Jackson Five were five brothers who became one of the most famous American popular music groups. The brothers were known for their bright vocal harmonies and exciting, tightly synchronized dance moves. The Jackson Five, later known as the Jacksons, performed together from the mid-1960’s to the early 1990’s and had hits in a variety of musical styles, including bubblegum pop, soul , rock , rhythm and blues , funk , and disco .
The Jackson brothers were born in Gary , Indiana. The Jackson Five were Jackie (Sigmund Esco, 1951-…); Tito (Toriano Adaryll, 1953-…); Jermaine (1954-…); Marlon (1957-…); and Michael (1958-2009). The Jacksons were guided in their early careers by their father, Joseph Jackson, a former musician. In 1964, the three older brothers performed as the Jackson Brothers, with Jermaine as lead singer. In addition to singing, Jermaine played rhythm guitar and bass and Tito played lead guitar. Michael and Marlon later joined the group as singers and percussionists.
In 1968, the group signed with Motown Records as the Jackson Five, with 10-year-old Michael as the lead singer and dancer. The group became a sensation with the string of hits “I Want You Back” (1969) and “ABC,” “I’ll Be There,” and “The Love You Save” (all 1970). The Jackson Five later had hits with “Never Can Say Goodbye” and “Mama’s Pearl” (both 1971) and “Dancing Machine” (1974). The brothers moved to Epic Records in 1976. That year, the Jacksons’ youngest brother, Randy (Steven Randall, 1961-…), replaced Jermaine, and the group began performing as the Jacksons. The Jacksons’ first hit was “Enjoy Yourself” (1976). In addition to singing, Randy played a number of instruments and, with Michael, co-wrote the hits “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” (1978) and “Lovely One” (1980). The Jacksons had success with their “Triumph Tour” (1981) and “Victory Tour” (1984).
Michael Jackson went on to become an international superstar as a solo artist. His album Thriller (1982) was the world’s best-selling album for decades, until Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 (1976) by the American rock band the Eagles surpassed it in 2018. Jackson died suddenly in 2009, from an accidental overdose of an anesthetic administered by his physician for insomnia . In 2012, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Tito reunited for their Unity Tour. The Jackson Five was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Janet Jackson, the Jacksons’ sister, is also a major recording artist.
See also Gordy, Berry, Jr.
