Michael Jackson
In The Closet
Japan
ESCA 5610
Michael Jackson
Off The Wall / Thriller
France
SMM 5175549
Various Artists
25 Jaar Pop Muziek 1983
Holland
LSP 980321 2
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They formed first a trio in 1963, with Jackie (born Sigmund Jackson on 4 May 1951), Tito (born Toriano Jackson on 15 October 1953) and Jermaine (born on 11 December 1954) singing and two cousins backing them, although they were replaced by the two youngest Jackson boys - Marlon (born on 12 March 1957) and Michael (born on 29 August 1958) - the following year.
In 1965 they won a talent contest at a Gary high school, performing their version of the Temptations's "My Girl". Their father Joe, determinated to see their boys succeed, had been acting as their manager and drove them to venues in Chicago and New York to widen their appeal. In 1966 they won a talent contest at the renowned Apollo theater in New York's Harlem district. After the Jackson 5 were recommended to Motown boss Berry Gordy by a Motown act - Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers - they were signed to the label in 1969 and left Gary for the glitz of Hollywood to be pampered and polished as a coming major act. By January of 1970 their debut Motwon single "I want You Back" (which had originally been intented for Gladys Knight) had rocketed to number one in the States and sold over a million copies. The follow-up "ABC" did likewise, achieving the distinction of toppling The Beatles' "Let It Be" from the Billboard top spot. The list of their other hits is enormous and includes "The Love You Save", "I'll Be There", "Mama's pearl", "Never Can Say Goodbye" and Jackson Browne's "Doctor My Eyes".
By 1971 they even had a Jackson 5 cartoon series being shown on ABC TV in the States. And their live shows became a showcase for Michael's dancing skills as well as his singing prowess.
During those first few years of success Motown had realised that Michael had the greatest fan appeal and the best possibility of a long career and he was groomed by the company for a solo career to run in tandem with the group. From "Got To Be There" in 1971, his solo debut, until the present day Michael Jackson's career has more than justified that decision.
By 1975 when the Jackson 5's contract with Motown had expired, disagreements about artistic freedom had soured the relationship and they signed to Epic under the name The Jacksons (because Motown owned the rights to the name Jackson 5) and Michael also signed as a solo artist. While the group's career had its ups and downs- Jermaine and Jackie also tried their hand with some success soloists - Michael's career knew only one direction.....up.
