Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5

@ National Portrait Gallery

Unidentified Artist

Description

Michael Jackson (1958–2009) was only eleven years old in January 1970 when “I Want You Back”—the Jackson 5’s first Motown Records single—reached number one on both the pop and R&B charts. The junior member of the ensemble consisting of his brothers Tito (born 1953), Marlon (born 1957), Jackie (born 1951), and Jermaine Jackson (born 1954), Michael quickly emerged as the group’s lead performer with incandescent vocals and dance moves that were extraordinary for one so young. Fueled by Michael’s talent, the Jackson 5 scored a string of hits with their next three singles—“ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There”—which topped the charts in rapid succession. After releasing his first solo recording “Got to Be There” in 1971, Michael continued to perform with the Jackson 5 for several more years before leaving the group to pursue a phenomenally successful career as a singer, songwriter, and performer.

Type:

Image

Format:

Gelatin Silver Print

Rights:

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Ann M. Shumard

View Original At:

http://collections.si.edu/search/results.htm?q=record_ID=npg_S_NPG.2013.22&repo=DPLA