Jackson 5 - Greatest Hits

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Members of Jackson 5

Jackie Jackson

Tito Jackson

Jermaine Jackson

Marlon Jackson

Michael Jackson

Randy Jackson

"Abc" Lyrics

"ABC" (1970) was the first single from the second Jackson 5 album

Songwriters: Richards, Deke,Gordy,Berry(Jr),Perren,Frederick,Mizell,Alphonso,(The corporation)

Michael: a buh-buh buh buh-buh

J5: a buh-buh buh buh-buh

Michael: you went to school to learn, girl
Things you never, never knew before...

Jermaine: like I before e except after c...

Michael: and why 2 plus 2 makes four
Now now now, Im gonna teach you...
J5: teach you, teach you

Michael: all about love, dear...
J5: all about love

Jermaine: sit yourself down, take a seat
All you gotta do is reapeat after me.

Chorus:

J5: abc
Michael: easy as...
J5: 123
Michael: or simple as...
J5: do re mi
Michael: abc, 123, baby, you and me girl!
J5: abc
Michael: easy as...
J5: 123
Michael: or simple as...
J5: do re mi
Michael: abc, 123, baby, you and me!

Tito: come on, let me love you just a little bit!
Jackie: come on, let me love you just a little bit!
Jermaine: Im a going to teach how to sing it out!
Michael: come on, come one, come on
Let me show you what its all about!

Reading, writing and arithmetic
Are the branches of the learning tree

Jermaine: but without the roots of love every day, girl

Michael: your education aint complete
T-t-t-teachers gonna show you

J5: show you, show you

Michael: how to get an a!

J5: nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah!

Michael: spell me you
J5: add the two!
Jermaine: listen to me baby, thats all you gotta do!

Repeat chorus

Bridge:
Michael: sit down, girl!
I think I love you!
No!
Get up, girl!
Show me what you can do!

Shake it, shake it, baby, come on now!
Shake it, shake it, baby, ooo oooh!
Shake it shake it, baby, huh!
Abc, baby, oo ooo!
123, baby, nah nah!
Do re mi, baby, huh!
Thats how easy love can be.

J5: abc
Michael: abc, its easy

Easy as123
Its like counting up to 3
Or simple as do re mi
Sing a simple melody
All: thats how easy love can be!

Jackson 5 - ABC (J5 Show)

[via FoxyTunes / The Jackson 5]

Buy The Ultimate Collection(ABC)

The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 were one of the most popular disco-pop groups of the 70s, and spawned the massively successful solo career of lead singer Michael Jackson. Jermaine Jackson also enjoyed success as a solo performer, while sister Janet Jackson (who was never a member of the Jackson 5) also became a pop superstar in the 80s.

The five young brothers signed to Motown in 1968, and released their first single in 1969 when singer Michael was just 11 years old. "I Want You Back" was a huge hit, reaching No.1 in the charts, and continues to be popular in clubs today. It is often thought of as one of Motown's greatest ever singles. In 1970 they had three more No.1 hit singles: "ABC", "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There". Their popularity was such that a cartoon series was made about them in 1971, and they featured in two TV specials.

Meanwhile, Motown started promoting the solo careers of Michael and Jermaine. Subsequent Jackson 5 singles and releases weren't quite so successful as their first four singles, although they continued to chart. In 1975 the group moved to CBS Records, who offered them better royalties and more creative freedom. With CBS they enjoyed more success, with hit singles like "Enjoy Yourself" and "Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)". As the 80s dawned, the brothers were recording less frequently as each member sought to pursue other things. After Michael's phenomenally successful Thriller album, he left the group in 1984, and it disbanded shortly after.

The Jacksons - An American Dream (The Complete Miniseries)

Directed by Karen Arthur

Product Description
Studio: Uni Dist Corp (music) Release Date: 10/18/2002

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-12-11
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream begins in the 1940s, when Joseph Jackson (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs) and Katherine (Angela Bassett) meet and fall in love, and ends in the 1980s, when their sons reunite for the 1983 Victory Tour that brought them back together as the Jacksons. During the first part, "The Early Years," the couple starts a family, and although times are tough, Joseph still finds time to play music on the side. When he discovers that his sons have inherited the same talent, the Jackson 5 are born. They sign with Motown and start churning out the gold records. The second part, "The Success Years," begins in 1970 at the peak of their fame, but by 1976, the hits have started to dry up. If the acting is uneven and the story somewhat sanitized, Bassett is affecting, and the series includes Emmy-winning choreography and a combination of original and re-created material, ranging from "I Want You Back" (1969) to Michael Jackson's "Beat It" (from 1982's multi-platinum Thriller). --Kathleen C. Fennessy

