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.
Nothin
The Jacksons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I didn't want nothin'
Just thought I would call
And say
What's up
To my number one son
If you call me back
A number that me
And mom
Dug up
Out on googles.com
I don't know if you know who Scott Rudin is
But I read that even his balls are pure gold
I don't mean to get all up into your biz
But how else you gonna get some of your writing sold?
I hear Scott's a fag
Y'all got that in common
And while I do not
Condone
Gay sex
You got that fat student loan
The Jacksons’ song “Nothin” talks about a father reaching out to his son just to catch up and see how he’s doing. It shows a fatherly love that despite not having any particular reason to call, he does it anyway because he genuinely cares. The lyrics also highlight the idea of passing down knowledge from one generation to another, as the father promises to give his son a number that he and his mother dug up on googles.com. The song also touches on the difficulty of breaking into the creative industry, specifically in writing, as the father brings up Scott Rudin, a prominent film and theater producer, and suggests that his son should try to establish a connection with him to further his career.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful, as they portray the father and son’s relationship in a heartwarming and nostalgic light. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong bond between family members, even when there’s nothing specific to talk about. The song’s message about passing down knowledge and encouraging children to follow their dreams is universal and relatable across all cultures.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey son, it's your dad
I'm your father and I'm calling you.
I didn't want nothin'
I don't have anything specific to ask or say.
Just thought I would call
I simply wanted to check in and say hello.
And say
I want to share something with you.
What's up
How are things going for you?
To my number one son
You are very important to me.
If you call me back
Please get in touch with me again.
I'll give you a number
I have something to share with you.
A number that me
I found this information.
And mom
Your mother helped me look this up.
Dug up
We found it through research.
Out on googles.com
We found it using Google search.
I don't know if you know who Scott Rudin is
I wonder if you are familiar with Scott Rudin.
But I read that even his balls are pure gold
I came across news that even his mistakes are valuable.
I don't mean to get all up into your biz
I don't want to intrude or be too nosy.
But how else you gonna get some of your writing sold?
I'm trying to help you explore ways to sell your writing.
I hear Scott's a fag
I heard Scott is gay.
Y'all got that in common
You both share that aspect of your identity.
And while I do not
Although I don't.
Condone
Approve of.
Gay sex
Sexual activity between two people of the same gender.
You got that fat student loan
You have a large student loan to pay off.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Michael R. Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
It's All For L.o.v.e
Nothin' (That Compares 2 U) Lyrics:
I'll give my all and all
To you and no other woman
Never will I let you down
Never will I do wrong
And I'll give my heart and soul
And hope that you will never let me go
Never had a woman so fine
And if I give my love completely
Will you love me in return?
And if it's in your heart, then show me
Then you'll never have to worry
'Cause I'll always be around
'Cause there ain't nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
No, no, no, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
Ooh, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
I'll give my everything
To you and have no other
Ever since I fell in love
Never have I been down
You've been the only one
Promise my one and only lover
Never has my love been so sound
And if you give your heart completely
I will never let you go
And I will love you, girl, so sweetly
You will never have to worry
'Cause I'll always be around
'Cause there ain't nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin'
And I do mean nothin', oh, my baby
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
Nothin', ooh and I do mean nothin'
No, no, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine and I'm scared of you
Hey Jackie, do you want her?
Hey Randy, do you love her?
Jermaine, do you need her?
Hey Tito, you can't have her!
Nothin'
And I do mean nothin'
Nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
Nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
Nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
And if I give my love completely
Will you love me in return
And if it's in your heart then show me
You will never have to worry
'Cause I'll always be around
There ain't nothin'
And I do mean nothin'
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin'
And I do mean nothin', oh, my baby
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
Nothin' compares to you
Nothin' compares to you
There ain't nothin'
And I do mean nothin'
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
Emma
Lyrics:
I'll give my all and all
To you and no other woman
Never will I let you down
Never will I do wrong
And I'll give my heart and soul
And hope that you will never let me go
Never had a woman so fine
And if I give my love completely
Will you love me in return?
And if it's in your heart then show me
Then you'll never have to worry
Cause I'll always be around
Cause there ain't nothin, ooh
And I do mean nothin
No, no, no, nothin that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin, ooh
And I do mean nothin
Ooh, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
I'll give my everything
To you and have no other
Ever since I fell in love
Never have I been down
You've been the only one
Promise my one and only lover
Never has my love been so sound
And if you give your heart completely
I will never let you go
And I will love you, girl, so sweetly
You will never have to worry
'Cause I'll always be around
'Cause there ain't nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin'
And I do mean nothin', oh, my baby
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
Nothin', ooh and I do mean nothin'
No, no, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
Hey Jackie, do you want her?
Hey Randy, do you love her?
Jermaine, do you need her?
Hey Tito, you can't have her
And if I give my love completely
Will you love me in return?
And if it's in your heart then show me
You will never have to worry
'Cause I'll always be around
'Cause there ain't nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin', ooh
And I do mean nothin'
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
There ain't nothin'
And I do mean nothin', oh, my baby
No, nothin' that compares to you
You're so fine that I'm scared of you
Chrissy Boo
Love this. Randy has a nice voice and plays several instruments, I guess when you come from such a talented and good looking family you compete with each other and can get overlooked. I think this was their best song. Love the video too.
BenecioTutuThe3rd
Jackson’s don’t get credit for making great music without Michael too. I’m a fan of Michael Jackson and his brothers. They made some great songs when he left the group too. I loved this song and still do.
They get overlooked and they are so talented. Great singing and lyrics and production. Jermaine is a underrated singer.
Coach Darren
Yes I agree all the brothers were talented
Ano Nimothy
I loved Randy Jackson & The Gypsies.
Jiron127 - CreatinG Your Destiny! CYD - Ministry
They just needed to retool and possibly rebrand the group. Something akin to what Atlantic star did with having a female lead. Or simply another male lead
patrick williams
It's a shame that they didn't continue like this as a group. They sound better than most groups today.
Sheldon Taylor
There tour still sells out… very good live
stonedog23
@Sheldon Taylor Yes, but no Randy. That is what @patrick williams means when he says they didn’t continue as a group like this.
JESSICA OSORIO
Well it’s the dads fault bc he spread them apart until they got back together and then Michael hit 50 and passed..
JoeJoeRunya
This album didn’t really sell that well though, and obviously Michael was doing his solo work