The Jackson 5 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 in 1972. From left to right: Tito, Marlon, Michael, Jackie, and Jermaine Jackson.
Background information
Also known as	The Jacksons (1976–present)
Origin	Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Genres	Pop R&B soul funk disco bubblegum post-disco
Years active	1964–1989 2001 2012–present
Labels	Steeltown Motown PIR Epic CBS
Members	Jackie Jackson Marlon Jackson
Past members	Tito Jackson Jermaine Jackson Michael Jackson Randy Jackson

The Jackson 5, later known as The Jacksons, were a super famous American pop band. They were made up of brothers from the talented Jackson family. The group started in Gary, Indiana, in 1964. The original members were Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. Their dad, Joe Jackson, helped them manage their careers. They were one of the first African American groups to become popular with all kinds of audiences, both black and white.

The Jackson 5 first performed in local talent shows and clubs. They signed with Steeltown Records in 1967. Then, in 1968, they joined Motown Records. They made history by having their first four songs go straight to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart! These huge hits were "I Want You Back" (1969), "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There" (all in 1970). Over five years, they had seventeen songs in the Top 40.

In 1976, the group moved to Epic Records and changed their name to The Jacksons. Jermaine stayed with Motown, and their youngest brother, Randy, joined the group. As The Jacksons, they released several successful albums like Destiny (1978) and Triumph (1980). They had popular songs such as "Enjoy Yourself" and "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)".

The brothers also started solo careers, with Michael Jackson becoming a global superstar. In 1983, Jermaine rejoined the band for a special TV show. They released the Victory album in 1984 and went on a big tour. After this, Michael and Marlon left the group. The remaining members released one more album, 2300 Jackson Street, in 1989.

The Jacksons reunited for special performances in 2001. After Michael's passing in 2009, the four older brothers went on a "Unity Tour" in 2012. The Jackson 5/The Jacksons have sold over 150 million records worldwide. They received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Their songs "ABC," "I Want You Back," and "I'll Be There" are in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The Jackson 5: A Musical Journey

Early Days and Motown Success (1964–1969)

The Jackson 5 in 1969.

The five Jackson brothers loved music, and their father, Joe Jackson, encouraged them. In 1964, Joe saw Tito playing his guitar and was so impressed that he bought him his own. Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie formed a group. Michael, who was only 5, played the congas. Their friends Reynaud Jones and Milford Hite played keyboards and drums. Marlon joined in 1965, playing the tambourine. A friend suggested they call themselves "The Jackson Five."

In 1966, the group won their first talent show in Gary, Indiana. They performed at many local events and theaters in Gary and the Chicago area. In 1967, they won talent competitions at famous venues like Chicago's Regal Theater and Harlem's Apollo Theater. Singer Gladys Knight reportedly sent a demo tape of the boys to Motown Records, but it was initially turned down.

In November 1967, Joe Jackson signed the group with Steeltown Records. They recorded their first single, "Big Boy", which was released in January 1968. The song sold 10,000 copies. In July 1968, after opening for Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, the boys got a Motown audition. Motown chief Berry Gordy, who had first said no to "kid acts," changed his mind after seeing their performance. On July 26, Gordy signed the Jackson 5 to their first Motown contract.

After some delays, the Jackson Five signed a seven-year contract with Motown on March 11, 1969. Motown's team, led by Suzanne de Passe, promoted the group. They even said that Supremes lead singer Diana Ross had discovered them. When the group performed for music industry leaders, Michael was presented as an "eight-year-old sensation," even though he was almost 11. Motown created a new songwriting team, The Corporation, just for them. Their first Motown single, "I Want You Back", was released in October 1969. Their first album, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, came out in December 1969.

"Jacksonmania" Takes Over (1970–1971)

The Jackson family became incredibly important in music history. They helped define black American music for a long time. With an average age of 12 when they became famous, Michael, Marlon, Jackie, Jermaine and Tito were like the original boy band. Thousands of fans would wait for the Jackson 5 everywhere they went, often needing police escorts. During the peak of "Jacksonmania," crowds would rush to get closer to the stage.

When the Jackson 5 performed at The Forum in Inglewood, California in 1970, nearly 19,000 fans attended. Many more were turned away because the venue was full. This concert made over $105,000, which was a record at the time. The Jackson 5 performed sold-out concerts around the world, including in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Their popularity was global. Motown created a "Jackson 5 brand" with many products. By the 1970s, they were one of the most famous groups in the world.

