Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 (also spelled The Jackson Five, or The Jackson 5ive) originated in Gary, Indiana. The original group members were Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael Jackson.
Humble Beginnings
Michael began demonstrating his dance moves and singing ability around mid-1966. Before his eighth birthday, Michael was allowed to perform his song-and-dance routine at a talent contest held at Jackie’s Roosevelt High School in Gary, helping his brothers win the competition.
Evelyn Lahaie, a talent agent from Gary, Indiana, suggested Joe rename the group the Jackson 5 when they performed in her Tiny Tots Jamboree in Gary. After the contest win, the group began playing professional gigs in Indiana, Chicago and across the U.S. Many of these performances were in a string of black clubs and venues collectively known as the "chitlin' circuit". In 1968 Motown signed The Jackson 5.
Diana Ross formally introduced The Jackson 5 to the public on August 11, 1969.
