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.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
The Jacksons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
I took my baby to the doctor
With a fever, but nothing he found
By the time this hit the street
They said she had a breakdown
Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin'
Talkin', squealin', lyin'
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
You love to pretend that you're good
When you're always up to no good
You really can't make him hate her
So your tongue became a razor
Someone's always tryin' to keep my baby cryin'
Treacherous, cunnin', declinin'
You got my baby cryin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable
Still they hate you, you're a vegetable
You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable
They eat off of you, you're a vegetable
Billie jean is always talkin'
When nobody else is talkin'
Tellin' lies and rubbin' shoulders
So they called her mouth a motor
Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin'
Talkin', squealin', spyin'
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable
Still they hate you, you're a vegetable
You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable
They eat off of you, you're a vegetable
If you cant feed your baby (yeah, yeah)
Then don't have a baby (yeah, yeah)
And don't think maybe (yeah, yeah)
If you can't feed your baby (yeah, yeah)
You'll be always tryin'
To stop that child from cryin'
Hustlin', stealin', lyin'
Now baby's slowly dyin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
You got to be startin' somethin'
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
Lift your head up high
And scream out to the world
I know I am someone
And let the truth unfurl
No one can hurt you now
Because you know what's true
Yes, I believe in me
So do believe in you
Help me sing it
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (help me sing it, babe)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (yeah, sing it to the world)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (sing it out loud)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (help me sing it)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (help me sing it)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (sing it to the world)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (help me sing it, babe)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (yeah)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (sing it to the world)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (sing it out loud)
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
The Jacksons's song "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" is a lively mix of pop, funk, and soul, and it was written by Michael Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones. The song's lyrics talk about people trying to stir up trouble and create drama, and how it's important to lift yourself up and believe in yourself. The chorus "you wanna be startin' somethin'" suggests that some people never stop trying to start drama, and that's why they remain stuck in the middle of it all.
In the first verse, Jackson sings about taking his baby to the doctor and how rumors started to spread that she had a breakdown, causing people to talk and make things worse. In the second verse, he talks about how people love to pretend they're good, but always end up causing trouble, like Billie Jean, who's always talking and rubbing shoulders with others, leading them to call her a "motor mouth."
The chorus stands out in the song, repeating the lines "It's too high to get over, too low to get under, you're stuck in the middle, and the pain is thunder" to emphasize the idea that some situations are impossible to escape and can cause a lot of emotional pain. The song ends on a positive note, with the final verse saying that if you believe in yourself, no one can hurt you. The repeated chant of "ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa" adds to the energetic, uplifting sound of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I said you wanna be startin' somethin'
I'm calling out the fact that you're always starting something and causing problems.
You got to be startin' somethin'
You have this compulsion to start trouble and drama.
It's too high to get over (yeah, yeah)
The obstacles you create are too big and difficult to overcome.
Too low to get under (yeah, yeah)
The problems you cause are too deep-rooted to simply ignore or avoid.
You're stuck in the middle (yeah, yeah)
You're in the middle of stirring up trouble and causing pain for everyone involved.
And the pain is thunder (yeah, yeah)
The pain that you cause is loud and destructive, like a thunderstorm.
I took my baby to the doctor
I tried to get help for my loved one who was suffering.
With a fever, but nothing he found
The doctor couldn't even find out what was wrong, despite the severity of the symptoms.
By the time this hit the street
Before long, news of this situation spread to everyone around us.
They said she had a breakdown
People were quick to judge and assume that my loved one was having a breakdown, when in reality they had an unidentifiable illness.
Someone's always tryin' to start my baby cryin'
People are constantly trying to upset and provoke my loved one.
Talkin', squealin', lyin'
They do this through talking behind their back, spreading rumors, and lying.
Sayin' you just wanna be startin' somethin'
They accuse my loved one of being the problem and creating drama, when in reality it's the other way around.
You love to pretend that you're good
You put on a facade of being a good person, when really you're not.
When you're always up to no good
You are constantly causing trouble and being deceitful.
You really can't make him hate her
You can't successfully turn my loved one against someone else.
So your tongue became a razor
You resort to using hurtful words and attacking others verbally when you can't achieve your goals through other means.
