Geoff Brown - Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson is the seventh child born to Katherine and Joe Jackson in Gary, Indiana. Other Jackson siblings are: Maureen Reilette (Rebbie), 29 May, 1950; Sigmund Esco (Jackie), 4 May, 1951; Toriano Adaryl (Tito), 15 October, 1953; Jermaine La Juan, 11 December, 1954; Yvonne LaToya, 29 May, 1956; Marlon David, 12 March, 1957; Steven Randall (Randy), 29 October, 1961; Janet Damita, 16 May, 1966

Father Joe begins coaching Jermaine, Tito and Jackie in his spare time and they are soon joined by Marlon and Michael. Joe later recruits drummer Johnny Jackson.

I Want You Back/Whos Loving You, the Jackson 5s dbut single, is released on Motown Records and sells two million copies in six weeks. This is the groups first Gold record but, because Motown is not a member of the RIAA, it is not certified as such.

Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 enters both the Black and Pop album charts peaking at number 1, holding its position for nine and five weeks respectively. The LP spends a total of 32 weeks on the Pop charts.

Joseph Jackson sends Motown founder, Berry Gordy, a tape of the Jackson 5. Three months later, it is returned with no offer.

Michael starts Kindergarten at Garnett Elementary School in Gary and, at the age of five, participates in a school pageant, singing an a cappella version of Climb Every Mountain taken from the film The Sound Of Music. His emotional delivery brings his teacher and his mother to tears. This is Michaels first public performance. Shortly afterwards, Michael takes over from Jermaine as lead vocalist in the group.

The Jackson 5 are seen by Gladys Knight at a show in Chicago. They subsequently perform at New Yorks Harlem Theatre where Michael gets to see James Brown.

The Jackson 5 release the single Big Boy on Steeltown Records, Gary. After an appearance on the David Frost TV show, The Jackson 5 audition for Berry Gordy, head of Motown Records, and are are subsequently signed to the label. The Jackson 5, father Joe and his assistant Jack Richardson are temporarily accommodated at the Hollywood Hills homes of Berry Gordy and Diana Ross.

I Want You Back/Whos Loving You by the Jackson 5 enters the Top 50 singles chart in Britain, peaking at number 2, and remains on the charts for 13 weeks, selling over 250,000 copies. It hits number 1 on both the Pop and Black singles charts, holds its position for one and four weeks respectively and remains on the Pop charts for 19 weeks.

ABC hits number 1 on the Pop singles chart, replacing The Beatles Let It Be, holding its position for two weeks and remaining on the charts for 13 weeks.

Ill Be There/One More Chance by the Jackson 5, released in August by Motown Records, enters the Black singles chart. It peaks at number 1 holding its position for six weeks and remaining on the charts for 13 weeks.

The Jackson 5 reach sales of 10 million worldwide for the singles I Want You Back, ABC and The Love You Save during a nine-month period - a record unsurpassed in such a time period. The Jacksons move to their parents first home in Encino, California.

The Jackson 5 embark on their first national tour playing shows in Boston, Cincinnati, Tennessee and New York City. There are incidents during these shows of teenage girls fainting, and trying to mount the stage. While on tour, the Jackson 5 are accompanied by a private tutor, Rose Fine.

The Love You Save/I Found That Girl by the Jackson 5, released on May 13 by Motown Records, enters the Pop singles chart. It goes on to sell over two million copies.

The Jackson 5 play their first major concert at the Los Angeles Forum.

Michael appears on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Throughout the summer the Jackson 5 play their second major US tour, including a date in front of 80,000 fans at the Lake Michigan Summer Festival.

Got To Be There, Michaels first solo single, released.

Got To Be There, Michaels first solo album, released on January 24 by Motown Records, enters the Black and Pop albums charts, peaking at numbers 3 and 14 respectively, and remains on the Pop charts for 23 weeks.

Ben, Michaels second solo LP, is released, along with the eponymous single.

The Jackson 5 arrive in the UK for their first British dates. While in Europe they also visit Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Paris.

The Jackson 5 perform in several African countries.

Ben is nominated for an Oscar at the Academy Awards but doesnt win.

The Jackson 5 tour Japan.

The Jackson 5 tour Australia.

Far East tour by the Jackson 5.

The Jackson 5 tour the UK