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.
Ready or Not
The Jackson 5 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Get ready)
(Ready or not here I come)
(You can't hide)
Gonna find you
And keep you happy
(Ready or not here I come)
Gonna love you
And make you love me
You can't run away
(You can't run away)
From this love I got, oh baby
(You can't run away)
Hey baby, 'cause I got a lot, yeah
Anywhere you go
(Anywhere you go)
My poor heart got to know, oh baby
Hey baby, you can't hide from my love, oh no
(Ready or not here I come)
(You can't hide)
Gonna find you
And keep you happy
(Ready or not here I come)
(You can't hide)
Gonna love you
And make you love me
Anywhere you go
My poor heart got to know
Oh baby, hey baby
You can't hide from my love, oh no
Yeah
Ready, get ready
Ready, get ready
(Ready or not here I come)
(You can't hide)
Gonna find you
And keep you happy
You better come on, baby, oh yeah, oh yeah
I'll make you happy
I'm gonna find you now, yeah
And I'll make you happy
Anywhere you hide now
Oh yeah, yeah
The Jackson 5's "Ready Or Not" is a catchy pop song with love at its center. The singer is eagerly declaring his love for someone and stating that he will not rest until he loves him and makes him fall in love with him too. The song starts with the singer giving a warning to their partner that they are going to be pursued and found, no matter where they hide. The singer is ready to chase their partner to keep them happy and to gain their love. They are urging their partner to accept the love that they offer, as they declare that they have a lot of it to give.
The chorus of "Ready Or Not" repeats, emphasizing the singer's promise to hunt down their love interest, but also to make them feel happy and loved. The singer is determined to reveal their true feelings and assures their partner that they will never be able to run away from their love. Irrespective of where they go, the singer's heart beats for them; hence they cannot allow them to hide from their love.
In conclusion, the song's message is straightforward: love. The singer is simply stating that they will love and pursue their love interest, no matter what. Even though the song was recorded within the 1970s, it remains relevant today as it emphasizes the importance of pursuing love with all heart and assuring your love interest that they are happy and loved.
Line by Line Meaning
(Ready)
I am prepared and willing.
(Get ready)
Prepare yourself, because something is about to happen.
(Ready or not here I come)
I am about to start something, whether you are ready or not.
(You can?t hide)
Don't even try to hide from me, because I will find you.
Gonna find you
I am determined to locate you.
And keep you happy
After I find you, I will make sure you are content.
(You can?t hide)
No matter where you try to hide, I will still find you.
Gonna love you
I intend to shower you with love and affection.
And make you love me
My goal is to win your love and affection.
You can?t run away
It is impossible to escape from the love I have for you.
(Ready or not here I come)
I'm serious about this pursuit, I will find you and make you happy.
(Anywhere you go)
No matter where you try to hide, I will follow you and find you.
My poor heart got to know, oh baby
I cannot help but feel deeply about you.
Hey baby, you can?t hide from my love, oh no
My love for you will always come through, no matter what.
You better come on, baby, oh yeah, oh yeah
You need to join me on this journey, it will be worth it.
I?ll make you happy
My love and affection will bring you joy.
I?m gonna find you now, yeah
I'm still committed to finding you and making you happy.
Anywhere you hide now
I won't stop searching for you, no matter where you try to hide.
Oh yeah, yeah
I am confident that we belong together, and I will do whatever it takes to make it happen.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Cloud9, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Thomas Randolph Bell, William Alexander Hart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jasonsterling4129
We can sit and pretend that only Michael matters and not the rest of his brothers.
And let's be honest, a majority of you, who are praising Michael with a God like enthusiasm, were more likely the same ones who were bashing him, mocking him and dissing him, and making fun of him during the last years of his life, but now that he's gone, and has gotten bigger in years since his passing, it's cool now to openly and boldly praise him to no end. That's mainly out of guilt, as well as admiration. You don't appreciate gifts until you lose them.
But they ALL were successful TOGETHER. Michael's voice was simply the cherry on top. But just because his brothers didn't reach his level of fame and superstar status, DOES NOT give us the right or entitlement to dismiss them, write them off or think of them as less, or treat them like they don't really matter.
Because Michael himself said "Without his brothers at his side, he couldn't have done what he done". Michael basically said don't dismiss his brothers, so do as the King says, IF you're truly his fan and respect and love him. Remember ALL Original Members of The Jackson 5 were Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, which means they ALL ARE LEGENDS, REGARDLESS OF YOUR OPINIONS, and therefore ENTITLED to the upmost respect!
You may exercise your so called entitlement to dismiss them, but remember, you're disrespecting Michael and his roots of his legacy and his family and the hard work they put in to give you amazing music over the years.
@caroli_nnie
Ready or Not (Here I Come)
The Jackson 5
Gonna find you
And keep you happy
(Ready or not here I come)
(You can't hide)
Gonna love you
And make you love me
You can't run away
(You can't run away)
From this love I got, oh baby
(You can't run away)
Hey baby, 'cause I got a lot, yeah
Anywhere you go
My poor heart got to know, oh baby
Hey baby, you can't hide from my love, oh no
(Ready or not here I come)
Gonna find you
And keep you happy
(Ready or not here I come)
Gonna love you
And make you love me
Anywhere you go
My poor heart got to know
Oh baby, hey baby
You can't hide from my love, oh no
Yeah
Ready, get ready
Ready, get ready
(Ready or not here I come)
(You can't hide)
Gonna find you
And keep you happy
You better come on, baby, oh yeah, oh yeah
I'll make you happy
I'm gonna find you now, yeah
And I'll make you happy
Anywhere you hide now
Oh yeah, yeah
@MISSCOOLAH1
Lyrics:
Ready, get ready, yeah...
[Chorus]
Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
Gonna find you and keep you happy
Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
Gonna love you and make you love me
[Verse 1]
You can't run away
(you can't run away)
From this love I got, oh baby
(you can't run away)
Hey baby, 'cause I got a lot, yeah
Anywhere you go
(anywhere you go)
My poor heart got to know, oh baby
Hey baby, you can't hide from my love, oh no
[Chorus]
Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
Gonna find you and keep you happy
Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
Gonna love you and make you love me
[Verse 2]
Anywhere you go
(anywhere you go)
My poor heart got to know, oh baby, hey baby
You can't hide from my love, oh no, yeah yeah
Ready, get ready
Ready, get ready
[Chorus]
Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
Gonna find you and keep you happy
Ready or not, here I come
you can't hide
You better come on, baby, oh yeah, oh yeah
Gonna find you and I'll make you happy
Ready or not, here I come
you can't hide
I'm gonna find you now, yeah
Gonna find you and I'll make you happy
Anywhere you hide now, oh yeah, yeah
@lnapjr76
Mike is without a doubt the greatest kid singer/talent ever. I've never heard a kid with this kind of vocal power, control, and delivery. He was truly amazing.
@Kemet3.0
No doubt!!!
@bakman1000
Best I ever heard!! Unbelievably Gifted!
@Kemet3.0
Also, the greatest talent period! Fifty straight years!
@Ihaveassbigtoes
The old michael is just so precious and sweet so is the older mikey but the younger michael is just so pure
@guilopesbh
😎👍
@ronniesnakehissiii9413
His eyes never changed. Big ol doe eyes
@RockyAllPurpose
Michael Jackson was so ahead of the game
@Zumifey
Hi
@katrinamoore1221
Absolutely Beautiful!!! Not too many people can remember nor appreciate the REAL Michael Jackson .