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.
Wondering Who
The Jacksons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look what you put me through
No more planning to start anew
I've got you wondering who
I come to you to love you once again
But you never were around
How can you say that we were more than friends
'Cause in my mind
I knew that you weren't true
From time to time
Look what you put me through
I thought that you and I had seen the light
During the first time we met
Seem to be a sudden change in life
Is there a need for someone else?
'Cause in my mind
I knew that you weren't true
From time to time
Look what you put me through
Welcome to the night
(Stop holding on, start being strong)
Stayed up all night
(Stop holding on, 'cause love is gone)
Welcome to the night
(Stop holding on, start being strong)
Stayed up all night
Baby you've got to go
I've got you wondering who
Look what you put me through
No more planning to start anew
I've got you wondering who
I went along, thought it would be alright
Maybe it happened all too fast
Lots of torrid danger hampered me
Left me crying all the time
'Cause in my mind
I knew that you weren't true
From time to time
Look what you put me through
Welcome to the night
(Stop holding on, start being strong)
Stayed up all night
(Stop holding on, 'cause love is gone)
Welcome to the night
(Stop holding on, start being strong)
Stayed up all night
(Stop holding on, 'cause love is gone)
Stop holding on, start being strong
(Love is gone)
Stop holding on, 'cause love is gone
(Love is gone)
Stop holding on, start being strong
(Love is gone)
Stop holding on, 'cause love is gone
(Love is gone)
Stop holding on, start being strong
(Love is gone)
Stop holding on, 'cause love is gone
(Love is gone)
Stop holding on, start being strong
(Love is gone)
Baby you've got to go
The Jacksons’ song “Wondering Who” is about the pain of a failing relationship. The lyrics talk about how the singer has been put through a great deal of turmoil by their partner, who never seems to be around when they’re needed. Despite their initial hopes that they’d be able to salvage the relationship, the singer has a sense that their partner is not truly committed to them. As they come to this realization, they become strong enough to break free from the toxic relationship and move on. The repeated refrain of “stop holding on, start being strong” captures the sense of determination that the singer feels as they finally take control of their life.
The lyrics are accompanied by a driving beat that highlights the sense of urgency in the song. The Jacksons deliver a powerful vocal performance that perfectly captures the angst of the lyrics. When the song reaches its climax, the band really lets loose with a soaring guitar solo that adds an extra layer of emotional intensity. Overall, “Wondering Who” is a raw and powerful song that takes a hard look at the struggles of love and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got you wondering who
You are now wondering who I am or what I will do
Look what you put me through
You caused me a lot of pain and suffering
No more planning to start anew
I am no longer interested in starting fresh with you
I come to you to love you once again
I want to show you love once more
But you never were around
You were not present or available when I wanted you
How can you say that we were more than friends
You claimed that we had a deeper connection than just being friends
When there's no love to be found
But in reality, there is no love between us
'Cause in my mind
As I think about it
I knew that you weren't true
I realized that you were not honest or faithful
From time to time
At various times
I thought that you and I had seen the light
I felt that we had a bright future together
During the first time we met
When we first encountered each other
Seem to be a sudden change in life
However, something out of the blue caused a major shift
Is there a need for someone else?
Did you feel the need to be with someone else?
Welcome to the night
Welcome to this dark and difficult time
(Stop holding on, start being strong)
Let go of your grip and become more resilient
Stayed up all night
I remained awake all night
Baby you've got to go
You must leave now, it is time for us to part ways
I went along, thought it would be alright
I followed along and assumed everything would be okay
Maybe it happened all too fast
Perhaps everything occurred too quickly
Lots of torrid danger hampered me
There were many intense and unfavorable circumstances that prevented me from moving forward
Left me crying all the time
I was left in tears frequently as a result
Stop holding on, 'cause love is gone
Let go of the past since love no longer exists
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JACKIE N JACKSON, STEVEN RANDALL JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Donato MJ
Te tengo preguntándote quién
Vengo a ti para amarte una vez más
Pero nunca estuviste cerca
¿Cómo puedes decir que nosotros? eran más que amigos
cuando no hay amor que encontrar?
