The Jackson 5: A teary-eyed flashback

One of the most arresting images to come out of the hugely watched and much talked-about memorial to Michael Jackson held last week at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, was that of The Jackson brothers. Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy Jackson were pallbearers and it was truly a sight to see them in identical suits worn with a yellow tie, a red rose on the lapel and in memory of Michael with one hand sheathed in a sequined glove.

These men had lost their brother and their sadness was so palpable even on television. And as we watched, also transfixed in mourning in our way for Michael, we realized we were also mourning for something else. We saw mortality, lost youth and the end of an era. Not just because of Michael or of the rose draped casket but because there before our eyes were these men, still attractive but definitely middle aged. And it boggled the mind to think that they once made up the first black teen idols called the Jackson 5.

The Jackson 5 came to Motown Records in 1969. The group was made up of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael. They were from Gary, Indiana, the children of steelworker Joe Jackson and his wife Catherine. They started singing in amateur contests and had done some recordings for a local label. Motown mogul Berry Gordy Jr. thought so much of them that he had one of his biggest stars, Diana Ross introduce them to the public.

Motown did not have to wait long, the Jackson 5 soared to stardom with one big hit after another. I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save and I’ll Be There went straight to No. 1. And all were from the Jackson’s very first album. Lots more followed in the ensuing years. Mama’s Pearl, Who’s Lovin’ You, Never Can Say Goodbye, Maybe Tomorrow, Sugar Daddy, Rockin’ Robin, I Wanna Be Where You Are, With A Child’s Heart, Goin’ Back To Indiana and in the later years Dancing Machine, Shake Your Body Down To The Ground and many others.

Jermaine and Michael sang lead vocals while Jackie did harmonies. Marlon played percussion also sang lead and Tito played the guitar. What they all excelled in though was the dancing. The boys could really move and kids everywhere, including the white ones who had suddenly become fans of an all-black group, all tried to dance like the Jackson 5. Whenever possible, they also tried to dress like they did. To this day, the boys’ afro hairdos, printed bell-bottoms and loud shirts remain landmarks of the era.

Jermaine was considered the heartthrob and he launched his own career in 1972. His first solo hit was Daddy’s Home. Still, there was no doubt then that Michael was special. Motown had him release solo albums alongside the group and he turned out hits on his own. Got To Be There, Ben, Music and Me and One Day In Your Life. He went solo in 1979 and younger brother Randy was brought in so the group can remain the Jackson 5.

Things though were never the same again. Despite efforts to keep the group going like the return of Jermaine and Michael’s occasional appearance, the boys never regained their hitmaking status. I do not know if they continued to record or tour and the memorial was the first time they were seen together again.

Jermaine remains active in showbusiness and is an award-winning producer, songwriter and now also a star in the reality TV circuit in the UK. Jackie has his own record company and a budding rapper in his son DealZ. Tito is a guitarist and songwriter. His sons make up the pop group 3T. Marlon, a tenor who sang with Michael in I’ll Be There and soloed in other recordings retired early and is now a successful real estate agent. Randy is the songwriter behind Shake Your Body, a record producer and mechanic.

Before I forget, maybe it is now also time to take note of the wonderful Jackson 5 Christmas Album. This is one of the biggest selling holiday albums of all-time with cuts like Give Love on Christmas Day, Jingle Bell Rock, Up On The Housetops and others. It is now only 164 days until Christmas Day. The Jackson 5 Christmas Album will be in heavy rotation again everywhere and that is not to mention the carolers and performers who will once more try their own versions of Give Love On Christmas Day.

And as we listen, we will think of Michael once more, how the Jackson boys grew up and how much time has passed by since those early days.