Motown focused heavily on marketing the group's youthful appeal. They licensed many products, including their "J5 heart logo," album covers, stickers, posters, coloring books, a board game, and even a Saturday morning cartoon called Jackson 5ive. The magazine Right On! often featured the Jackson 5 on its covers. They also appeared on the covers of Rolling Stone, Life, and Ebony magazines. The group starred in TV specials and often joined Bob Hope to perform for military troops during the Vietnam War.

The Jackson 5's single "I Want You Back" hit number one in January 1970. They quickly followed with two more number-one singles: "ABC" and "The Love You Save". "I'll Be There" became their fourth number-one hit, making them the first group to have their first four singles reach the top of the Hot 100 chart. All these songs were popular worldwide. The Jackson 5 released four albums in one year and became Motown's best-selling group. They continued their success with hits like "Mama's Pearl", "Never Can Say Goodbye", and "Sugar Daddy".

To boost sales even more, Motown launched Michael Jackson's solo career in 1971. His first solo hit was "Got to Be There". Other successful singles followed, like "Rockin’ Robin" and "I Wanna Be Where You Are". His 1972 song "Ben" became his first solo number-one hit. Jermaine also released solo music, with his cover of the doo-wop song "Daddy's Home" being very popular.

Changes and New Beginnings (1972–1976)

By 1972, the Jackson 5's songs started to drop on the music charts, even though Michael and Jermaine were doing well as solo artists. The songwriting team, The Corporation, broke up in 1973. The brothers then focused on the emerging disco music style. They recorded "Get It Together" and had a big hit in 1974 with "Dancing Machine". This was their first Top 10 song in almost three years.

Despite these successes, many of their next songs were not as popular. Their father, Joe Jackson, became unhappy with Motown's efforts to create more hits for the group. He started organizing nightclub shows for his children, including his sons and daughters, in Las Vegas and other states.

By 1975, the Jackson 5 had sold over 60 million records. Most of the group wanted to stop recording for Motown. They desired more creative control over their music and a bigger share of the money from their songs. They learned they were only getting a small percentage of the money (royalties) from Motown. The Jacksons announced they were leaving Motown at a press conference in Manhattan, New York City.

Joe Jackson then found a great contract with Epic Records, which offered a much higher royalty rate. He signed with Epic in June 1975. Jermaine Jackson decided to stay with Motown because he had married Berry Gordy's daughter, Hazel. Youngest brother Randy Jackson took his place in the group. Motown sued them for breaking their contract but allowed them to record for Epic. However, they had to change their name because Motown owned the name "Jackson 5." So, the brothers renamed themselves "The Jacksons."

The Jacksons at Epic Records (1976–1989)

In November 1976, after their family's weekly variety series debuted, The Jacksons released their first CBS album under the Philadelphia International label. This album, produced by Gamble & Huff, featured "Enjoy Yourself" and "Show You the Way to Go". The album sold well (went gold) but did not reach the same sales numbers the brothers had enjoyed at Motown. A follow-up album, Goin' Places, was less successful.

After renewing their contract with Epic, The Jacksons gained full creative control over their music. This led to their successful album Destiny, released in December 1978. By 1979, The Jacksons had sold 90 million records. Destiny featured their best-selling Epic single, "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)", written by Michael and Randy. The album sold over a million copies. Their next album, Triumph (1980), also sold a million copies, with hits like "Lovely One", "This Place Hotel", and "Can You Feel It". In 1981, they released a live album from their Triumph Tour.

Michael Jackson in 1984, who became a global superstar.

Between Destiny and Triumph, Michael released his first solo album with Epic, Off the Wall. Its huge success led to rumors that Michael might leave the group. After Triumph, Michael worked on his second Epic solo album, Thriller, released in November 1982. Thriller became the best-selling album of all time, winning eight Grammy Awards. It had two number-one hit singles, "Billie Jean" and "Beat It," and famous music videos.

In March 1983, all six Jackson brothers, including Jermaine, performed on a TV special called Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. This was where Michael first performed his famous moonwalk dance during his solo performance of "Billie Jean".

Following this successful reunion, all six brothers decided to record another album for Epic, called Victory, released in 1984. This was their biggest-selling album to date and included their final Top 10 single, "State of Shock". This song was a duet between Michael and Mick Jagger. Another hit was "Torture", a duet between Michael and Jermaine.

In July 1984, The Jacksons launched their Victory Tour. This tour faced some challenges, including Jackie's leg injury and some disagreements within the group. Michael announced he was leaving the group after their last performance in December to focus on his solo career. The following January, Marlon Jackson also left to start his own solo career. By the time they broke up, The Jackson 5 had sold over 100 million records worldwide.

