The Jacksons (formerly known as The Jackson 5, The Jackson Five, The Jackso… Read Full Bio ↴The Jacksons (formerly known as The Jackson 5, The Jackson Five, The Jackson 5ive or abbreviated as J5) was an American popular music quintet from Gary, Indiana, USA. The group, active from 1964 to 1990, regularly played from a repertoire of R&B, soul, funk, and later disco. Considered "one of the biggest phenomenons in pop music" during the early 1970s, the Jackson 5 are also notable for launching the career of their lead singer, Michael Jackson.
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.
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.
Good Times
The Jacksons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Good time)
Work, work all week long
Punchin' that clock from dusk 'till dawn
Countin' the days 'till Friday night
That's when all the conditions are right
For a good time
I need a good time
Yeah, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
I cashed my check, cleaned my truck
Put on my hat, forgot about work
Sun goin' down, head across town
Pick up my baby and turn it around
Good time,
Oh, I need a good time
I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Hey!
Pig in the ground, beer on ice
Just like ol' Hank taught us about
Singin' along, Bocephus songs
Rowdy friends all night long
Good time
Lord, we're having a good time
Yeah, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Woah
Heel toe dosey doe
Scootin' our boots, swingin' doors
B n' D Kix and Dunn
Honkin' tonk heaven, double shotgun
Good time
Lord, we're havin' a good time
'Cause I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Shot of Tequila, beer on tap
Sweet southern woman set on my lap
G with an O, O with an D
T with n' I and an M and n' E
And a good time
Good time
I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
A Shot of Tequila
Beer on tap
A good looking woman
To sit on my lap
A G with an O, an O with a D
A T with an I an M with an E
That spells good time
A good time
Oh, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Twelve o'clock, two o'clock three o'clock four
Five o'clock we know were that's gonna go
Closing the door, shuttin' 'em down
Head for that Waffle House way across town
Good time
Oh, we're havin' a good time
Oh, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Oh, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Oh, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Oh, yeah, a good time
I need a good time
Yeah, a good time
Work, work all week long
Punchin' that clock from dusk 'till dawn
Countin' the days 'till Friday night
That's when all the conditions are right
For a good time
I need a good time
Yeah, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
I cashed my check, cleaned my truck
Put on my hat, forgot about work
Sun goin' down, head across town
Pick up my baby and turn it around
Good time,
Oh, I need a good time
I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Hey!
Pig in the ground, beer on ice
Just like ol' Hank taught us about
Singin' along, Bocephus songs
Rowdy friends all night long
Good time
Lord, we're having a good time
Yeah, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Woah
Heel toe dosey doe
Scootin' our boots, swingin' doors
B n' D Kix and Dunn
Honkin' tonk heaven, double shotgun
Good time
Lord, we're havin' a good time
'Cause I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Shot of Tequila, beer on tap
Sweet southern woman set on my lap
G with an O, O with an D
T with n' I and an M and n' E
And a good time
Good time
I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
A Shot of Tequila
Beer on tap
A good looking woman
To sit on my lap
A G with an O, an O with a D
A T with an I an M with an E
That spells good time
A good time
Oh, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Twelve o'clock, two o'clock three o'clock four
Five o'clock we know were that's gonna go
Closing the door, shuttin' 'em down
Head for that Waffle House way across town
Good time
Oh, we're havin' a good time
Oh, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Oh, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Oh, I've been workin' all week
And I'm tired and I don't wanna sleep
I wanna have fun
It's time for a good time
Oh, yeah, a good time
I need a good time
Yeah, a good time
The Jacksons' "Good Times" is a nostalgic song about reminiscing the good times two former lovers shared. The singer thinks about the happy moments they spent together, expressing his love and desired to see his former lover again. The lyrics mention holding hands, making plans together, dreaming under the stars, exploring love, learning how to give, and living a good life. The song acknowledges that things don't always go as planned in life, and people might not end up together, but the memories they share are worth treasuring.
The lyrics of the song evoke a sense of nostalgia, wistfulness, and a yearning for the past. It's an ode to love, the good times, and cherishing the memories. The music and lyrics create a warm and comforting feeling that makes its listeners long for the good old days. Overall, the song is a beautiful tribute to the memories of a love that has passed, reminding us that the good times are always worth remembering.
