Author: Fred Colby

January : Michael is on the cover of Rock & Soul Magazine.

The Jacksons rehearse for The Destiny Tour. Their new show include 4 songs from their new album (Things I Do For You, Destiny, All Night Dancin’ & Blame It On The Boogie).

Motown releases Boogie, a collection of unreleased songs from the Jackson 5.

January 11 : MCA releases the single “You Can’t Win” from the soundtrack of The Wiz.

January 17 : Just before leaving for Europe with The Jacksons for the 1st leg of the Destiny Tour, Michael poses for a photoshoot with Jim McCrary in Los Angeles for his upcoming solo album « Off The Wall ».

January 19 : Boogie, a compilation album of both previously released and unreleased tracks by The Jackson 5 is released by the Motown label. Boogie is considered the rarest of all Jackson 5/Jacksons releases, as not many albums were pressed and fewer were sold at the time.

January 20 : The Jacksons arrive in Bremen, Germany.

January 21 : The Jacksons rehearse for their upcoming concert in Bremen.

January 22 : The Jacksons kick off the European leg of Destiny tour at the Bremen Germany Musical Theater in Bremen, Germany.

January 23 : While in Bremen, The Jacksons tape a performance of “Blame It On The Boogie” on Musikladen TV show. The show airs two days later on January 25.

January 24 : Second at the Bremen Germany Musical Theater in Bremen, Germany.

January 26 : Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Michael, and Randy Jackson arrive at Barajas Airport in Madrid. They check in the Palace Hotel in Madrid.

January 27 : The Jacksons visit the Prado musuem in Madrid. After visiting the Prado, they go to La Barraca, a typical Valencian restaurant near La Gran Via, to have paella.

January 28 : At noon, The Jacksons go to El Gran Musical, a live radio show on Cadena SER (one of the most important Spanish radio stations) from the Titanic discotheque on Atocha Street. The program is hosted by Cañaveras Pepe and directed by Rafael Revert. It is Michael Jackson’s first contact with the media in Spain. He is also introduced to Joaquin Luqui, who collaborated with the program every Sunday.

First concert at the El Teatro Monumental in Madrid, Spain.

January 29 : The Jacksons go the former Roma studios on Colmenar Street, where the Tele 5 production center is currently located. Valerio Lazarov and his production team were waiting for us to tape a performance of “Blame It On The Boogie”. Due to technical difficulties, the taping is postponed to the day after.

Second concert at the El Teatro Monumental in Madrid, Spain.

January 30 : In the morning, The Jacksons tape a performance of “Blame It On The Boogie” on the TV show “Sumarisimo” (a variety show that lasted only twelve weeks, from December 1978 to March 1979). The show airs on Monday, February 5, 1979.

Later, The Jacksons go to the Prado Del Rey studios to tape performances of “Destiny”, “Blame It On The Boogie”, “Goin Places” and “Shake Your Body” on Spanish TV show Aplauso (which airs RTVE on February 3, 1979).

Third concert at the El Teatro Monumental in Madrid, Spain.

January 31 : Concert at the Martiniplaza in Groningen, Netherlands.

February : The single “Shake Your Body” is released by Epic and becomes a huge success. It will peak at #7 on Hot 100 Billboard.

February 01 : Concert at the Koninklijk Theater Carré in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Michael poses for a photoshoot at the Sonesta Hotel in Amsterdam with Barry Schultz.

