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.
The Christmas Song
The Jackson 5 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
You know that Santa's on his way
He's bringing lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is on the spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
And so, I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Though it has been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas (Merry Christmas)
Merry Christmas (Merry Christmas)
Merry Christmas to you
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to you
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to you (and you too)
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way (oh Merry Christmas to you)
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to you (and you too)
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to you (Merry Christmas)
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way (oh Merry Christmas to you)
Merry Christmas
The Jackson 5's rendition of The Christmas Song is a classic holiday tune that perfectly encapsulates the spirit and magic of the season. The first two lines repeat the phrase "Merry Christmas" three times as a warm and heartfelt greeting to the listener. The song then sets the scene for a cozy holiday evening with the iconic imagery of "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" and "Jack Frost nipping at your nose". The mention of "Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and folks dressed up like Eskimos" furthers the idea of warmth and community during the holiday season.
The lyrics then shift to the idea of traditional holiday activities. The mention of a turkey and mistletoe is a nod to family gatherings and festive decor, while the line "tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight" evokes the excitement and anticipation that children feel on Christmas Eve. The song then brings back the imagery of Santa Claus and his sleigh full of toys, as every child eagerly awaits his arrival. The final lines of the song offer a simple message of goodwill and holiday cheer to all, from young to old.
Overall, The Jackson 5's take on The Christmas Song is a joyful and heartwarming tribute to the holiday season, celebrating both the traditions and the magic of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
Merry Christmas
Wishing you a joyful holiday season
Merry Christmas
May your days be filled with happiness and love
Merry Christmas to you
Sending my warmest wishes and greetings to you
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Describing a cozy winter scene around the fireplace with a sweet, smoky aroma of roasted chestnuts
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold winter air and frosty breeze making your nose and cheeks feel chilly and tingly
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
The sound of cheerful Christmas carols sung by a group of singers to bring the festive spirit alive
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
People wearing warm and cozy winter clothes like Eskimo style outfits to protect themselves from the cold weather
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
These traditional items are associated with Christmas and help to create a festive atmosphere
Help to make the season bright
These items add cheer and happiness to the holiday season
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Excited children who are in awe of the magic and wonder of Christmas
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
These children will be too excited and full of anticipation to fall asleep easily on Christmas Eve
You know that Santa's on his way
Referring to the tradition of Santa Claus delivering gifts to children on Christmas Eve
He's bringing lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
An image of Santa Claus delivering presents to children all over the world
And every mother's child is on the spy
All children are looking for evidence of Santa Claus and his reindeer on Christmas night
To see if reindeer really know how to fly
A playful suggestion that the reindeer who pull Santa's sleigh can actually fly
And so, I'm offering this simple phrase
A humble and heartfelt phrase to express the joy of the holiday season
To kids from one to ninety-two
This phrase is for everyone, both young and old, who feels happy and optimistic during the holiday season.
Though it has been said many times, many ways
Acknowledging that this phrase is a traditional one that has been used frequently during the holiday season
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way (oh Merry Christmas to you)
A cheerful refrain from a beloved Christmas carol
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to you (and you too)
A friendly and heartfelt greeting to all who celebrate the holiday season
Merry Christmas
Another warm and joyful wish for a happy holiday season
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frank Kelley
This album brings back so many teenage memories,it's a joy to listen to every year around this time!
Starr Shields
don't be a fool when it's Christmas don't have a fit
Starr Shields
cool
Riki Tiki Tavi
The lord was showing out when he blessed Joseph and Katherine with those children ❤
johnsonzz2016
Got this album back when I was six years old in 1971, and it still sounds as good now as it did then!
Chilly Willie
I absolutely love Jermaine’s youthful voice on those two songs he song entirely.
Vikki Damon
Sounds like an angel choir😍👼🏾👼🏾👼🏾👼🏾👼🏾
Jose Marie Gomez
Youre an angel too
Starr Shields
yes it does look like it.
Keisha Nicole
Jermaine tore it up. I love it so much . ♥️🎶🎵🎸🎼 one of my top Christmas songs