Music
Jackie Jackson
born 1951 · singer, songwriter
The oldest Jackson brother and a founding member of the Jackson 5, who won their Motown contract at an audition at Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit in 1968.
- Born
Gary, Indiana
age 75- Birth name
- Sigmund Esco Jackson
- Detroit years
- 1968–1969
- Field
- Music
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Jackie Jackson, the eldest of the Jackson brothers, sang with the Jackson 5 from its start in Gary, Indiana, and thought seriously about a baseball career before the group took off. Their Detroit chapter began in July 1968, when singer Bobby Taylor brought the brothers to Hitsville U.S.A. on West Grand Boulevard. They auditioned there on July 23, the performance was videotaped for Berry Gordy, and Motown signed them days later. In early 1969 they worked in the Hitsville studio with Taylor, who produced much of their first album, before Motown moved the family to Los Angeles, where “I Want You Back” made them stars. Jackie stayed with the group after it left Motown in 1975 and became the Jacksons, taking a larger role as singer and songwriter.
Highlights
- Founding member of the Jackson 5
- Four straight US No. 1 singles on Motown (1969–1970)
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Jackson 5 (1997)
- Only member to stay in the group through every era
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 1
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Recorded here · 1968–1969
Motown Museum
The Jackson 5 auditioned here on July 23, 1968, and recorded in Studio A in early 1969. Now the Motown Museum.