The Jacksons are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

February 02 : In Amsterdam, in the afternoon, The Jacksons tape a performance for a Dutch television show, “Sonja’s Goed Nieuws Show,” a talk show hosted by Sonja Barend. The group performs “Shake Your Body” and “Blame It On The Boogie”. Exceptionally, the show is not held at the De Meervaart theater but inside the ultra-modern new tropical wave pool complex, De Mirandabad, in the south of Amsterdam, which is also being inaugurated on this occasion. That evening’s guests on the show include Amsterdam’s mayor Wim Polak, the synchronized swimming group De Meeuwen, the comedy duo Peppi and Kokki — and The Jacksons. Jeans, plaid shirts, and tweed jackets have replaced the shiny costumes the group used to wear, and Michael even sports a black T-shirt with the show’s logo. Backstage at the show, Michael meets the comedy duo Peppi and Kokki (real names Gerard van Essen and Herman Kortekaas), who are part of the program. The singer is particularly fond of their television series, which earned them the nickname “the Dutch Laurel and Hardy.” Under the lens of photographer Peter Mazel, Michael and the two men pose together, joined by a young boy—identity unknown—wearing a white cowboy hat.

The Jacksons tape another performance that same day for the Dutch TV show TopPop, broadcast on the TROS channel, (which is aired on February 24). They perform “Shake Your Body”. Unlike their poolside appearance at De Mirandabad, the brothers return to wearing the more iconic, stylish stage outfits they’re known for. A previously unseen photo of Michael Jackson, taken by photographer Joep Bruijnjé and published in 2021, shows him inside the studio premises.

Concert at the Koninklijk Theater Carré in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

NBC airs an episode of the The Midnight Special taped in December where The Jacksons perform “Shake Your Body” and “Things I Do For You”.

February 3 : Soul Train’s episode with the Jacksons is aired on US TV. The group performs  “Shake Your Body”, “Things I Do For You” & “Push Me Away”.

February 6+7+8+9 : Concerts at the Rainbow Theatre in London.

While in London, The Jacksons tape performances of “Shake Your Body”, “Blame It On The Boogie” & “Destiny” on Top Of The Pops. Jermaine joins them on stage for the last song.

February 10 : Concert at the Brighton Center in Brighton, England.

ABC airs American Bandstand featuring The Jacksons performing  “Shake Your Body”, “Push Me Away” & “Things I Do For You”.

February 11 : Concert at the Guildhall in Preston, England.

February 12 : Concert at the Wakefield Theater Club in Wakefield, England.

February 13 : Concert at the Fiesta Club in Sheffield, England.

February 14 : The Jacksons arrive at Leysin, a municipality in the canton of Vaud, with approximately 4,000 inhabitants, located in the Vaud Alps, the central part of the Alps, in Switzerland. They check in l’hôtel Central de Leysin. In the afternoon, the group tapes a performance of two tracks from the album “Destiny”: “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)” and “Blame It On The Boogie.” The brothers can be seen performing their songs in front of a massive snowman, surrounded by children skiing, at the Plan-Praz site, located a bit higher than their hotel. They also make a photoshoot in the snow. These performances are part of the show “Disco In The Snow, part I.” The four-part show, featuring the group Abba, will be broadcast on British television, on the BBC, on April 9, 1979.

February 15 : The Jacksons go to Leysin Restaurant where they tape their second segment for a special show, “Abba Snowtime,” which will be broadcast on the BBC on December 22, 1979. In the heart of an “old rustic chalet with a mountain atmosphere”, they perform their song “Destiny” near the fireplace.

At night, The Jacksons give a concert at the Victoria Hall in Geneva, Switzerland.

February 16 : The two concerts scheduled at the Apollo Theatre in Glasgow, Scotland are canceled.

February 17 : Concert at the Manchester Apollo in Manchester, England.

February 18 : Concert at the Bingley Hall in Birmingham, England.

After the concert, Michael gives an interviews with “New Musical Express” at the hotel’s pool and sauna, discussing his likes of touring, love of children, and the differences between playing in theatres and arenas.

February 19 : Concert at the Civic Theatre in Halifax, England.

February 20 : The two concerts scheduled at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester, England are canceled.

February 21 : The concert scheduled at the Sophia Gardens Pavillon in Cardiff, England is canceled.

February 23+24 : Concerts at the England Rainbow Theatre in London. The first concert is filmed for television.

February 25 : Concert at the Poole Arts Centre in Poole, England.

