The Jackson 5

USA, 1965–1990

Motown group of five brothers from Gary, Indiana, led by the young Michael Jackson. 'I Want You Back' and 'ABC' set a fast, tightly arranged pop-soul style.

MusicRoots documents 6 artists who influenced The Jackson 5 and 3 artists The Jackson 5 influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced The Jackson 5?

• James Brown — The Jackson 5's dance routines were built on James Brown's footwork — a young Michael studied and reproduced Brown's moves and vocal punctuation.
• The Temptations — The Temptations' choreographed Motown showmanship was a direct model for the Jackson 5's group sound and staging.
• Jackie Wilson — Jackie Wilson's athletic showmanship and soaring voice were part of the performance vocabulary Michael absorbed.
• Sly and the Family Stone — Sly and the Family Stone's funk energy fed the propulsive groove of the Jackson 5's early hits.
• Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers — Michael's preteen lead was often compared to Frankie Lymon's boy-tenor — the Teenagers were the template for a child fronting a vocal group.
• The Supremes — One of the Motown acts the Jackson 5 were built on, with the Temptations.

Which artists did The Jackson 5 influence?

• Usher — The Jackson 5 were part of the run of groups Usher worked through as a young singer, learning how a child voice could front adult material.
• Gloria Gaynor — Rooted in Motown-era soul, Gaynor's breakthrough was a disco reinvention of the Jackson 5's 'Never Can Say Goodbye', bridging Motown into the disco era.
• New Edition — The group's name means a new edition of the Jackson 5, and they performed the Jackson 5's songs at the talent shows they started in.