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.
Thriller
The Jacksons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something evil's lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight
You see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream
But terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze
As horror looks you right between your eyes
'Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
And no one's gonna save you
From the beast about to strike
You know it's thriller
Thriller night
You're fighting for your life
Inside a killer
Thriller tonight
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
You hear the door slam
And realize there's nowhere left to run
You feel the cold hand
And wonder if you'll ever see the sun
You close your eyes
And hope that this is just imagination
Girl, but all the while
You hear a creature creeping up behind
You're out of time
'Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
And no one's gonna save you
From the beast about to strike
You know it's thriller
Thriller night
You're fighting for your life
Inside a killer
Thriller tonight
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
Killer, thriller
Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize y'all's neighborhood
And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
And rot inside a corpse's shell
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
I'm gonna thrill you tonight, ooh baby
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
'Cause this is thriller
'Cause this is thriller
'Cause this is thriller
'Cause this is thriller
Killer, thriller
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
'Cause this is thriller
The song 'Thriller' by The Jacksons is a captivating piece that tells a story of terror and horror. The first verse of the song sets the eerie scene of a dark, moonlit night where an evil creature is lurking. The song sets the tone for a horror film, and as the story develops, we see a person being pursued by an unknown creature. The lyrics illustrate the victim's fear and helplessness as they realize there is nowhere left to run. They try to scream, but their screams are silenced by the terror that has already taken over them. The chorus makes it clear that this is thriller night, and nothing can save them now from the impending danger.
In the second verse, we find the victim closing their eyes and hoping that what's happening is just a product of their imagination. However, their hope is in vain as they hear the creature creeping up on them. The pre-chorus reinforces the feeling that they are running out of time, and there's nothing left to do but fight for their life. The chorus repeats, underlining the impending danger and emphasizing that this is thriller night.
The bridge of the song sets the scene for the terror to come, with the dark and ominous lyrics painting a picture of the danger that's lurking in the darkness. The final chorus of the song repeats the previous choruses, but with added emphasis on the word 'killer,' cementing the fact that the danger is real, and the victim is fighting for their life.
Overall, 'Thriller' is a song that tells a compelling and suspenseful story, making it a favorite among fans of horror and thriller genres.
Line by Line Meaning
It's close to midnight
The time is late and ominous
Something evil's lurking in the dark
A sinister presence is hiding nearby
Under the moonlight
The eerie atmosphere is emphasized by the moon
You see a sight that almost stops your heart
A terrifying sight makes your heart race
You try to scream
You attempt to make noise to call for help
But terror takes the sound before you make it
Fear overpowers your ability to scream
You start to freeze
Your body begins to feel numb with fear
As horror looks you right between your eyes
You sense an intense fear that paralyzes you
You're paralyzed
You are unable to move or act
'Cause this is thriller
The situation is suspenseful
Thriller night
The frightening events happen at night
And no one's gonna save you
You are completely alone and helpless
From the beast about to strike
A monstrous creature is ready to attack
You know it's thriller
The situation is terrifying and suspenseful
You're fighting for your life
Your very survival is at stake
Inside a killer
The killer is all around you
Thriller tonight
The events are happening right now
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
The song promises to provide thrilling entertainment
You hear the door slam
A haunting noise startles you
And realize there's nowhere left to run
You are trapped and cannot escape
You feel the cold hand
A chilling touch makes you shiver
And wonder if you'll ever see the sun
You fear for your life and question your survival
You close your eyes
You hope to make the fear go away by shutting your eyes
And hope that this is just imagination
You wish that the terror was just in your mind
Girl, but all the while
Despite your hopes, the danger is real
You hear a creature creeping up behind
You sense a monster sneaking up on you
You're out of time
There is no time left to escape or avoid danger
Darkness falls across the land
The scene is set for a chilling horror story
The midnight hour is close at hand
The time is right for terrifying events to occur
Creatures crawl in search of blood
Monsters are on the prowl, seeking their next victim
To terrorize y'all's neighborhood
The monsters are causing chaos and fear in the area
And whosoever shall be found
Anyone who is unlucky enough to be caught
Without the soul for getting down
Those who lack the courage to face the danger
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
They will have to confront evil forces
And rot inside a corpse's shell
Suffer and perish in a terrifying way
'Cause this is thriller
The horror and suspense are thrilling
Killer, thriller
The killer is terrifying and the situation is thrilling
I'm gonna thrill you tonight
The song promises to be an exciting experience that will give chills
'Cause this is thriller
The horror and suspense are thrilling
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Rodney Lynn Temperton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@janicehill7134
I’ve always been in awe with this dance and music video … !!!
It’s the best dance I’ve ever seen in my life time ..!!!
It’s just wow 🤩 and phenomenal…!!
I even bought the vhs music video of thriller when it came out !!!
Jaw dropping dance !!!!
I had no idea …
Now I do …!!!!
I do remember… omg !!!!
Amazing !!!
@janardansinghgohil6752
"Is this a movie or a song?"
MJ : YES
@safaafify8810
😂😂😂
@edviza1935
He took it even further in Bad
@deptusmechanikus7362
actual MJ: Tee-hee
@wedadbader
Polverine lol ppl still watching this song and commenting
@sergiu-mariusmoldovan6117
The best video all the time !!!
@Local-Art-Kid
When we were kids: Scariest thing we ever saw
Now: A masterpiece
@whatsyour_motive
Dead ass.i was so scared.still am in a way
@leilanihosea7795
True tho I was terrified as a kid watching esp on the zombie part😅
@petergant8767
It was a masterpiece then!