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.
Everybody
The Jacksons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shoo-wa, shoo-wa, ooh-ooh
Everybody's somebody's fool
The world is the biggest school
As you live, you learn though a torch will burn
Everybody's somebody's fool
(Everybody's somebody's fool)
You go through life making fools of others
Pretending you're giving them love
But remember sister or brother
You all have to answer to the one up above (to the one up above)
It's beautiful to watch love begin
But, oh, so sad when it ends (so sad when it ends)
As you got through life remember this rule
Everybody's somebody's fool
(Everybody's somebody's fool)
A-ha
Shoo-wa, shoo-wa
A-ha
Ooh, ha-ha
Shoo-wa, shoo-wa
Ohh
It's beautiful to watch love begin
But, oh, so sad when it ends (so sad when it ends)
As you got through life remember this rule
Everybody's somebody's fool
(Everybody's somebody's fool)
Everybody's somebody's
Somebody's fool
Everybody's, everybody's somebody's fool, yeah
Everybody's somebody's
Somebody's fool
Hey, everybody's somebody's
Somebody's fool
Everybody's, everybody's somebody's fool, yeah
Everybody's somebody's
Somebody's fool
Hey, everybody's somebody's
Somebody's fool
Everybody's, everybody's somebody's fool, yeah
Everybody's somebody's
Somebody's fool (ooh)
Hey, everybody's somebody's
The Jacksons' song "Everybody" is a celebration of individuality and the idea that each person has their own unique light to shine. The lyrics suggest that no matter what obstacles one may face, they can always find a way to let their light shine bright. The song uses the metaphor of a star, perhaps the most universal symbol of individuality, to convey this message.
The opening lines "Who would rain and chase the dust away, Everybody wants to shine" suggest that everyone has their own unique struggles, but also desires to be recognized and appreciated for the unique qualities that make them who they are. The chorus emphatically declares "Everybody is a star," emphasizing the idea that each person has value and should be celebrated for their individuality.
The lyrics also suggest that it can be difficult to maintain this sense of self-worth in the face of societal pressures and negativity. Lines like "When the system tries to bring you down" and "Not the one you feel you need to be" speak to the pressures to conform and fit in, but the message of the song is to stay true to oneself and let one's light shine.
Overall, "Everybody" is an uplifting anthem that encourages listeners to embrace their unique qualities and let their light shine.
Line by Line Meaning
EVERYBODY IS A STAR
Every individual has a unique talent and a special place in the world
Who would rain and chase the dust away
Everyone wants to make the world a better place and leave a positive impact
Everybody wants to shine
Everyone desires to be recognized for their talents and abilities
Who comes out on a cloudy day
The strongest individuals are those who can rise above adversity and challenges
'Til the sun that does you proud
Keep persevering until you achieve your goals and are able to bask in your own success
When the system tries to bring you down
Sometimes society and external forces may try to hinder your success, but don't let them defeat you
Every hand to shine tonight
It's important to support and uplift each other, so that everyone can showcase their talents and abilities
You don't need darkness to do what you think is right
You don't need to keep your talents hidden or conform to society's expectations to make a difference
I can feel it when you shine on me
When others showcase their talents, it brings positivity and joy to those around them
Oh, I love you for who you are
It's important to embrace and appreciate each other's unique qualities and talents
Not the one you feel you need to be
Don't try to change or hide your true self to fit others' expectations
Ever catch a falling star
It's important to keep reaching for your goals and dreams, even when they seem out of reach
Ain't no stopping 'til it's in the ground
Keep pushing until you achieve your goals or reach your fullest potential
One big circle going round and round
We're all connected in one big community, and everyone has the potential to shine and make a positive impact
Ooh, wa, wa, wa, wa, wa, wa
Vocalization of the melody
Shine, shine, shine, shine
Encouragement to let your talents and abilities shine brightly
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BUNZO MUSIC CO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gladys Hampton, Regina Adams, Stanley Adams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@travismaxwell9115
Who's here in 2024?
@dodrecords8791
Nicki Minaj brought me here
@karinmichaeling8043
Me
@brunoabida
Moi ❤
@krush55
Dam commercials 😭
@emanholmes2591
That "I love I love" at the end is why MJ is the greatest ever!
@sunnyjohnson992
Absolutely right!! 👍🏾
@jadenpharris9
THE MOST UNDERRATED JACKSON SONG!!!!!
@ethanang3527
Not really.
@odyssiii
@@ethanang3527 ok