The video captures a moment in time when music was at its peak, and the world was full of hope and joy. The year was 1970, a time when a gallon of milk cost 62 cents and gas was only 36 cents a gallon. Richard Nixon was in office, and America was in the midst of the space race, but on that night, all of that was forgotten as the Jackson 5 took the stage on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The performance was electric, and the energy of the crowd was palpable. From the first notes of “I Want You Back,” it was clear that the Jackson 5 were something special. The group was made up of five talented brothers from Gary, Indiana, who had been discovered by Motown Records just a few years earlier. But despite their youth, they had already made a name for themselves with hits like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.”
Watching this video today, it’s easy to see why the Jackson 5 became such a sensation. Their music was infectious, blending soul, funk, and pop with audiences dancing in the aisles. But it was also their stage presence that set them apart. Michael Jackson, the group’s lead singer, was only 11 years old at the time, but he had a charisma and a talent that belied his age.
One interesting fact about “I Want You Back” is that it was written by the legendary Motown songwriting team of Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonso Mizell, and Deke Richards. They had originally written the song for Gladys Knight & the Pips, but when Motown founder Berry Gordy heard it, he knew it was perfect for the Jackson 5.
The medley also included “ABC,” another hit written by the same team. It’s hard not to sing along to the infectious chorus, “ABC, it’s easy as 123, as simple as do-re-mi, ABC, 123, baby you and me!”
But as much as the music itself, the memories and emotions this video evokes make it so special. For many of us, the Jackson 5 were the soundtrack of our childhood, and their music brings back memories of simpler times. It’s a reminder of a time when the world seemed full of possibilities and anything was possible.
So be sure to watch this video and share it with your friends because it’s a reminder of the power of music to bring us together and lift our spirits. The Jackson 5 may no longer be with us, but their music will live on forever.
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