Someone's always tryin' to keep my baby cryin'
People are constantly trying to upset and provoke my loved one.
Treacherous, cunnin', declinin'
They do this through being deceitful, sneaky, and manipulative.
You're a vegetable, you're a vegetable
You are so emotionally damaged that you can't function properly.
Still they hate you, you're a vegetable
Despite your struggles, people still have negative feelings towards you.
You're just a buffet, you're a vegetable
People take advantage of your vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
They eat off of you, you're a vegetable
Those who take advantage of you benefit at your expense.
Billie Jean is always talkin'
This person, Billie Jean, is always gossiping and spreading rumors about others.
When nobody else is talkin'
Billie Jean only talks when there's no one else around to defend themselves.
Tellin' lies and rubbin' shoulders
She spreads lies and tries to cozy up to influential people for her own gain.
So they called her mouth a motor
People criticize how Billie Jean talks so much and never stops.
If you cant feed your baby (yeah, yeah)
If you can't properly take care of your child in all aspects, not just financially.
Then don't have a baby (yeah, yeah)
Don't bring a child into the world if you're not ready or capable of taking care of them.
And don't think maybe (yeah, yeah)
Don't assume that everything will work out or that you can handle it if you're not properly prepared.
You'll be always tryin'
You will constantly struggle and face difficulty
To stop that child from cryin'
To comfort and care for your child so that they never have to suffer or cry.
Hustlin', stealin', lyin'
If you're not properly taking care of your child, you may resort to desperate and immoral actions to provide for them.
Now baby's slowly dyin'
Your child may suffer and deteriorate if you're not properly taking care of them.
Lift your head up high
Have confidence and pride in yourself.
And scream out to the world
Take pride in yourself and express it to others.
I know I am someone
You are valuable and capable of great things.
And let the truth unfurl
Be honest and true to yourself and others.
No one can hurt you now
When you truly understand and love yourself, no one can bring you down or hurt you.
Because you know what's true
Through self-reflection and honesty, you know what's truly important and what you stand for.
Yes, I believe in me
Have faith in yourself and your abilities.
So do believe in you
Encourage others to have faith in themselves as well.
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hoo-hoo)
Nonsense phrase used as a chant to inspire and energize.
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (hee-hee-hee)
Nonsense phrase used as a chant to inspire and energize.
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa
Nonsense phrase used as a chant to inspire and energize.
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (help me sing it, babe)
Encouraging someone to join and participate in the chant.
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (yeah, sing it to the world)
Encouraging everyone to join in and share the energy and enthusiasm.
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (sing it out loud)
Encouraging everyone to express themselves and make their voice heard.
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (help me sing it)
Encouraging others to participate and engage in the chant.
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (sing it to the world)
Encouraging everyone to come together and make a positive impact on the world.
Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa (yeah)
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm for the energy and positivity being shared.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Michael Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Krispy the Versatile Gamer
It just blows me away how MJ was talented as a child...some people are just born with it... Truly a blessing
Jane Hhh
MJ practiced like hell tho
Eduardo Gonzalez
@dj Nope he had a clear vocal decline in range a whole octave . He’s just a tenor
Zino
@Jane Hhh he did practice but mostly it was just natural talent, dude didn’t even have to try to do something and he was still naturally good at it
africannationalist
@Aladeen michael did have a very obvious decline in vocal range. How could even suggest he didnt when he sang practically year round since he was like 6? The voice naturally would deteriorate, its crazy suggest michaels voice just remained perfect. Listen to invincible, his voice still sounds good, but its obvious his range is lower
David Wilcox
Either you got it, or you don't! 🙏
Otis McClure
Unfortunately, I never got the chance to see MJ live,but it's just so wild to me that such a talent as immaculate and amazing as him ever existed. Truly amazing.
the madafaka
This number's the hardest hitting song MJ ever done. And he didn't need no metal rock guitar noise to make it sound hard....just the fast pulsating beats and energetic backing vocals.
Cynthia Dryman
I saw them on this tour in July 1984, Neyland Stadium in Knoxville TN!! It was an amazing show and experience! I'll remember it for a lifetime. MJ was electric!! ❤🎶
thestudent
Anything you remember