Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5

The debut album by The Jackson 5 became a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 within weeks of its release and eventually sold millions of copies worldwide. It also contains many other classics such as “Who’s Loving You” penned by Smokey Robinson, and a wonderful cover version of The Delfonics’ “Can You Remember.” This masterpiece spent nine weeks at #1 on the R&B / Black Albums chart between 1969 and 1970. It constituted the first long play appearance by the future “King of Pop,” The Jackson 5’s lead singer, Michael Jackson.

“Honesty has always been a very special word for me–a very special idea. I don’t necessarily mean the kind of honesty that our history books tell us Abraham Lincoln practiced–although that’s fine. But when I think of my own personal idea of honesty, I think of something being straight out, all there, on the table–the way it is. Steak should be steak, you know what I mean? Why disguise it? If it’s good steak–well, just let it be good steak. That’s how I feel about the JACKSON 5–five brothers by the name of Jackson who I discovered in Gary, Indiana.

The JACKSON 5 sing honest. Straight out. No tricks. No gimmicks. But good. Very, very, very good. Everything about these guys says “honesty” to me. Whether they’re singing Smokey Robinson or the Beatles or an old standard, they exhibit an inborn professionalism and an innate honesty which says everything. Their young enthusiasm–and they are young; from lead singer Michael, who is 10, up through Jackie 16; and including Marlon, 12; Germaine, 13; and Toriano, 14–their clean approach, their optimistic zest–everything is right up front. You can’t miss it. Mayor Richard Hatcher of Gary, Ind. didn’t miss it. He’s the one who brought the JACKSON 5 to my attention. Record producer Bobby Taylor didn’t miss it. He was the first professional to work with the guys. Motown Records didn’t miss it. They produced the JACKSON 5’s first hit single, “I WANT YOU BACK.” No one’s going to miss it. Everything about the JACKSON 5 is for real. They’ve got great talent. And above all, they’re honest.” – Diana Ross

Tracklist

Side 1

1. Zip a Dee Doo Dah
2. Nobody
3. I Want You Back
4. Can You Remember
5. Standing In The Shadows of Love You’ve Changed

Side 2

6. My Cherie Amour
7. Who’s Loving You
8. Chained
9. (I know) I’m Losing You
10. Stand
11. Born to Love You