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 Love You Save
The Jacksons Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I Want You Back when I had you to myself
I didn't want you around
Those pretty faces always made you
Stand out in a crowd

Then someone picked you from the bunch
One glance was all it took
Now it's much too late for me

To take a second look
Oh, baby, give me one more chance
(To show you that I love you)
Won't you please let me (Back in your heart)
Oh, darling, I was blind to let you go
(Let you go, baby)
But now since I see you in his arms

I want you back
Yes, I do now (I want you back)
Ooh, ooh, baby (I want you back)
Yeah, yeah, yeah (I want you back)
Now, now, now

The Love You Save
When we played tag in grade school
You wanted to be it
But chasin' boys was just a fad
You crossed your heart, you'd quit
When we grew up you traded
Your promise for my ring
Now just like back in grade school
You're doing the same old thing

Stop, the love you save maybe your own
Darlin' take it slow
Or some day you'll be all alone
(You better stop)
(The love you save maybe your own)
Darlin' look both ways before you cross me
You're heading for a danger zone
I'll Be There you and I must make a pact
We must bring salvation back
Where there is love i'll be there
(I'll be there)

I'll reach out my hand to you
I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I'll be there
(I'll be there)

I'll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I'm so glad that I found you i'll be there
With a love that's strong
I'll be your strength
I'll keep holdin' on, ooh (Holding on)

If you should ever find someone new
I know he'd better being good to you
'Cause if he doesn't
I'll be there (I'll be there)
Don't you know, baby, yeah, yeah
I'll be there i'll be there
Just call my name and I'll be there
Just look over your shoulders, honey, ooh
I'll be there i'll be there

Just call my name, and I'll be there

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in this medley by The Jacksons, combining "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "The Love You Save," depict themes of love, longing, regret, and commitment. In "I Want You Back," the singer reflects on a past relationship where they took their partner for granted. They now realize their mistake after seeing their ex with someone else and are pleading for a second chance, expressing their desire and regret for not appreciating their love before. The lyrics convey a sense of heartache and a yearning to rekindle what was lost.

"The Love You Save" continues the narrative of love and relationships, this time focusing on the consequences of not valuing love and making unwise decisions. The lyrics suggest that one should be cautious and not take love for granted, as the love you save may be your own. It warns against carelessly risking love and emphasizes the importance of making thoughtful choices in relationships to avoid loneliness and heartbreak. The song encourages taking things slow and being mindful of potential pitfalls in love.

"I'll Be There" shifts the focus to a more positive and supportive tone, emphasizing the singer's unwavering commitment to their loved one. The lyrics express a promise to always be there for the person they care about, offering comfort, support, and strength. The song conveys a sense of reassurance and loyalty, with the singer pledging to stand by their loved one through thick and thin, ready to offer a helping hand and provide guidance in times of need. It showcases the depth of their love and the willingness to be a pillar of support.

Overall, this medley of songs by The Jacksons explores different aspects of love, relationships, and commitment, touching on themes of regret, caution, and unwavering devotion. The lyrics reflect the complexities of human emotions, from longing and desire to loyalty and reassurance, creating a multifaceted narrative that resonates with listeners on a deep and personal level. The medley captures the essence of love's joys and challenges, offering a mix of heartfelt reflections and promises that tug at the heartstrings.

Line by Line Meaning

When I had you to myself
When you were with me exclusively

I didn't want you around
I didn't appreciate your presence

Those pretty faces always made you stand out in a crowd
Your attractiveness always made you noticeable

One glance was all it took
Just one look was enough

Now it's much too late for me to take a second look
Now I regret not paying more attention

Oh, baby, give me one more chance
Oh, please give me another opportunity

Won't you please let me back in your heart
Will you allow me to re-enter your affections

Darling, I was blind to let you go
I was foolish to let you slip away

But now since I see you in his arms
Now that I see you with someone else

The love you save may be your own
The affection you preserve could benefit you

Darling, take it slow
Take your time, my dear