Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969)

Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 is the debut studio album by the American pop band the Jackson 5. It was released on December 12, 1969 by Motown. The Jackson 5's lead singer, a preadolescent Michael Jackson and his four older brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon, became pop successes within months of this album's release. Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5's only single, "I Want You Back", became a number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 within weeks of the album's release. The album reached number 5 on the US Pop Albums chart, and spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the US R&B/Black Albums charts. To date, the Jackson 5's debut album has sold estimated 5 million copies worldwide.

The album title suggested that Motown star Diana Ross had discovered the group, as do the Ross-penned liner notes on the back cover. Ross' supposed discovery of the Jackson 5 was in fact part of Motown's marketing and promotions plan for the Jackson 5. In actuality, it had been Motown producer Bobby Taylor who had discovered them. Joe Jackson, the father and manager of the Jackson 5, thanked the "lovely Gladys Knight, (who) extended a helping hand to our family, by calling Motown executives and talking their ear off to take time out of their schedule and meet with us. She believed in us before others. Always grateful to her." Knight also said she brought the Jackson 5 to Motown's attention. Regardless, Ross embraced her assigned role and helped promote the group.

Critical reception

Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 received widespread critical acclaim. AllMusic stated, "Less than two weeks before the 1960s were left to be deciphered in the history books, Motown unleashed Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5 (1969) and in doing so fittingly marked the beginning of a new era in crossover pop and soul. For all intents and purposes, this dozen-song disc introduced the world to the sibling talents of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and most significantly of all, a prepubescent powerhouse named Michael Jackson. The brothers' inextricably tight vocal harmonies were fueled by the ebullience of youth and inexperience while the flames of their collective success were stoked with the funkified vibe of urban America."

Personnel

Vocals

Michael Jackson – lead vocals (1–6, 8–9, 11–12), backing vocals (7, 10)

Jermaine Jackson – lead vocals (2–3, 5, 7, 9–12), backing vocals (1, 4, 6, 8)

Jackie Jackson – lead vocals (3), backing vocals

Tito Jackson – lead vocals (1, 3, 5), backing vocals (2–4, 6–12)

Marlon Jackson – lead vocals (3, 11), backing vocals (1–10, 12)

• Technical
• David Blumberg, David Van DePitte, Paul Riser, The Corporation – arrangements
• Curtis McNair – artwork direction
• Ken Kim – artwork, design
• Jim Hendin – cover photography
• Hisao "Hy" Fujita - artwork,illustration,typeset