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 (see Randy & The Gypsys). 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. 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, 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. 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.
BEAT IT
The Jacksons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't want to see your face, you better disappear
The fire's in their eyes and their words are really clear
So beat it, just beat it
You better run, you better do what you can
Don't want to see no blood, don't be a macho man
You want to be tough, better do what you can
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
Just beat it, beat it
They're out to get you, better leave while you can
Don't want to be a boy, you want to be a man
You want to stay alive, better do what you can
So beat it, just beat it
You have to show them that you're really not scared
You're playin' with your life, this ain't no truth or dare
They'll kick you, then they beat you,
Then they'll tell you it's fair
So beat it, but you want to be bad
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or who's right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Just beat it, beat it
Beat it, beat it, beat it
The lyrics of The Jacksons' song "Beat It" are about standing up for oneself and being brave. The song begins with a warning to a man to stay away from an area because the people there do not want to see his face. The message is clear through their words and fire in their eyes - to back away. The chorus of the song encourages him to fight back and not be defeated. He is advised to run, and not to be afraid to show how tough he is. The song highlights the importance of being brave, standing up to bullies, and the notion of 'survival of the fittest.'
The lines "You want to be tough, better do what you can/So beat it, but you want to be bad" suggests that he should fight back and find a way to be strong, rather than trying to prove his toughness. The ultimate message being that it is important to stand up for oneself and not let others control your life.
Line by Line Meaning
They told him don't you ever come around here
They warned him to never come back to this place
Don't want to see your face, you better disappear
They don't want to see him and he should vanish from their sight
The fire's in their eyes and their words are really clear
They have intense anger as seen in their eyes and their words leave no room for doubt
So beat it, just beat it
He should leave immediately without any argument
You better run, you better do what you can
He should flee and do everything within his power to escape
Don't want to see no blood, don't be a macho man
They don't want any violence, acting tough will not help
You want to be tough, better do what you can
If he wants to prove his strength, he should utilize his options
So beat it, but you want to be bad
He should leave, even though he may want to stay and fight
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
He should leave quickly and not look back
No one wants to be defeated
Nobody wants to lose
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
Demonstrate your unique, strong fighting style
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
The reasons or justification do not matter
They're out to get you, better leave while you can
They are after him, he should leave as soon as possible
Don't want to be a boy, you want to be a man
He should not act like a child, but rather a mature man
You want to stay alive, better do what you can
If he wants to survive, he should take necessary action
So beat it, just beat it
He needs to leave quickly and without resistance
You have to show them that you're really not scared
He needs to prove that he is not afraid
You're playin' with your life, this ain't no truth or dare
His actions may cost him his life, this is not a game
They'll kick you, then they beat you, then they'll tell you it's fair
They will attack him, rationalize it and justify their actions
So beat it, but you want to be bad
He should leave even if he wants to fight back
Beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
He should leave swiftly and hastily
No one wants to be defeated
Nobody wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
Displaying his unique and strong fighting style
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
Justification of actions don't matter
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
He should flee the scene soonest possible
No one wants to be defeated
No one wants to be defeated
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
Demonstrate your unique, strong fighting style
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
The reasons or justification do not matter
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
Leave the situation as soon as possible
No one wants to be defeated
Nobody wants to be on the losing end
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
Demonstrate your unique, strong fighting style
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
The reasons or justification do not matter
Beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
Hurry up and leave the place
No one wants to be defeated
Nobody wants to be vanquished
Showin' how funky and strong is your fight
Exhibit your tough and resilient fighting spirit
It doesn't matter who's wrong or right
The propriety of actions doesn't count here
Just beat it, beat it
Just leave and don't look back
Beat it, beat it, beat it
Hurry up and leave
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Michael Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@robgeorgia8801
@TheRealCritique
It was agreed upon in advance that there would be no money involved.
Eddie was under a contract with the other guys in "Van Halen" that they would not go out on their own and play with other bands for any type of monetary gain.
This was a great thing for both Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen.
Eddie has a solo on a song that was part of an album that sold more copies than any other album in human history...
Michael Jackson managed to get Eddie Van Halen to do a lead guitar solo on his album "Thriller".
It was a good deal for both of them.
@mitchellcole832
Jesus Christ is Lord. He is the only way to Heaven. We do not go to Heaven for being a “good person”, God will judge us on HIS standards, He is the ultimate judge. God sent Jesus Christ to die for all of our sins and our belief in him covers our sins, he paid the ultimate price for us all. Read a Bible (King James Version), it’s very black and white. Our eternal soul is at stake! This life is temporary, our soul is forever.
Proof Jesus is the Only Way:
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
-John 14:6
Proof on How to make Heaven:
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
-Romans 10:9
Hope this helps ✝️
@rainbowpegacornstudios
Man, that guitar solo is inexplicably awesome. RIP to Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen.
@liamlowshang6288
Eddie sends goosebumps ertime i hear this song
@rainbowpegacornstudios
@@liamlowshang6288 Same here
@balajidoraiswami4180
Eddie Van Halen is another legend
@saboisnumber1554
@@balajidoraiswami4180 😢
@msoileau83
Eddie did a good solo but the meat and potatoes of the guitar work (and bass) was done by Steve Lukather. Paul Jackson Jr is credited too and I believe he did some R&B guitar strumming.
@legendarymusicisforever3697
R.I.P Michael Jackson 1958-2009
R.I.P Eddie Van Halen 1955-2020
NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
@sergeteplo3143
Why Eddie? Unbelievable!
@legendarymusicisforever3697
@@sergeteplo3143 Very sad to know that they both gone..
@philsims8655
YOU KNOW IT.