February 26 : Concert at the Koninklijk Theater Carré in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

February 27 : The Jacksons arrive in Paris, France.

February 28 : The two concerts scheduled at Le Palace in Paris, France are canceled at the last minute. There are pictures of the audience waiting to get in the Palace. Official reason: Food poisoning of Michael and one of his brothers. 

February 29 : The concert scheduled at the Théâtre des Carmes in Avignon, France is canceled. The Jacksons go back home to Los Angeles.

March : The Jacksons concerts in South Africa, Senegal and Kenya are all canceled. In an interview to Jet Magazine published on April 19, 1979, Joe Jacksons denies rumors that the group canceled because the audiences were to be segredated : “It wasn’t canceled because of that. I’d rather not talk about it, but it was in the best interest of the Jacksons to cancel”. To this day, no one knows what really happened…

Back to Los Angeles, Michael resumes the recording of the album Off The Wall with Quincy Jones.

Spring : Michael undergoes his first rhinopasty surgery. He recovers at his friend David Gest’s home.

April 14+15 : The Jacksons kick off the US leg of Destiny Tour at the Music Hall in Cleveland. They add “Shake Your Body” to the setlist as the final song.

April 19+22 : Concerts at the Valley Forge Music Fair in Devon, a census-designated place (CDP) located in Easttown township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. During their stay in Devon, the group recorded what appears to be a television program. The footage shows them horseback riding on a property and talking with a young girl. While no information is available about this interview, the images were filmed in the heart of Valley Forge National Park, on the grounds of a historic property, The Philander Chase Knox Estate.

April 25+26+27 : Concerts at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago.

Michael, Joe & the Jacksons meet concert promoter Leonard Rowe.

April 28 : Concert at the Mill Run Theatre in Niles, Illinois.

May 3 : Concert at the Bayfront Center in St. Petersburg.

May 6 : Concert at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Jacksonville.

May 10+12 : Concert at the Music Hall in Houston.

May 11 : The single “Destiny” is released (only in the UK).

May 16 : Concert at the Birmingham Municipal Auditorium in Birmingham.

May 17 : Concert at the Municipal Auditorium in Columbus.

May 18 : Concert at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville.

May 19 : Concert at the Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta.

May 20 : Concert at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis. Rick James visit the group backstage.

May 24 : Concert at the Saenger Theatre in Pine Bluff.

May 26 : Concert at the  Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.

May 27 : Concert at the Tarrant County Convention Center in Fort Worth.

May 28 : Concert at the Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium in Shreveport.

June : Michael is on the cover of Dutch magazine Pop Foto with exclusive photoshoot that took place on February 02 in Amsterdam with Peter Mazel.

June 1 : Concert at the Chrysler Hall in Norfolk.

June 3 : The Jackson brothers are welcomed at the Carolina Inn in downtown Columbia, for a press conference. It is more likely a small ceremony in which, at first, an official presents the group with the keys to the city. Bill DeLoach, representing Governor Richard Wilson Riley, then presents each of the Jackson brothers with a small Palmetto Tree badge, which they pin to the front of their jackets.

Concert at the Township Auditorium in Columbia, the capital city of the U.S. state of South Carolina.

June 8 : Concert at the Belk Gymnasium in Charlotte.

June 9 : Concert at the Capital Centre in Landover.

June 10 : Last concert of the first US leg at the War Memorial Auditorium in Greensboro.

This is the last time Michael ever performs the songs “Destiny”, “Show You the Way to Go” and “All Night Dancin'” in front of an audience.

Late June : Michael, Quincy & Bruce complete the recording & mixing of the album Off The Wall at the Westlake Studios in Los Angeles.

The Jacksons start recording songs for the Triumph Album.