From the Back Cover
Based on the inspiring and true story of the First Family of music, The Jacksons: An American Dream is an epic account spanning five decades--beginning with the family's rise from a Midwestern steel town to the premier stages of the world. The Jacksons is a hit-studded triumph with an all-star cast including Lawrence Hilton Jacobs, Angela Bassett, Jason Weaver, Jermaine Jackson II, Holly Robinson, and special appearances by Billy Dee Williams and Vanessa Williams as Suzanne de Passe. Featuring music from the Jackson 5, Boyz II Men, Jermaine Jackson & Syreeta Wright and Jason Weaver.

Customer Reviews

Has its faults, but still manages to hold your attention
"The Jacksons - An American Dream" was very enjoyable to watch, although those of us who grew up with the Jackson 5 know that there was a LOT left out and several inaccuracies in the script. But perhaps the things that were hinted at or weren't mentioned at all in the movie is what made the biggest impression. It isn't necessary to get into all of the scenarios that were missed, but I will say this movie did well to give you a very general understanding of just what Michael, Marlon, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie, and later on, Randy Jackson went through on the road to fame and during the height of their popularity. IMO, the reason Papa Joe Jackson (played excellently by Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs) worked his kids so hard is because he himself was an unsuccessful musician, and wanted a better future for them. Now I absolutely do not condone the harsh methods he used to discipline his children - but I do understand it.

Now on to the movie...The beginning, which concentates on the life of the young Katherine growing up in Chicago, drags a bit. But it's after the kids are born when the story starts to get interesting. Angela Bassett is effective in her role as the family matriarch, Katherine Jackson, but I've seen Angela in much stronger roles and being cast as the long-suffering wife of Joe Jackson didn't really suit her. But given the material she had to work with, she did a fine job.

The rest of the cast was alright - worth noting are Billy Dee Williams as Motown founder Berry Gordy; Vanessa L. Williams as Berry's protege Suzanne dePasse; Bumper Robinson and Terence Howard, who both played oldest brother Jackie but at different ages; and the son of the real Jermaine Jackson, Jermaine II, playing his father as a teenager - however, who had the horrendous idea of casting Holly Robinson as Diana Ross?! Ugh. She was totally unconvincing and almost laughable. The kids, who were mostly unknowns, were pretty much on point, especially the talented Jason Weaver as the pre-teen Michael (he gives a dead-on performance in this role); the late Wylie Draper, who played the adult Michael; and the actor who portrayed the adult Jermaine, Colin Steele. Their performances were among the best in the film.

I would like to address a couple of remarks that some previous reviewers brought up: WHEN was it implied that Joe Jackson was having an affair with Suzanne dePasse? That must be something I missed, because nothing like that was ever even hinted at. Joe did have a mistress, but it was NOT Ms. dePasse. Also, this was supposed to be the story of the Jackson 5, NOT Janet or Latoya Jackson, so this is why they were barely mentioned...and that suited me just fine. Overall, this is a good film to sit back and enjoy on a Sunday afternoon, although there were parts that were a bit corny, like the constant mention of getting to California being the measure of success in Joe and Katherine's eyes. But Jackson fans are sure to love it and will definitely want to make it part of their collection.

The Jackson's - The American Dream
This movie.... is the movie for all ages. My kids love it. When I first saw this movie I fell in love with it. I had tape both parts had it for years, then it got lost. I took it over to someon's house and they could never find it. I've always tried to tape it again but never had the opportunity to do so. Evey character is this movie was casted well. I was not disappointed at no time. This movie is a classic, and all Black Americans should have this movie in their homes. I would like to get my hand on the video for purchase, but every-where I go says that it's not availible. Why?, I do not know. This movie should be in high demand. Why doesn't the publisher make more availible to us. Why is it that this particular video is hard to get a hold of? If anyone out there, publisher, someone that has knowledge to how I could get a hold to this video, please let me know. I would really appreciate it. I've been looking off and on for about 3years, so if you know anything please e-mail me with the information.

Entertaining and well acted family bio
Joe Jackson had dreams as a young man. He wanted to be a boxer and musician and go to California. But he got his girlfriend, Katherine, pregnant and he did the honorable thing--he married her. He tabled his dreams for his family, working in the steel mills of Gary, Indiana, to put foood on the table. A religious and principled man (the Jacksons were Jehovah Witnesses), he took family seriously and since he didn't believe in birth control or abortion, he had a lot of kids--9 altogether. On occasion he was brutal--but if any of you are parents, can you imagine how brutal you might get having 10 people depending on you?