[Pre-Estribillo]
Porque en mi mente
sabía que no eras verdad
De vez en cuando
Mira lo que me hiciste pasar
[Verso 2]
Pensé que tú y yo habíamos visto la luz
Durante la primera vez que nos conocimos
Parece que ser un cambio repentino en la vida
¿Hay necesidad de alguien más?
[Pre-Estribillo]
Porque en mi mente
sabía que no eras fiel
De vez en cuando
Mira lo que me hiciste pasar
Aah...
[Estribillo]
Bienvenido a la noche
(Deja de aferrarte, comienza a ser fuerte) Me quedé
despierto toda la noche
(Deja de aguantar, porque el amor se ha ido)
Bienvenido a la noche
(Deja de aguantar, empieza a ser fuerte)
Me quedé despierto toda la noche
Bebé, tienes que irte
( Michael: Je, je, je ))
[Verso 3]
Te tengo preguntándote quién.
Mira por lo que me hiciste pasar.
Ya no planees comenzar de nuevo
. Te tengo preguntándote con quién
fui, pensé que estaría bien
. Tal vez sucedió demasiado rápido.
Muchos peligros tórridos obstaculizados . Me
dejaste llorando todo el tiempo
[Pre-Estribillo]
Porque en mi mente
sabía que no eras verdad
De vez en cuando
Mira lo que me hiciste pasar
Ahh...
[Estribillo]
Bienvenido a la noche
(Deja de aguantar , empieza a ser fuerte)
Me quedé despierto toda la noche
(Deja de aguantar, porque el amor se ha ido)
Bienvenido a la noche
(Deja de aguantar, empieza a ser fuerte)
Me quedé despierto toda la noche
(Deja de aguantar, porque el amor se ha ido)
Deja de aguantar, empieza a ser fuerte
(Michael: El amor se ha ido, je, je, je)
Deja de aguantar, porque el amor se ha ido
(El amor se ha ido, je, je, je)
Deja de aguantar, empieza a ser fuerte
(El amor se ha ido, je, je ) deja
de aguantar, porque el amor se ha
ido je, je, je) Deja de aguantar, comienza a ser fuerte (El amor se ha ido, je, je, je) Nena, tienes que irte
Spideymrw
Love this song. One of my favorite Jackson songs ever. The longer version with Michael's vocal is great too.
Musiclover59
Well this is Jackie song on lead vocals written by Jackie and Randy produced and arraigned by the Jacksons
Miguel Azenha
Reminds me of "Who Is It"..
The greatest music maker all time!.. ❤❤
Chet Perry
Love this. Sounds like nyc 1980. The last great Jacksons studio album.
Stephen Sheppard
@Chet Perry Your name is very familiar. Think I've heard some of your music. I was born in 1978, but I listen to a lot of 60s and 70s music, and my dad educated me on classical and big band jazz. I kinda listen to all genres but 80s and 90s were my golden age. Big smooth jazz fan myself
Stephen Sheppard
@Chet Perry I flooded this comment section with arguments about Randy being the lead. I double checked the credits and he was one of the writers. Crunch bar special 🤦🏿♂️. Thank you for correcting me
Stephen Sheppard
@Donato MJ I've always been a huge fan of the Jacksons since my childhood, even watched the J5 cartoon. I made a mix CD about 15 years ago that had some of my favorites from those last 4 albums 78-89 (Destiny, Triumph, Victory, 2300)
Donato MJ
@Stephen Sheppard I thought the music of the Jacksons would be boring but it was the opposite
Donato MJ
@Stephen Sheppard I met him through songs by Michael in The Jacksons, the truth is that in the albums they released there are many gems of songs especially from those two legendary albums
Kasuba Kapambwe
Triumph is definitely an album for the broken hearted to relate too lol. Great message, great song. Jackie on lead vocals and all the brothers complimented each other well. And of course MJ rip