Purpose: Michael Joseph Jackson was an icon that left an everlasting impact on not only pop culture. In the context of the narrative of the comparative analysis, Michael Jackson fits qualifications perfectly. Over his vast career, he has embodied multiple different personas. The one that I will focus on is the Jackson 5 era which features a young Michael.
Timeline
Late 1950s: Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana to Joseph and Katherine Jackson. He was the couple’s fifth child. Before the official formation of the Jackson 5, the Jackson house is described to be one that was always full of music.
Early 1960s: Jackson, along with his siblings, are living under the strict discipline of their father of whom the kids were made to call ‘Joseph’ and not ‘Dad.’ The abusive behavior of his father would take a devastating toll on Jackson’s psyche not only in childhood but as he furthered into adulthood.
Mid 1960s: Jackson’s elder brothers, Jermaine, Jackie, and Tito, are discovered to be playing with Joseph guitar without permission. While initally furious, Joseph discovered that his sons are incredibly talented musicians and decides to put his sons into a singing group. Jackson (along with his brother Marlon) would eventually join the group as well. The group, at the time, was going by the name of Ripples and Waves before changing to The Jacksons. However, according to Michael, the experience was far from fun in the early stages: We would rehearse dance steps with Joseph holding a belt in his hands. He would tear you up if you missed a step.
1967: Jackson and his brothers, now going under the name The Jackson Five, perform at amateur night at the famed Apollo theatre. They earn a fan in Gladys Knight, of whom was signed to Motown at the time and of whom was one of the first to recommend the group to the legendary recording label. The group is first signed to Steeltown Label, with their first hit ‘Big Boy’ becoming a local hit.
1969: The Jackson Five audition for Motown Records after gaining fans in both Bobby Taylor and Diana Ross. Berry Gordon, the head of the label, is incredibly impressed with the boys and signs them to his company. They debut their first single with the label, I Want You Back, which became instant smash hits along with their other single ABC.
Early 1970s: The Jackson Five are achieving feats never accomplished by Motown Artists before, one of which include their singles receiving number one for five weeks in a row on the charts. Berry Gordy recognized Michael’s talent and wanted to start pushing him as a solo artist. Jackson releases solo work that includes Ben, Got To Be There, Music and Me, and Forever. However, all that glitters is not gold. According to Jackson, his father and had once told him and his brothers: If you guys ever stop singing I’ll drop you like a hot potato.
Mid 1970s: The Jackson Five decided to leave Motown after the record label was not meeting demands of the group. Due to the departure of Jackson’s brother, Jermaine, The Jackson Five is re-dubbed The Jacksons and begin to perform with Jackson’s younger brother Randy. Jackson also begins to go through puberty and receives an incredible change in his voice, much to the pleasure of his father.
Late 1970s: After leaving Motown, The Jacksons performed under the Epic Record Label. With this Label, they release their strongest LP Destiny. Around this time, Jackson releases his solo album Off The Wall which performs exceedingly well on the charts. However, despite his solo career taking off, Jackson continues to perform with his brothers.
1982: Jackson releases his groundbreaking album Thriller. To many, the release of this album and its success begin to signal the end of Jackson’s time performing with his brothers. However, Michael is still an official member of the group for another two years following.
1984: At the finale of the Victory Tour, the last tour of the Jackson Brothers, Jackson announces that that was the final tour of the group and that that the Jackson Five has been officially disbanded. This was the end of an era to many.
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