In 1987, The Jacksons released the single "Time Out for the Burglar" for the movie Burglar. In 1989, the remaining four brothers—Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Randy—released the album 2300 Jackson Street. After a short tour, the group went into hiatus and never recorded another album together. Marlon later left the music business to work in real estate. Randy has not been active in the music industry since 1991.

Reunions and Lasting Legacy (2001–Present)

In September 2001, almost 17 years after their last performance, all six Jackson brothers reunited for two shows at Madison Square Garden. These shows celebrated Michael's 30th anniversary as a solo artist and aired on TV in November. In early 2009, the four older brothers began filming a reality show about trying to reunite the band. This show, The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty, debuted in December 2009. During this time, Michael announced a series of comeback concerts in London for July 2009. Sadly, Michael passed away on June 25, 2009, which put their reunion plans on hold.

Later in 2009, the surviving Jacksons recorded background vocals to add to Michael's 1980 song demo, "This Is It". This song became the theme for the concert film Michael Jackson's This Is It. The song was released in October and brought The Jacksons back to the Billboard charts. The surviving members discussed a reunion concert tour to honor Michael in 2010 and planned to work on a new album. However, neither plan happened. In September 2010, Jermaine Jackson held his own tribute concert for Michael in Las Vegas. In 2011, Jackie and Jermaine both released new solo music.

In August 2011, there were some disagreements among the brothers about a tribute concert for Michael. Jackie, Tito, and Marlon, along with their mother Katherine and sister La Toya, attended a press conference for a concert in Cardiff. However, Randy and Jermaine later said they did not support the tribute tour because it was happening around the time of legal proceedings related to Michael's passing. The show went on with Jackie, Tito, and Marlon performing without Jermaine. In October 2011, The Jacksons were featured on a song called "Letter in the Sky" by Japanese-American singer Ai. This song was a tribute to Michael and was the group's first single in 22 years. It was a modest hit in Japan.

In April 2012, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon announced they would reunite for several concerts in the United States as part of their Unity Tour. The tour began in Canada on June 20, 2012, and included many dates, ending on July 27, 2013.

On January 7, 2016, The Jacksons performed at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas in a concert called "Heal the World: A Tribute to Michael Jackson." Many famous music stars performed Michael Jackson's songs at this event.

On June 15, 2018, the four Jacksons—Tito, Jackie, Marlon, and Jermaine—received special plaques with the keys to Detroit city. Detroit police chief James Craig honored them, calling the Motown group "truly Detroiters." The Jacksons headlined and performed at the Detroit Music Weekend Festival on June 16. They were also honored with a 90-minute tribute concert featuring hits from the Jackson 5, The Jacksons, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Rebbie Jackson.

In January 2020, The Jacksons visited Chicago, Illinois, and Gary, Indiana, for the groundbreaking of a new Hard Rock Casino in Gary. This casino would display Jackson family memorabilia and create 2,000 jobs. They were interviewed by local newspapers and TV shows. They also visited their old school in Gary and donated their appearance fee to provide 170 bicycles to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Walmart, Hard Rock, and Spectacle also donated $61,000 to the club.

Tito Jackson passed away on September 15, 2024.

In August 2025, Marlon and Jackie Jackson returned to Gary for a two-day "2300 Jackson Street Block Party." The city organized this event to celebrate the group's legacy. It began on what would have been Michael Jackson's 67th birthday and included a moment of silence for Tito Jackson. Gary native Deniece Williams performed during the event, which happened months after a mural of the Jackson Five, painted by Felix Maldonado, was unveiled.

The Jackson 5's Impact and Legacy

The Jacksons in 1977.

In 1969, a year after the passing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement was going through changes. It was during this time that the Jackson 5 emerged. The Jackson family was very important to black culture. They presented a positive image of black families to America and the world. They helped change how African-American men were seen globally. The brothers became famous everywhere and appealed to both black and white audiences, helping to break down racial barriers.

In September 1971, the Jackson 5ive television series aired as part of ABC's Saturday morning cartoons. The animation director, Bob Balser, made sure the series did not include violence. This cartoon was one of the first to show a black family without using cheap jokes or stereotypes. The Jackson 5 solved their problems with music and smart thinking, serving as great role models for families and children.

In 1977, the Jackson 5 were among a small group of artists to receive the new Madison Square Garden Gold Ticket Award. This award was for selling over 100,000 tickets to their concerts there. They received the award from Madison Square Garden when they played there as The Jacksons in 1981. On September 3, 1980, the brothers were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as The Jacksons. As the Jackson 5, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. Two of the band's recordings ("ABC" and "I Want You Back") are among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. "I Want You Back" is also in the Grammy Hall of Fame. On September 8, 2008, The Jacksons were honored as BMI Icons at the annual BMI Urban Awards.