Michael makes several photoshoots for the “Off The Wall” album cover with Mike Salisbury and Steve Harvey as Mike Salisbury recalls : “After a shoot at the Griffith Park Observatory under the Hollywood sign that didn’t work for me, we tried a re-shoot in photographer Steve Harvey’s Hollywood studio. Nothing was happening. The photograph in the theatrical tuxedo, with the Gene Kelly white socks and loafers, needed something more than just a white background. I needed a background to support the metaphorical symbolism of the tuxedo and the young kid with the big talent. In an urban alley against an old wall of real brick, I directed Michael to be more animated in his pose. And I told him to smile. Voila! Off the Wall. Perhaps after the Great Wall and the Berlin Wall, one of the most famous walls in the world. A wall I picked to be our backstage, the alley door of a Broadway theater”

July : Michael shoots a video for the song “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” with a new short hair.

Leonard Rowe becomes the concert promoter for the next leg of the Destinty Tour and he meets Michael and the Jacksons at Hayvenhurst several times.

July 1 : At Hayvenhurst, Michael gives an interview to “Blues & Soul” magazine, discussing the peacock symbol, politics in music, children, world cultures, “Off the Wall”, and the next Jacksons album

Mayor Tom Bradley declares “Jackson Day” in Los Angeles in honour of the group achievements. Some 300 guests attend a party in the City National Bank Vault in Beverly Hills. The Jacksons receive a Platinum Record for Destiny. Michael’s date for the night is actress Tatum’ O Neal. Michael performs “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough”.

Later, Michael, Janet Randy and their niece Stacee Brown attend The Doobie Brothers 10th Anniversary Party at the Friars Club of Beverly Hills. During the celebrations Michael and his brothers join the Doobie brothers, Sam & Dave, Kenny Loggins, Rufus Thomas and several other stars on stage for a rendition of the Doobies song ‘Soul Man’ and highlight of the night is Michael’s, Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonalds 40 minute rendition of ‘Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)’.

July 03 : Michael gives a deposition in Los Angeles for the lawsuit between the Jacksons and Motown Records.

July 10 : The single “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” is released. It peaks at #1 on Hot 100 Billboard.

August 10 : Epic releases the album “Off The Wall” (N°1) A huge success thanks to the genius of Michael Jackson combined with the musicians of Quincy Jones. With four Top Ten singles and more than 15 millions records sold, Off The Wall has become a classic in pop history.

August 16 : Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine with an exclusive interview.

August 20 : Michael is on the cover of Soul Magazine with an exclusive interview.

August 29 : Michael & his brothers give a radio interview. They also make a photoshoot with photographer Mathew Roltson.

Michael’s contract with Joe Jackson expires and he now takes control of his own career.

September: The Jacksons are on the cover of Ebony Magazine.

On the same day, Michael shoots two music videos for the songs “Rock With You” and “She’s Out Of My Life”. Both videos are directed by Bruce Gowers and filmed at the 800 Stage in Los Angeles.

The Jacksons rehearse for the new leg of the Destiny World Tour and they add new songs to the setlist (Off The Wall, Rock With You, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough and Shake Your Body).

October 2+3 : The Jacksons kick off the second US leg of Destiny Tour at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans.

October 4 : Concert at the  Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport.

October 5 : Concert at the Mobile Municipal Auditorium in Mobile.

October 6 : Concert at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville;

October 7 : Concert at the Louisville Gardens in Louisville.

October 12 : Concert at the Spectrum in Philadelphia.

October 13 : Concert at the Rochester Community War Memorial in Rochester.

October 14 : Concert at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena in Pittsburgh

October 15 : Concert at the Saginaw Civic Center in Saginaw.

October 19 : Concert at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis.

October 20 : Concert at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis.

October 21 : Concert at the UD Arena in Dayton.

October 25 : Concert at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Columbus.

October 26 : Concert at the Onondaga County War Memorial in Syracuse.

October 27 : Concert at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo.

October 28 : Concert at the Springfield Civic Center in Springfield.

