"
Living in a state of frustration
Stop preachin' that education
'Cause this job is gonna make me a king
Above everything else, listen
Donned from head to toe
First class everywhere we go
Just give me a chance to do my thing
Mama, I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Let me go
Mama, I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Let me go
I can see it now
Champagne and caviar
Black limousine, chauffeured car
Trips all around the world
And I'll have my choice of any girl
People lined up as far as you can see
Standing in line just to see me
Money stacking up to the sky
There ain't nothin' that we can't buy
Have a little faith in me
Mama I'm sure that you will see that your son and his guitar
Are gonna go far
Mama, I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Let me go
Mama, I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Let me go
Mama, I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Let me go
The Jackson 5's song "Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing" tells the story of a young man from a rural area who dreams of becoming a successful musician. The song begins with the young man's mother praying for him and hoping that he finds his way in life. The young man has saved enough money to buy himself a guitar and plays it all day long. He has also gotten a part-time job to help him save money.
However, the young man no longer wants to go to school or do household chores, and his ambitions have him talking about leaving for New York City to pursue his dream of becoming a star. Despite his mother's concerns about his education, the young man is determined to make a name for himself in the music industry. He dreams of fame, fortune, and success, and believes that his talent will take him far.
The lyrics of "Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing" are a representation of the desire to achieve success against all odds. The young man's determination to succeed as a musician is what drives him forward, despite the obstacles that he faces along the way. Ultimately, the song is a testament to the power of perseverance, and the belief that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Line by Line Meaning
Sunday morning I heard mama pray
On a Sunday morning, I overheard my mother praying to God.
From a room I heard her say
She was in another room while she was praying.
"Good Lord help my son find his way"
She was asking God to help her son discover his true calling.
"Lord he's just a country boy"
She was referring to her son's upbringing in a rural area.
"Thinks the world is great big toy"
Her son has a youthful outlook on the world, believing it is there to be played with.
There ain't nothin' he can't do
In her opinion, there is nothing impossible for him to achieve.
If he wants to
As long as he desires it.
He got himself a part time job
He obtained a job to help finance his passion.
Saved his money and bought him a guitar
He saved enough money from his job to buy a guitar.
Played from sun up to sundown, hey, hey, hey
He played his guitar all day long.
(He don't wanna) Go to schoool no more
He doesn't want to go to school anymore.
Don't do his household chores
He doesn't do his chores at home.
But I'm a hit, the neighbors biggest sound, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
He has become the most popular musician in the neighborhood.
(He's) Got some big ideas
He has grand ambitions.
He's talkin' 'bout leavin' here
He is planning to leave his current place of residence.
Going to a place called New York City
He wants to go to New York City.
And here's what he told me
This is what he said:
Mama, I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Mom, I have a new opportunity, please don't deny me.
Let me go
Allow me to pursue it.
Mama, (Yeah) I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Mom, I have a new opportunity, please don't deny me.
Let me go
Allow me to pursue it.
Mama said, "My son, my son you're only sixteen"
Mom responded saying that her son is only 16 years old.
"I know being a star is your dream"
She understands that his dream is to become a famous musician.
"But I think it's time you stop all this foolin'"
She thinks her son is playing around too much.
"And get to your schoolin'"
She wants her son to focus on his education first.
Living in a state of frustration
He is dissatisfied with his current situation.
Stop preachin' that education
He has had enough of hearing the importance of education.
'Cause this job is gonna make me a king
He believes his music career will bring him wealth and power.
Above everything else, listen
He hopes his mother will hear him out.
Donned from head to toe
He will be dressed luxuriously.
First class everywhere we go
He intends to travel in style.
Just give me a chance to do my thing
He just wants his mother to give him a shot at his dreams.
I can see it now
He daydreams about the future.
Champagne and caviar
He will be living a life filled with luxury.
Black limousine, chauffeured car
He will ride in a fancy car with a driver.
Trips all around the world
He will travel to various parts of the world.
And I'll have my choice of any girl
He will have his pick of any girl he likes.
People lined up as far as you can see
His fans will gather to see him from far and near.
Standing in line just to see me
His fans will be waiting in line to see him.
Money stacking up to the sky
He will accumulate a lot of wealth.
There ain't nothin' that we can't buy
He will be able to afford anything.
Have a little faith in me
He hopes his mother will believe in him.
Mama I'm sure that you will see that your son and his guitar
Mom, you will soon realize that your son who plays the guitar will be successful.
Are gonna go far
He will achieve great success.
Mama, I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Mom, I have a new opportunity, please don't deny me.
Let me go
Allow me to pursue it.
Mama, I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Mom, I have a new opportunity, please don't deny me.
Let me go
Allow me to pursue it.
Mama, I gotta brand new thing don't say no
Mom, I have a new opportunity, please don't deny me.
Let me go
Allow me to pursue it.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cris Sabanpan
on I Want You Back
Hlo