Ben

Sources : My personal research, Wikipedia, Michael Jackson: For The Record by Chris Cadman & Craig Halstead, Twitter account of Damien Shields and the amazing archives of the MJCast.

ERA

Ben (1972)

RECORDING DATE

November 1971

“Ben” is a song written by Don Black and Walter Scharf for the 1972 film of the same name (a spin-off to the 1971 killer rat film Willard). It was performed by Lee Montgomery in the film and by Michael Jackson over the closing credits.

STUDIO(S)

Motown’s California Studios

SONGWRITER(S)

Don Black & Walter Scharf

PRODUCER(S)

The Corporation

RELEASE DATE :

July 12, 1972 (Ben single)

August 4, 1972 (Ben album).

LABEL

Motown

LENGTH

2:44

ALTERNATE VERSIONS RECORDED BY MJ (covers and remixes by other artists are not included)

In the closing credits of the “Ben” movie.

MUSICIANS

PEAK ON HOT 100 BILLBOARD :

1

SHORT FILM

No short film

LIVE PERFORMANCES ON TV SHOWS

July 1, 1972 : Michael makes a solo appearance in a special American Bandstand show devoted to him. He performs Rockin Robin, Ben, I Wanna Be Where You Are and at the end he’s joined by the Jackson 5 to perform Lookin’ Through The Windows.

September 15, 1972 : The Jackson 5 perform Lookin’ Through The Windows and Michael performs Ben at the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.

November 4, 1972 : In the US, Soul Train Show airs a Jackson Five special where they perform I Want You Back, Lookin’ Through The Windows & Corner Of The Sky. Jermaine performs That’s How Love Goes & Daddy’s Home.    Michael performs Ben

March 27, 1973 : Michael performs Ben at the Academy Awards (the song is nominated as best song for a film)

June 23, 1976 : CBS airs the 2nd episode of The Jacksons Variety Show.  Special guest star -: Mackenzie Phillips. Songs performed : “(You Were Made) Especially For Me”,
“Do The Fonz”, “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock and Roll”/”Deep Purple”Convoy”, “Junkfood Junkie”, “Ben”, “Goin’ Back to Indiana”.

LIVE PERFORMANCES ON CONCERTS

The Jackson 5 US Tour (December 27, 1971 – October 5, 1972)
The Jackson 5 European Tour (November 2–12, 1972)
The Jackson 5 World Tour (March 2, 1973 – Late December 1975

The Jackson 5 Final Tour (February 2–14, 1976)
The Jacksons Tour (May 19 – 24, 1977)
Goin’ Places Tour (January 22 – May 13, 1978)
Destiny World Tour (January 22, 1979 – January 13, 1980)
Triumph Tour (July 8 – September 26, 1981)