October 31 : Michael attends his friend Jane Fonda’s Halloween Disco Party at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

November 1 : Concert at the Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

November 2 : Concert at the Chicago Stadium in Chicago, Illinois.

November 3 : Concert at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio.

Epic releases the single “Rock With You”. It will peak at #1 on Hot 100 Billboard.

Rolling Stone Magazine refuses to put Michael on their cover!

November 4+5 : Concerts at the 1979 Detroit Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

November 7 : Concert at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

November 8 : Michael and Marlon visit Radio Station WWRL 1600 in New York City and pose for pictures with DJ Gary Byrd. They also visit “WBLS” radio station’s Frankie Crocker, discussing family, the “Destiny” songs and tour, and “The Wiz”.

Concert at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, in central Nassau County, New York (the concert is filmed for ABC’s 20/20 TV show).

Backstage, Michael  & The Jacksons are presented with gold record awards for Off The Wall’ album with CBS record executive Don Dempsey & Joe Jackson. They also pose for pictures with Super model Beverly Johnson.

After the concert, Michael and Marlon interview with Sylvia Chase in the back of their limo for a 20/20 special report. Then Michael attends Steve Rubell’s birthday party at the Studio 54 with Debbie Allen and Lionel Ritchie.

November 9 : Concert at the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia.

November 11 : Concert at the Roanoke Civic Center in Roanoke, Virginia.

November 22 : Concert at the Savannah Civic Center in Savannah, Georgia.

November 23 : Concert at the Macon Coliseum in Macon, Georgia.

November 24 : Concert at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

November 25 : Concert at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, Tennessee.

November 29 : Concert at the Omni Coliseum in Atlanta, Georgia.

November 30 : Concert at the Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, Alabama.

December 6 : Concert at the Summit in Houston, Texas

December 13 : Concert at the United States Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, California.

December 14 : Concert at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix.

December 15 : Concert at the Sports Arena in San Diego, California.

December 16 : Concert at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Arena in Oakland, California.

December 17 . Michael performs “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough” at the New Age club in Oakland, California. Taped for the Soul Beat Network.

December 18 : Concert at the Forum in Inglewood. The whole Jackson family attends the concert. Backstage Michael is presented with multplatinum record awards for Off The Wall. After the concert, the Jacksons attend a party at Chasen’s restaurant in Beverly Hills.

December 21 : Last concert of the year at the Haynes Oval Cricket Ground in Nassau (The Bahamas).

December 27 : Michael’s interview with Sylvia Chase (filmed on December 9) is aired on ABC’s 20/20 and features live songs from the Destiny Tour (filmed at the Uniondale concert on November 8, 1979). The special also featuresan interview of Joe & Katherine filmed at Hayvenhurst.

Late December : Michael , Janet, Rebbie, Marlon, Jackie, Jermaine, Randy & Tito go to Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace in Los Angeles. They pose for pictures with Barry White.

Joseph Jackson severe his ties with Richard Arons and hires the management team of Freddy DeMann & Ron Weisner as partners in managing The Jacksons.

Michael becomes friend with Paul MacCartney & Gregory Peck.

In Culver City, Michael films a “1580-KDay Radio” Television Commercial where he is seen dancing. KDay’s radio station rents out a studio that has a sound stage ready for filming.

January 19 : Michael, James Earl Jones & Diana Ross attend the opening night of the play ‘Robeson’ at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater in New York City.

January 22-May 18: The Jacksons embark on a world tour in the US & Europe to promote the Goin Places album.

January 22 : first concert, place unknown.

February: The single “Find Me a Girl” is released by Epic.

February 19 : Concert at the Newcastle City Hall in Newcastle, England

February 20 : The Jacksons arrive in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the southernmost island country in the Caribbean. Consisting of the main islands Trinidad and Tobago and numerous much smaller islands, it is situated 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) off the coast of northeastern Venezuela. They check in the Hilton Hotel with their tutor Rose Fine. They are welcomed by concert promoters Frank Martineau and his brother Claude.