Gossip and badmouthing from the kids paint Joe Jackson as a tyrant--and he may have some very large flaws--but one thing is very clear: he never abandoned his family. He transformed his dreams to fit the talent of his children and took all of them out of a probable bleak destiny in Gary to the height of world recognition. I'm amazed by that, frankly.

This movie is definitely worth watching for many reasons. Though poor, this was a close knit family smothered in love and support by both parents. Angela Bassett is touching as usual, all mothery and love, but able to stand up to Joe when he gets a little too tough with the boys. Her children are still devoted to her. Lawrence Tillman as Joe Jackson gives a multi-dimensioned father. Proud of his children, a stern taskmaster, a visionary--as much a visionary as Berry Gordy--a family man who is complex and flawed. I loved the scene at the Apollo where he embraces Michael and gets off to his children performing Twist and Shout. We also see the music business during the Motown Age and the inner workings of Berry Gordy's Motown at the height of its success. Now Billy Dee Williams gives Gordy way too much sex appeal...but I enjoyed the charm anyway.

The boy who played preteen Michael was simply adorable and highly talented as singer and dancer. His singing of Kansas City and Twist and Shout in the first half had me moving. The second half, when the family is breaking up as Michael's star ascends was somewhat painful. The father loses control over his creation, Hollywood values destroy family unity, Katherine suffers from empty nest. But what an achievement.

I loved the fact that this is 4 hours long--it's like a good book you don't want to end. No doubt this story will be retold in fuller detail, but I suspect that story would take 8 hours. I'm looking forward to it.

The Ultimate Collection

The Jackson 5

Track Listing

1. I Want You Back
2. ABC
3. Love You Save
4. I'll Be There
5. It's Your Thing
6. Who's Lovin' You
7. Mama's Pearl
8. Never Can Say Goodbye
9. Maybe Tomorrow
10. Got to Be There
11. Sugar Daddy
12. Rockin' Robin
13. Daddy's Home
14. Lookin' Through the Windows
15. I Wanna Be Where You Are
16. Get It Together
17. Dancing Machine
18. Life of the Party
19. I Am Love, Pts. 1 & 2
20. Just a Little Bit of You
21. It's Your Thing [The J5 in '95 Extended Remix]

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8 in Music
• Released on: 1996-01-23
• Number of discs: 1

It's hard to think of a more quintessential pre-disco-era supergroup, and this really is the ultimate collection of the Jackson 5's finest. From the super-sweet "I'll Be There" (which went on to become one of the most-covered songs in recent history) to the peppy pop of "I Want You Back," the period's essence is in every single high note. The Afros, the bell-bottoms, Michael pre-identity crisis, it's all there and so much more fun than anything any of the clan has done since. This is a great party album: classics like "ABC," "Never Can Say Goodbye," and "Rockin' Robin" sit alongside more jazz-influenced tracks like a cover of the Isleys' "It's Your Thing," and are guaranteed to keep all feet on the dance floor. --Rebecca Wallwork

Customer Reviews

The ONLY Jackson 5 album you need
In the heavy revisionism that has enveloped the Motown Records story, it has been forgotten that until Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye stepped outside the machinery, Motown was first and formost a SINGLES label. The albums were almost universally slipshod collections that surrounded a few hits (or wannabes) with low grade filler.

The Jackson 5 albums were no exception. The hits--and they are all here--were undeniably great. But beyond the hits and valient attempt second stringers (most of which are also here), the J5 albums were littered with filler. So this collection is DEFINITELY the best way to enjoy the J5. There are more complete surveys available (including a 4CD box), but trust me, those are only for the diehards. Everything anyone else would want from the Motown era J5 (outside of Michael's solo hit Ben) is right here.

Start here and move onto the Epic era stuff if you're interested in the funkier material.

dap

THE ULTIMATE CD - THE ULTIMATE TALENT!!!
This is the best Jackson 5 CD there is! All the big hits are here, and for a great price. I've been amazed by MJ's talent since 1970. Whenever I hear songs like, I'll be there, The love you save, Who's lovin you, and Mama's pearl, just to name a few, I'm absolutely amazed that I'm listening to a little kid! His voice alone would have made him a superstar, but the fact that he has such INCREDIBLE dance moves to go along with that voice, truly make him a talent we will NEVER see again! It's sad to see what he looks like now, but it doesn't make him any less talented.This CD is only $9.99 what a steal! I hope someday soon, they put a live J5 concert on DVD, with all of their big hits, that would be incredible!

