Inside the Jacksons family scrapbook

Exactly 50 years have passed since The Jackson 5 – Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon and Michael – recorded their first single, Big Boy, in their hometown of Gary, Indiana. By the following year, they had signed with Motown, the record company that shepherded to fame the most popular black music of the Sixties, and were singing alongside Diana Ross.

Michael Jackson recalled Motown founder Berry Gordy saying they would “make history together” – and he was right. The band’s infectious brand of chirpy pop-funk, coupled with spirited dance routines and snappy outfits (no sparkle, nor flower, nor colour was ever considered de trop) assured The Jackson 5 a string of hits, including 18 number ones.

Historically, Michael’s breakout success – he began recording solo albums aged 13 – and his death from cardiac arrest in 2009 has tended to overshadowed those glorious, early years.

But now the Jacksons’ every tour and TV appearance, every concert and studio session, has been brought back to life in a new book compiled by the family. The Jacksons: Legacy includes reminiscences from the band members, alongside artwork, magazine covers, Jacksons-branded merchandise and almost a thousand photographs, a selection of which is presented here.

1967: Their first single

The Jacksons recorded their first single at Steeltown studios in their hometown of Gary, Indiana. Tito: “It made us feel like we were getting somewhere.” 

1969 & 1978: Vinyl artwork

When Motown Records’ Berry Gordy first heard I Want You Back, he said: “Oh man, you guys are getting ready to blow a hit.”

1972: European tour 

For the British leg of their tour, the brothers were gifted with personalised tote bags, seen in use in the photo below.

1972: Arriving in London

Jackie: “One minute I was in school studying history. The next thing I know, the Queen is asking us to come and perform.” 

1977: 10 Downing Street 

As part of the promotion for their London tour, after signing with Epic, the boys were photographed at all the London landmarks.

1984: Meeting Madonna 

Marlon: “Madonna’s manager, Freddy DeMann, brought her to see us in New York, introducing her as ‘my next new artist’.”

1984: Sponsored by Pepsi

During filming for one Pepsi commercial,  pyrotechnics triggered early, causing Michael second degree burns.

1984: Victory album tour

Michael performed alongside his brothers on the Victory tour, playing 55 shows in 21 cities across the US. “Michael worked in the same business as us, but the seat he sat in was above everybody else’s,” says Tito. “He deserved to sit there. He was a phenomenon.”

‘The Jacksons: Legacy’ is published by Thames &  Hudson at ￡25. To order  for ￡20, call 0844 871 1514