The Jackson brothers visit John John, Laventille, one of the impoverished neighborhoods in Trinidad. Michael, relaxed, stepps out of the car, walked along the road, shakes hands, and chatts with surprised people who were relaxing at their homes. By the seaside, the brothers stop near the fishermen, engage in conversations with them, and take photos.

The Jacksons also visit the Belmont orphanage, another disadvantaged neighborhood in Port of Spain, where they spend time with the children and attend a Calypso competition at the Belmont school.

The brothers also greet Alderman M. McCollin, the mayor of the city of Port of Spain, as well as the employees of City Hall.

February 23 : At their Hilton Hotel, Michael & The Jacksons meet and pose for pictures with Janelle « Penny » Commissiong, the first black woman named “Miss Universe”.

February 24+25 : The Jacksons perform concerts at Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. During the concerts, Michael sings « Sugar Bum Bum » from Lord Kitchener, a very popular artist in Trinidad.

February 26 : Concert at the Skinner Park in San Fernando, Trinida and Tobago.

March : The Jacksons go the Gower Studios in Hollywood to tape a performance of “Even Though You’re Gone,” a track from the album Goin’ Places, which will serve as a music video for the song’s promotion. At the time, Reginald Garcia, a student at Caltech and a freelance photographer is asked to take pictures of the brothers during this session. He spends the day with the group and takes numerous photos.

March 3 : Concert in Oakland, California.

March 10 : Michael, Tito, Jackie, Marlon, Randy, LaToya and Janet participate to the first Rock N Roll Sports Classic at the University of California in Irvine, close to Los Angeles. The show, inspired by the ABC program “The Battle of The Network Stars” (which pits television actors against each other), will be broadcast on May 3 on NBC. Hosted by Alex Karras and Ed McMahon, the events take place on the grounds of the University of California, Irvine, with the cheerleaders of the Dallas Cowboys. Michael participates in the 100-meter race and the swimming relay. Michael gives a short interview in which he explains that he is not a great athlete but that he enjoyed participating in these events.

May 3 : Concert in Oakland.

May 13 : Concert at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

May 18 : Concert in Nashville.

June/July/August : The Jacksons record the “Destiny” album in Los Angeles after recording song demos at their Hayvenhurst home studio.

June 16 : Birth of Autumn Jackson, second child of Jermaine & Hazel.

July 16 : Dee Dee gives birth to Tito Jackson Jr (TJ).

July 29 : Michael performs Different Kind Of Lady and Greatest Love Of All during Hal Jackson’s Talented Teen International at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles. Harrisonburg High School English teacher Melody Wilson : “‘Michael was actually a judge when I competed and Jermaine was the host […] .I never really got to meet Michael until the year that I gave up my crown”. TheTalented Teen’s International Scholarship competition would “allow minority young women an opportunity to display their talents before the world, an opportunity denied them”.

August : The Jacksons film their first music video “Blame It On The Boogie” directed by Peter Conn.

The Jacksons do two photoshoots with Jeffrey Henson Scales. The first session takes place in a photo studio in Beverly Hills and resulted in portraits, most of them in color. The second series of photos takes place at the Record Plant Studios, where the group is working on the Destiny’s album mixing.

Michael attends Elektrik Rock Orchestra (ELO)’s concert in Anaheim and meets the band backtage.

August 3 : Michael does a phone interview from California with Lisa Robinson. They chat about The Wiz and life in NYC.

August 17 : The Jacksons do a publicity photo shoot with Gregg Cobarr (1st session). The first photoshoot takes place outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (5905 Wilshire Blvd) on August 17, 1978. The Jackson brothers pose in front of “Phoenix,” a 1974 modern red sculpture by Russian artist Alexander Liberman, installed in the gardens of the famous LACMA.

August 18 : The Jacksons, along with their younger sister Janet, do a photoshoot with Gregg Cobarr (2nd session) in Westlake Village, a small town in the northern suburbs of Los Angeles, on the shores of the private lake where Jackie Jackson, owns a house.

