STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: THE LEGACY OF THE JACKSONS BY SHELDON TAYLOR

The Jacksons represent a rich tradition of an elusive legacy of communal Black creativity lost to many since Black music became fixated with the solo act. Unfairly dismissed in light of  brother Michael’s massive success---the older siblings endured unfair ridicule for years. Arrivin on the scene in '69 filling the Black teen idol void left vacant since the demise of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers--- the Jackson Five were a youthful version of their heroes James Brown, the Delfonics and Sly and the Family Stone.

 

Dynamic front man Michael and brother Marlon attracted the adolescent crowd, Budding young musicians were drawn to Tito and Jermaine’s onstage musical sensibilities. Older brother Jackie (and Jermaine) provided a sex appeal balancing out their "bubblegum"image. More than a group, the J-5 were a franchise. Their youthful take on black cultural expression mesmerized mainstream audiences.

The  J-5 would help spearhead a new movement where soul music challenged the belief that Black audiences didn't buy albums. Releasing a staggering six albums in two years  on the strength of hits I Want You Back (1969), ABC,(1970) The Love You Save (1970) and I'll Be There (1971), they became the first act to have their first four releases go number one on the pop chart. 

 As Philadelphia International Records, Isaac Hayes,  Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway steered older black consumers towards a new creative and commercial era of album-oriented soul---the Jackson Five were also part of that wave. It's important to note that J-5 weren't just a pop sensation aimed at the youth market----they were peers of the adult Black acts of the era.

Motown Records' marketing and promotion strategy helped make the group superstars. Concurrent solo output elevated the brand.While the label machine was a key cog in the J-5 machine, it was Papa Joseph Jackson who established the blueprint.Unfairly depicted as the tyrannical stage parent lurking in the shadows; his contributions are omitted from history and largely ignored. 

 

Not quite the model of Beach Boys father/manager Murray Wilson's parental abuse resulting in permanent hearing loss of key member Brian Wilson---Joe Jackson was a complex man whose forceful personality was shaped by parental tough love of the Jim Crow south. Alerted to his sons’ talent, Joe’s intensity and discipline shaped them into professionals long before their first record deal. 

Compensating minimal business experience with instinctive leadership---Joe shielded the group from the bad contracts and negative influences that derailed Frankie Lymon.Wisely steering the group to Motown as Chicago's Record Row had begun its descent, He saved his sons from being regulated to regional phenoms like The Five Stairsteps, a talented family unit with a string of modest hits. 

Constantly at odds with Motown label head Berry Gordy over the direction of the group, Joe mapped out the group's next move as the hits faded. He secured television and Vegas deals. He brokered a new deal with CBS Records for increased royalties, music publishing and solo recordings for Michael. When the brothers eventually jumped to new management, they built on the early success Joe helped achieve.

The addition of younger sibling Randy gave the group a second wind. Randy’s mastery of musical instruments expanded the group’s writing and production capabilities. His musicality complimented Michael’s percussive approach. From their union sprang hits like Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) and Lovely One from the multi-platinum Destiny (1978) and Triumph (1980) albums.

The group's slick choreography and the elaborate stage shows that informed Michael’s own solo concerts made them a top grossing act during the late seventies and early eighties. They sold out Atlanta’s Omni Stadium (three consecutive nights) and LA’s Dodger Stadium (five nights) and performed in Africa, Asia and Europe, including a command performance for the UK royal family. 

                                                                             

Jamaica hilltop images of the group with Bob Marley confirm the cultural impact of Jacksonmania years before Off The Wall and Thriller. Their impact stretches far: They successful transitioned from child stars to achieving their destiny of creative independence. They instilled pride for an underserved audience. They achieved success in R&B, dance and pop genres. Their soulful Motown material would find its way into of hip hop’s break beat culture. 

When an anti-disco industry moved away from Black dance music to rock and pop, The Jackson franchise provided a buffer to mixed reactions and tentative industry skepticisms of 1979's Off The Wall. After Thriller (1982) and Bad (1987) secured MJ's place as a solo superstar, he hit the road performing  concerts incorporating elements of the group's legendary live performances. 

As the Jacksons' profile waned in America, their appeal remained intact overseas. Following MJ's ill-fated This Is Tour, they launched the successful Unity Tour in 2012, spending the last seven years playing to sold-out crowds around the world. Slowly but surely, the world caught up. Bruno Mars revived their slick dance music. Frosty public criticism gave way to warm acceptance and appreciation.

The music from their 1976-1980 incarnation has just been released to streaming platforms. Staunch protectors of their MJ's legacy alive---their music, current tour runs and You Tube clips immortalizing their dynamic performances secure their own. Oprah, Babyface, Lenny Kravitz and Run-DMC have all cited the Jacksons as inspirational reference points when growing up in the '70s. 

Revisionists tag  the Jacksons as the original "boy band." Blasphemy. Savvy observers in the know recognize them as examples of communal spirit tragically missing in contemporary Black music.