Jackson 5 Era
In August 1969, shortly before Michael turned 11, the Jackson 5 opened
for Diana Ross at the L.A. Forum,
and in December, they issued their
debut album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5.
On October 7, 1969, the
Jackson 5 released their first single, "I Want You Back," a Corporation
composition that had originally been intended for Gladys Knight.
It was
an instant smash, hitting number one on both the pop and R&B
charts.
So did their next two singles, "ABC" and "The Love You Save"
(both from their second album, ABC), which solidified
the group's
so-called bubblegum-soul sound and certified them as pop sensations.
Third Album was released before year's end, spawning the hit ballad
"I'll Be There," which not only proved
that the group (and lead singer
Michael) were more mature and versatile than their bright, bouncy
initial singles let on,
but also made them the first group in pop
history to have their first four singles hit number one.
It also became
the best-selling single in Motown history, spending a stellar five
weeks at number one.
And it had still been less than a year since the
group's national debut.
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