More about this photoshoot.

August 22 : To promote their “Destiny” album, Michael and The Jacksons give an interview to Randy Tarraborelli at Hayvenhurst. They also pose for pictures.

August 23 : Epic releases the first single from “Destiny” titled “Blame It On The Boogie.

August 25 : Michael attends a reception for the Robert Kennedy Tennis Tournament at the NBC Building in New York City. Michael poses for pictures with John F. Kennedy Jr. and Caroline Kennedy.

August 29 : Michael purchases his first Rolls Royce for his 20th birthday.

September/October : At Hayvenhurst, Michael records song demos for his upcoming solo album including “Workin’ Day & Night” & “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” with Randy & Janet as percussionists!

September 18 : MCA releases the soundtrack of The Wiz featuring Michael on 6 tracks.

September 21 : MCA releases the single “Ease On Down The Road”, a duet between Michael & Diana Ross from the soundtrack of The Wiz.

October 6 : Michael attends a charity dinner at Shubert Theatre, California & a benefit performance of the play, ‘Annie,’ where an American National Theatre and Academy National Artist Award was being presented to Fred Astaire.

October 21 : Michael attends the 3rd Annual American Image Awards at the New York Hilton in New York City.

October 23 : Michael poses for pictures in his hotel room and gives an interview prior to the release of “The Wiz”.

Later, he visits the famous toy store F.A.O Schwartz in Manhattan.

Michael and Georgia State Senator Julian Bond are photographed at a party at Hilton Hotel in New York City.

October 24 : In NYC, Michael tapes an apperance on CBS’s “A Special Sesame Street Christmas” special (which airs on December 08).

“The Wiz” is theatrically released in the US. The film receives generally negative reviews from critics, with many unfavorably comparing the film to its source material. Some critics criticize the casting of Diana Ross as Dorothy, while others criticize the direction of Lumet who was considered a poor choice for directing a musical.

Michael, Second lady Joan Mondale and NYC Mayor Ed Koch ride a special subway train from 42nd Street to The World Trade Center for the after party of ‘The Wiz’ premiere on in New York City. Michael attends the after party of ‘The Wiz’ premiere at Windows on the World in New York City with Sidney Lumet, Leslie Uggams, Valerie Simpson, Nick Ashford, Lena Horne, Diana Ross, Berry Gordy Jr, Berry Gordy Sr and Quincy Jones among others. Later that night, Michael is spotted dancing with model Tamara Dobson at ‘The Wiz’ after party at Studio 54.

October 25 : Michael takes a flight from NYC to LA. At night, he attends the premiere & opening night party of  “The Wiz” at the Pitt’s Century Plaza Theater in Century City (Los Angeles) with Katherine, Joe, Janet & Latoya & Diana Ross among others.

October 26 : Michael is on the cover of JET magazine with the cast of ‘The Wiz’.

November 01 : Michael and Quincy sign a contract to co-produce Michael’s upcoming first solo album later known as “Off The Wall”.

November 18 : Billboard magazine’s issue on The Jacksons 10th Anniversary with interviews of The Jacksons and their entourage.

Early December : Michael starts recording the album “Off The Wall” with producer Quincy Jones and sound engineer Bruce Swedien at Allen Zentz Recording, a nondescript studio in Hollywood. Bobby Holland is hired by Ed Eckstein (who runs Quincy Jones Productionsà to shoot casual, not-posed photos of Jackson and Jones working in the recording studio, for publicity purposes.

The Jacksons launch their first productions company named Peacock Productions and they start rehearsing for their upcoming Destiny World tour.

The Jacksons sign a contract with Dr Pepper. They record “Be A Pepper”, a one minute version of “Blame It On The Boogie” with lyrics about the Dr Pepper drink. The song is used for radio and TV commercials in 1979 and eventually released on 1995 (25 Years of Dr Pepper Music).