In 1992, Suzanne de Passe, Jermaine Jackson, and Stan Margulies worked with Motown to produce The Jacksons: An American Dream. This was a five-hour television miniseries based on the history of the Jackson family. It aired in two parts on ABC. The series told the story of a hard-working black family and their journey to success.

The rise of the Jackson 5 in the 1960s and 1970s happened at the same time as another musical family, the Osmonds. The white Mormon brothers from Utah were sometimes seen as an imitation of the black Jackson 5. Michael and Donny, the lead singers from each group, became friends. Both went on to have successful solo careers. The Jackson 5 were influenced by groups like the Temptations, the Supremes, and Sly and The Family Stone. They, in turn, inspired many generations of boy bands, including New Edition, Boyz II Men, New Kids on the Block, NSYNC, One Direction, and BTS.

In 2012, Motown Records released a "two-disc undiscovered" Jackson 5 collection called Come and Get It: The Rare Pearls. This collection included several well-known cover songs and previously unreleased material.

In 2017, for their 50th anniversary, The Jacksons released The Jacksons: Legacy. This was their first official behind-the-scenes book. It included new interviews and unseen photographs, telling the story of the Jackson family in their own words.

On June 15, 2018, The Jacksons accepted plaques with the keys to Detroit city. Detroit police chief James Craig honored them, calling the Motown group "truly Detroiters." They were also honored with a 90-minute tribute concert featuring hits from the Jackson 5, The Jacksons, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Rebbie Jackson.

On May 13, 2021, the Jackson family received official highway signs for 2300 Jackson Street. These signs, declaring the "Home of the World-Famous Jackson 5," were placed along Interstate 80/94 and on local roads. They direct drivers to the Jackson family home at 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana.

Awards and Honors

Grammy Awards

The Jackson 5/Jacksons were nominated for three Grammy Awards during their career.

Grammy Hall of Fame

Three of the Jackson 5's songs were added to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

NAACP Image Awards

The Jackson 5 won four NAACP Image Awards during their career.

Other Special Recognitions

The United States Congress, which is the law-making body of the U.S. government, gave The Jackson 5 a "Special Commendation" in 1972 for being positive role models.

In 1975, The Jackson Five were made Honorary Members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

The Organization of African Unity honored The Jackson 5 in 1974 for strengthening Afro-Americans.

Broadcast Music, Incorporated (BMI) is an organization that collects money for songwriters and composers when their music is played. The Jacksons were honored with the BMI Icons award in 2008.

The Jacksons received a Bronze Medal Award at the Atlanta International Film Festival in 1984 for their Pepsi TV ads.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a famous sidewalk in Hollywood, California, with stars honoring celebrities. The Jacksons received their star in 1980.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a museum in Cleveland, Ohio, that celebrates influential music artists. All the original members of the Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Randy Jackson was not inducted with his brothers. They were introduced by Diana Ross and Berry Gordy.

The Vocal Group Hall of Fame honors outstanding vocal groups from around the world. The Jackson 5 were inducted in 1999.

Meet the Band Members

Current Members

• Jackie Jackson – lead vocals, percussion (1964–1989, 2001, 2012–present)
• Marlon Jackson – vocals, percussion (1964–1985, 2001, 2012–present)

Touring

• Taryll Jackson – vocals (2023–present)

Former Members

• Tito Jackson – vocals, lead guitar, synthesizer (1964–1989, 2001, 2012–2024; his death)
• Jermaine Jackson – lead vocals, bass guitar (1964–1975, 1983–1989, 2001, 2012–2020)
• Michael Jackson – lead vocals, percussion (1964–1984, 2001)
• Randy Jackson – keyboards, piano, percussion, vocals (1971 (officially 1975)–1989, 2001)
• Milford Hite – drums (1964–1967)
• Johnny Jackson – drums (1967–1975)
• Jonathan Moffett – drums (1979–1984)

Band Member Timeline

Music Albums

Concert Tours

Jackson 5 Tours

• The Jackson 5 First National Tour (1970)
• The Jackson 5 Second National Tour (1971)
• The Jackson 5 US Tour (1972)
• The Jackson 5 European Tour (1972)
• The Jackson 5 World Tour (1973–1975)
• The Jackson 5 Final Tour (1976)

The Jacksons Tours

• The Jacksons Tour (1977)
• Goin' Places Tour (1978)
• Destiny World Tour (1979–1980)
• Triumph Tour (1981)
• Victory Tour (1984)
• Unity Tour (2012–2013)

See also

In Spanish: The Jackson 5 para niños

• List of number-one hits (United States)
• List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)
• List of highest-grossing concert tours