Line by Line Meaning
I think about the good times
Reflecting on the positive memories we shared
We shared together
Our experiences were shared ones
Whenever I think of you
Recalling memories associated with you
Something goes through my mind
Unexpected thoughts surface
Through my mind
Internally, in my thoughts
My heart starts churning
Emotions start stirring inside me
I wanna see you again
Feeling a desire to reunite
Nothing but the good times
Only positive experiences are being considered
Oh, like holding hands
Recalling romantic gestures
Remember how we made our plans
Reminiscing making future goals together
We used to dream on a star
Anticipating a better future together
How did we get like we are
Questioning the current state of our relationship
It's funny things don't always
Surprising how things turn out
Go the way you want them to
Plans often do not work out as expected
Although we're not together
Despite the separation
I treasure my experience with you
I value the positive memories we share
Oh, like exploring love
Recollecting the excitement of a new relationship
Moonlit sky above
A romantic atmosphere
Learning how to give
Developing the skill of giving in relationships
Learning how we should live
Realizing the importance and meaning of life
(Good times)
Reiterating the theme of the song
Ain't nothing like the good times
There's nothing comparable to positive experiences
Long as we live
Throughout our lives
I remember, yes I remember
Emphasizing remembering the good times
As long as we live
Throughout our lives
The real good times
The genuine positive experiences
(Holding hands)
Reiterating romantic memories
(Exploring love)
Recollecting the initial stages of a love relationship
(Learning how to give)
Developing the skill of giving to others
(Learning how to live)
Reflecting on the meaning of life
(Learning how to love)
Developing the skill of loving others
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NORMAN WASHINGTON JACKSON, WYCLIFFE JOHNSON, CLEVELAND CONSTANTINE BROWNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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LYRICS
I think about the good times
We shared together
Whenever I think of you
Something goes through my mind
Through my mind
My heart starts churning
I wanna see you again
I think about the good times
Nothing but the good times
I think about the good times
We shared together
Oh, like holding hands
Remember how we made our plans
We used to dream on a star
How did we get like we are
I think about the good times
Nothing but the good times
I think about the good times
We shared together
It's funny things don't always
Go the way you want them to
Although we're not together
(Although we’re not together)
I treasure my experience with you
Oh, like exploring love
Moonlit sky above
Learning how to give
Learning how we should live
(Good times)
Uhhhhh-Oh-Whoa
the good times baby
I think about it
Good times
We shared together
Uh-Uh-oooh-whoa
Oh, good times
Ain't nothing like the good times
The good times baby
I think about it
About the good times
We shared together
(The good times baby)
Together, together
I think about it
(Long as we live)
I remember, yes I remember
Uh-Uh-ooh-wha-oh
As long as we live-e-e-e
I'll think about
(The good times, baby)
Yes, the good times
The real good times, now
(Holding hands)
(Exploring love)
(Learning how to give)
(Learning how to live)
(Learning how to love)
Uh-oooh-wha-oh!
(The good times, baby)
Huh-ooh-ooh-wha-oh
(Good times)
Good times
Yes, the good times
(Good times)
Good times
(The good times, baby)
Yeah, yeah
(The good times)
How can I live?, and how can I give?
The good times baby
Ain’t nothin’ like, ain’t nothin’ like
Eldred Singleton
Such a powerful song! Cherish people while they're here!
Joy Hammond
Eldred u said it best
joecool97
@EldredSingleton, Yes and Amen! No one is guaranteed tomorrow, Next week and the rest of 2023.
Apollo Solo
My brother loved this song and played the hell out of it as well as this album. He and my sister passed away years ago yet, every time I hear this song, I can't help remembering him, her and the good times. we shared together. Thanks for posting!
Larry Smith Sr
One of my all time favorites by the Jackson 5
Robert McDowell
My oldest brother passed away this past Saturday and I dedicate this song to him in rememberance of the good times we shared together. ❤️
Brian Gooden
❤❤❤❤❤
Therase Moore
My brother passed away a year and a half ago, this song makes me think of him too💙
JonesFamilyFarm 92
Condolences to you and your family 🙏
Naishia Carroll
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