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.
Rudolph the Red‐Nosed Reindeer
The Jackson 5 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?
Hey Rudolph
Wo-hoah, Rudolph
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glowed
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games
Oh, then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say (hey Rudolph)
Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You'll go down in history
You'll go down in history
Hey Rudolph
Oh, then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say (hey Rudolph)
Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight
Then how the reindeer loved him
As they shouted out with glee
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You'll go down in history
You'll go down in, you'll go down in history
Hey Rudolph
Wo-hoah
Red-Nosed Reindeer
Talking about Rudolph
Wo-hoah, Rudolph
The Jackson 5’s version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a catchy and upbeat take on the classic Christmas song. The lyrics introduce Santa’s eight reindeer by name, from the speedy Dasher and Dancer to the strong and steady Donner and Blitzen. However, the song quickly shifts focus to Rudolph, the most famous reindeer of all, and his signature shiny red nose. The chorus of the song invites Rudolph to lead Santa’s sleigh, marking a turning point in the story of a reindeer who was once excluded from reindeer games and ridiculed by his peers.
The sentiment of the song is uplifting and celebrates Rudolph’s unique qualities that make him stand out from the rest of the reindeer. It touches on the theme of acceptance and overcoming adversity, as Rudolph is initially the subject of ridicule but ultimately becomes a hero. The song also establishes a sense of camaraderie and joy among the reindeer, who come together to cheer Rudolph on as he guides Santa’s sleigh on a foggy Christmas Eve. The Jackson 5’s energetic performance of the song adds to the overall holiday spirit and joy that the song conveys.
Line by Line Meaning
You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen
These are the names of the more common reindeer, which most people know.
Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen
In addition to the common reindeer, there are some others who are also well known.
But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?
Despite there being many well-known reindeer, there is one who stands out and is the most famous of them all.
Hey Rudolph
The following lyrics are addressed to Rudolph, the most famous reindeer.
Wo-hoah, Rudolph
This is an upbeat exclamation and greeting to Rudolph.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
These lyrics introduce us to Rudolph, who is identified as having a red, shiny nose.
Had a very shiny nose
The singer emphasizes Rudolph's shiny nose to make it clear that this is an extraordinary feature.
And if you ever saw it
The artist is inviting the listener to imagine Rudolph's shiny nose in their mind's eye.
You would even say it glowed
The artist is saying not only is Rudolph's nose shiny, but it is also so bright that it looks like it's glowing.
All of the other reindeer
The artist is now bringing up the fact that Rudolph was not the same as the other reindeer.
Used to laugh and call him names
Unfortunately, the other reindeer made fun of Rudolph because of his unique characteristic.
They never let poor Rudolph
The other reindeer excluded Rudolph from participating in activities they deemed important.
Join in any reindeer games
Reindeer games could be understood as social activities that are exclusive to reindeer, such as flying or playing in the snow.
Oh, then one foggy Christmas Eve
The narrative now moves to a specific event that took place, which was a foggy Christmas Eve.
Santa came to say (hey Rudolph)
Santa Claus approached Rudolph with an inquiry.
Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Santa acknowledges Rudolph's extraordinary nose.
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight
Santa asked Rudolph to guide his sleigh because he has a bright nose that can help him see in the fog.
Then how the reindeer loved him
After Rudolph contributes in such an important way on Christmas Eve, the other reindeer accept and love him.
As they shouted out with glee
The other reindeer express happiness and joy.
You'll go down in history
The artist is saying that Rudolph will be remembered and celebrated as a legendary figure.
You'll go down in, you'll go down in history
The final repetition reinforces that Rudolph's story has become part of the historical record.
Hey Rudolph
The song ends with one last shout-out to Rudolph.
Wo-hoah
This final exclamation is a celebratory and upbeat way to close the song.
Lyrics © ST. NICHOLAS MUSIC INC., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Johnny Marks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
h.🧸
♡ Lyrics :
You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?
Hey Rudolph
Wo-hoah, Rudolph
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glowed
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games
Oh, then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say (hey Rudolph)
Rudolph, with your nose so bright,
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight
Then how the reindeer loved him,
As they shouted out with glee...
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You ll go down in history
You ll go down in history
Hey Rudolph
Hey Rudolph
Wo-hoah, Rudolph
Jalen Carreras
When Christmas ends, I want to relive through Christmas because I’m sad it’s over and the lack of excitement brings me down but Christmas music cheers me up that the holiday is over
Monster gaming
Welcome back to the holidays 💕💕💕
Auto_5
@Monster gaming amen. Welcome back, jalen!!!
Monster gaming
@Auto_5 ❤️
🛍️ Makayla Addison 💗
Welcome back!
h.🧸
♡ Lyrics :
You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?
Hey Rudolph
Wo-hoah, Rudolph
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glowed
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games
Oh, then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say (hey Rudolph)
Rudolph, with your nose so bright,
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight
Then how the reindeer loved him,
As they shouted out with glee...
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You ll go down in history
You ll go down in history
Hey Rudolph
Hey Rudolph
Wo-hoah, Rudolph
Vegan Vocalist
Such a treat ♥️
💕Monique chats💕
I love all these great songs my favorite Christmas album
Doryssa Love
Thank you J5! I love this album and I have it! I love you All! Merry Christmas!
It's not exactly a car Steve
It's not even Christmas I just love this