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.
Different Kind Of Lady
The Jacksons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll be there in a flash
If you need me
Well that's different at last
Say it-no delay
Cause everything I do
Is always up to you
You got me saying'
I'm here to please you
In every way I can
To prove to you
That I'm your only man
Trying, no denying
Cause everything I do
Is always up to you
You got me sayin'
Woo woo woo woo woo woo woo
(Chorus:)
I searched this world
For a different kind of girl
I caught myself going girl shopping
No matter what I do
I keep running back to you
Saying you're all mine
Different kind of lady
The way I love you
In case you'd like to know
You're a lady
And that's a different show
You're meant for me
That makes you different, you see
Cause everything I do
Is always up to you
Cause you're a different kind of lady
Cause you're a different kind of lady
Cause you're a different kind of lady
(Chorus)
If you want me
I'll be there in a flash
If you need me
Well that's different at last
Cause you're a different kind of lady
Cause you're a different kind of lady
(Repeat and fade out)
The Jacksons' "Different Kind Of Lady" is a love song that speaks to the singer's devotion and dedication to his partner. He expresses a willingness to do anything for her, to be available to her whenever she needs him, and to always prioritize her in his life. The lyrics demonstrate a deep love and respect for the object of his affection, acknowledging her as a unique and special individual who he is lucky to have in his life.
The chorus of the song highlights the singer's search for a "different kind of girl," someone who stands out from the rest. However, he ultimately realizes that the person he has been searching for was right in front of him all along. The lyrics are a testament to the idea that sometimes the most meaningful relationships are with the people who are already in our lives.
In addition to its romantic themes, "Different Kind Of Lady" showcases the Jacksons' signature funk and disco sound, with catchy guitar riffs and a danceable beat. The song was a hit for the group, charting in several countries and earning them a loyal fanbase. The song's relatable lyrics and upbeat sound make it a classic track that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
If you want me
I am available at all times to you, just say the word
I'll be there in a flash
I'll come to you immediately, without wasting any time
If you need me
I understand that there are times when you need me more than others
Well that's different at last
And I'll be there for you when you need me, no matter what
Say it-no delay
Don't hesitate to let me know if you need me, because I'm always here for you
Cause everything I do
Whatever I do with my life, I always do it in consideration of you and your needs
Is always up to you
Because you are the most important thing in my life
You got me saying' Woo woo woo woo woo woo woo
I'm so in love with you, I can't even express it in words
I'm here to please you
My ultimate goal in life is to make you happy and be there for you when you need me
In every way I can
I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy
To prove to you
I want to show you how much I love you and how much you mean to me
That I'm your only man
You are the only one for me, now and forever
Trying, no denying
I'm always trying my best to make you happy and never want to let you down
I searched this world
I looked everywhere and met many different women
For a different kind of girl
But none of them were like you, you are special and different from anyone else
I caught myself going girl shopping
I was looking for someone else, but then realized that you are the only one I need
No matter what I do
I can't help but come back to you
I keep running back to you
Because you are the one that completes me
Saying you're all mine
I love to tell the world that you are mine, and that I'm the luckiest man alive to have you
The way I love you
I love you in a way that is different from how I've ever loved anyone else
In case you'd like to know
Just in case you were wondering how much I love you
You're a lady
You are the epitome of grace and elegance
And that's a different show
And I feel lucky to be with someone like you
You're meant for me
I feel that we were destined to be together and that our love is meant to last forever
That makes you different, you see
You are a unique and special person, and I am so lucky to have you in my life
Cause you're a different kind of lady
You are one of a kind, and I love everything about you
Contributed by Elijah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jaylene.turner6524
Written by
Jackie Jackson
Tito Jackson
Marlon Jackson
Michael Jackson
Randy Jackson
—————————
Lead Vocals:
Michael Jackson
—————————-
Background Vocals:
Jackie Jackson
Tito Jackson
Marlon Jackson
Michael Jackson
Randy Jackson
——————————
Instrumentation:
Tito Jackson,
Randy Jackson,
MFSB,
and
Don Renaldo &
His Horns and
Strings
—————————
Arranger and
Conductor:
Dexter Wansel
—————————
Engineered and
Mixed by
Jay Mark assisted by
Jim Dougherty
—————————
Produced by
The Jacksons
—————————
Year:
1977
———————-
Album:
Goin’ Places
@christineharris5406
❤❤❤❤ This song reminds me of that era and my younger self. I love the Jackson Family.❤❤❤
@kellaaaaa
ooooh the growl at 2:01... so good.
@maryjenkins8043
This song always takes me back to 1978 in the Bronx during the early hip hop days when the DJ's would play it and everyone would get on the dance floor....whew I wish I had all of that energy right now 😂😂 Anyone out there in cyber land feel me????
@traceyw9635
Yes indeed, Bronx native right here!!
@MusicLoverPearson
Bronx and Manhattan native
I'm 60 yrs old and truly understand what you mean?🤣
@princeroyy8388
Wish I got the privilege to experience that time
@ronpaizley9349
I DO & THANK YOU
@nanettematthews2264
Right!!! when Gene Anthony Raye from Fame was in Harlem dancing his heart out and Nickey Barnes was at the top of his reign.
@SpongeVol93
Love this song, very overlooked in MJ/The Jacksons’ discography.
@happygolucky7241
TIMELESS ❤️🔥💯