The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 (also spelled The Jackson Five or The Jackson 5ive, abbreviated as J5, and later known simply as The Jacksons) were an American popular music quintet from Gary, Indiana. The group, active from 1962 to 1990, regularly played from a repertoire of R&B, soul, funk, and later disco. Considered "one of the biggest phenomenons in pop music{{ref|1970sphenom}}" during the early 1970s, the Jackson 5 group is also notable for launching the career of its lead singer, Michael Jackson.

Personnel

Members

• Jackie Jackson (1962–1990), vocals and tambourine
• The eldest brother, Jackie was a high tenor singer and, prior to a musical career, a baseball player. He had a solo career, releasing three albums, and eventually married Enid Jackson, also later having an affair with singer Paula Abdul.
• Tito Jackson (1962–1990), vocals and lead guitar
• Another original member, baritone singer and guitarist Tito has enjoyed a solo career as a blues musician.
• Jermaine Jackson (1962–1975; 1984 - 1990), vocals and bass guitar
• A singer and bass player, Jermaine stayed with the group until the others switched from Motown to CBS Records. He stayed with Motown to pursue a solo career, achieving moderate success.
• Marlon Jackson (1963–1987), vocals and tambourine
• Joining the year after the band was formed along with Michael, Marlon was sometimes beaten for his failure to live up to his brother's dancing skills. He eventually eloped with a fan, Carol, and, due to friction with his brothers, did not perform on the group's last album. He released one solo LP. Marlon then became a real estate broker and co-owner of Major Broadcasting Corporation.
• Michael Jackson (1963–1987), vocals and bongos
• During his tenure with the Jackson 5, Michael was clearly the most popular member. He was the only one of the brothers to have a consistent solo career, and became one of the most famous musicians in the world.
• Randy Jackson (1972–1990), vocals and bongos
• Randy unofficially began performing with the Jackson 5 in 1972, playing congas. He became an official member of the group in 1975, replacing Jermaine when the Jackson 5 moved to CBS Records and officially changed their name to "The Jacksons".

Band personnel

• Milford Hite (1962–1967), drums
• The original drummer of the group, before he was replaced during the early years in Indiana.
• Reynaud Jones (1962–1967), lead guitar
• The original lead guitarist of the group, until Tito took to lead guitar.
• Johnny Jackson (1967–1975), drums
• Johnny was the group's on-stage drummer until the end of its Motown tenure.
• Ronnie Rancifer (1967–1975), keyboards
• Ronnie was the group's on-stage keyboardist from its inception until the end of its Motown tenure.