The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 were one of the most popular disco-pop groups of the 70s, and spawned the massively successful solo career of lead singer Michael Jackson. Jermaine Jackson also enjoyed success as a solo performer, while sister Janet Jackson (who was never a member of the Jackson 5) also became a pop superstar in the 80s.

The five young brothers signed to Motown in 1968, and released their first single in 1969 when singer Michael was just 11 years old. "I Want You Back" was a huge hit, reaching No.1 in the charts, and continues to be popular in clubs today. It is often thought of as one of Motown's greatest ever singles. In 1970 they had three more No.1 hit singles: "ABC", "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There". Their popularity was such that a cartoon series was made about them in 1971, and they featured in two TV specials.

Meanwhile, Motown started promoting the solo careers of Michael and Jermaine. Subsequent Jackson 5 singles and releases weren't quite so successful as their first four singles, although they continued to chart. In 1975 the group moved to CBS Records, who offered them better royalties and more creative freedom. With CBS they enjoyed more success, with hit singles like "Enjoy Yourself" and "Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)". As the 80s dawned, the brothers were recording less frequently as each member sought to pursue other things. After Michael's phenomenally successful Thriller album, he left the group in 1984, and it disbanded shortly after.