Michael was a wonder!
I was the same age as Michael..he seems to have a lost a year somewhere in time. In any case when he first appeared on tv he was a a wonder to behold. Jermaine was the Jackson that most of my friends had a crush on and when he married Berry Gordy's daughter Hazel they were all crushed of their crushes. Jackie was cute but too old, Tito had the guitar, But Michael was the voice. When I hear songs like I want you Back I can vision this little guy on the stage singing and dancing like Sammy Davis and James Brown. You had to be there to actually appriciate his talent. He looked like he was having a good time. This Cd makes me cry when I hear his old songs like "I'll Be There"..NO ONE can sing it like him..no one. Never Can Say Goodbye..ABC. I cannot had vision what a tragic figure he has become. Because like I had mentioned he looked like he was having a good time, and he certainly commanded the stage. "I Want You Back" which has one of the most famous guitar riffs ever in the beginning was a disapointment on the cd because the version on the cd was not it. But the cd is still very good. Let me make a point. The Jackson 5 were so big at the time they spured copycat groups like The Osmond Brothers, The Sylvers, The DeFranco Family. Donny Osmonds voice One Bad Apple was a direct copy of Michaels voice and a comtiplation of every song the Jackson 5 made at the time. I am surprised Joe Jackson did not sue them. One last thing, one song that liked was ommited "Let me Show you the way". That was a hit for The Jacksons not The Jackson 5 so maybe that is why it is not on the Cd. Buy it but it almost a sin they did not use the more famous version of "I want you back"

Michael Jackson has died

Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50. Arguably the most recognizable entertainer in the world, Jackson is best known for the groundbreaking Thriller, which remains the bestselling album of all time. From his young stardom as the lead voice of the Jackson 5 to his adorable portrayal of the Scarecrow in The Wiz, Jackson demonstrated an incomparable talent that sparked early, burned brightly, and leaves an incalculable musical legacy behind.

Discussions about Michael Jackson
ILoveGadgets says:
I too grew up listening to Michael Jackson starting with the Jackson 5 when I was little. I remember my excitement many, many years later when Billy Jean came out and how ground breaking that felt to me. Same for Thriller. I remember how important it was to me to watch the World Premier launch of the video. I was and still am such a tremendous music lover. Music that affects me gives me chill bumps to this day. Sorry that you left so young and so early. With his passing and Farrah Fawcett, it is like a part of my childhood died.

Jordan says:
I'm just a nine year old girl. I grew up on Micahel Jackson's music. All I can say is, "I love Michael Jackson". He is truely the King of Pop. God bless Michael. Rest in peace. You will be remembered forever!

N. Williams says:
Yes, he was troubled. Yes, he was accused of molesting children. Yes, he was eccentric. Yes, he was ashamed of being Black (other than when it was convenient not to be). But I'm still shocked and saddened that he is gone. He was a great entertainer, at one point a great humanitarian but a tortured soul. I pray he is in a better place. Leave the judging to our makers. Send good thoughts through to his family so they can get through this difficult time. God bless you Michael.

Gwendolyn V. Schilling says:
Michael Jackson will never be forgotten, he'll always be loved by all of us loyal fans. To the many evil slim who tormented him in life, you're responsible for his death, your lives will forever be cursed with as much torment, hatred, scorn, and terrible circumstances as you caused him. I don't feel one bit sorry for you, I hope you never have a peaceful moment in life !!!!!!

princess RN says:
He will be missed. At least his music will live on and on.

Mary Ann Nietz says:
I grew up with Michael Jackson, and I will never forgot the incrediable artist he was. He will live on in our hearts as the greatest pop star of all times. The horriable people that caused his death, I don't feel sorry for. They will get there turn for what they did to a beautiful person Michael Jackson was.

mediclady says:
Michael Jackson was a legend with his talent.............but unfortunately it doesn't alter the fact that he was accused numerous times of messing with children. We will never know if it was true or not, but he certainly paid alot of bucks out of court.....if memory serves me right.
My heart goes out to the entire Jackson family...........as it goes out to the families that accused him, if those accusations were true.

K. Terrell says:
I remember having biggest on michael wher thriller came out i could walk but poster of him without staring .I BOUGHT 4 COPIES OF THRILLER AND HAD HUNDER PICTURE OF HIM ON MY WALL .i'm just heartbrokening and sad

Wendy L. Walker says:
I've never lived in a world without Michael Jackson... this is unbelievable and heartbreaking. Aside from his personal life, he was one of the greatest entertainers ever to grace this earth.