December 05 : Tito, Michael, Jackie, & Marlon give interviews to the press and pose for pictures at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

December 08 : Michael is a guest star on CBS’s A Special Sesame Street Christmas.

Mid-December : The Jacksons tape performances of “Shake Your Body” and “Things I Do For You” on The Midnight Special at the NBC Studios in Burbank, California (aired on February 02, 1979).

December 16 : The Jacksons tape performances of “Shake Your Body”, “Push Me Away” & “Things I Do For You” on  American Bandstand and Soul Train (aired on February 10, 1979)

December 17 : Epic releases “Destiny”, the first album for which The Jacksons had total creative control.

The Jacksons tape performances of Shake Your Body, Things I Do For You & Push Me Away on Soul Train and give an interview. plus a Michael’s interview.  (aired on February 3, 1979).

January 6 : The single “Show You The Way To Go” is released by Epic and peaks at 28 on Hot 100 Billboard.

January 19 : CBS airs the 5th episode of The Jacksons Variety Show.  Special guest star : Redd Foxx. Songs performed : “Enjoy Yourself”, “They Can’t Take That Away from Me”/”Puttin’ on the Ritz”, “Blues Away”, “Bei Mir Bist Du Schön (Means You’re Grand)”, “Keep on Dancing”.

January 26 : CBS airs the 6th episode of The Jacksons Variety Show.  Special guest star : Carroll O’Connor. Songs performed : “Hum Along and Dance”,”Get Happy”/”I Got Rhythm”
“I Got You Babe”, “Coconut”,”I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart”/”Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”/”Caravan”/”Take the “A” Train”, “Show You the Way to Go”.

January 27 : Birth of Jermaine Jackson Jr (Jay) : First child of Jermaine & Hazel.

January 31 : The Jacksons perform “Good Times” at The American Music Awards held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica and Janet presents an award as Mae West.

February 2 : Michael meets Andy Warhol for the first time at Regine’s night club on 502 Park Avenue in New York City. “Catherine [Catherine Guinness, Warhol’s assistant] and I went to Regine’s at 11:00 pm. to interview Michael Jackson of the Jackson Five. He’s very tall now but he has a really high voice. He had a big guy with him, maybe a bodyguard, and The Wiz’s girl [Stephanie Mills]. Susan Blond, publicist at Epic at the time, is also present at this event. This interview between Michael Jackson and Andy Warhol will appear in one of the issues of Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine soon after (probably in the March 1977 issue).

CBS airs the 7th episode of The Jacksons Variety Show.  Special guest stars : Dom DeLuise/
George Miller/Muhammad Ali. Songs performed : “Moving Violation”,”On the Wall” “That’s the Way (I Like It)”, “Style of Life”, “Steppin’ Out”, “Hello, Dolly!”, “Life of the Party”.

February 8  : The Jacksons are guests on Mike Douglas show Mike Douglas Show (taped in Philadelphia) where they perform “Enjoy Yourself’, “Dreamer’ & “Show You The Way To Go”.

February 9 : CBS airs the 8th episode of The Jacksons Variety Show.  Special guest star : Betty White. Songs performed : “Get It Together”, “On The Wall”, “Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy”, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree”, “Dreamer”, “Opus No. 1”, “Just a Little Bit of You”.

February 16 : CBS airs the 9th episode of The Jacksons Variety Show.  Special guest stars : Georgia Engel/David Letterman. Songs performed : “Sugar Daddy”, “On The Wall”,”Cisco Kid”/”I Shot the Sheriff”,”One”, “Ben”, “I Am Love”.

February 19 : The Jacksons present an award to Nathalie Cole at the 19th Grammy Awards at Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. Michael poses for a picture with Aretha Franklin.Later that night, Michael attends an after party at On The Rox, sur Sunset Boulevard with Tatum O’Neal, Susan Blond and Andy Warhol.

February 23 : CBS airs the 10th episode of The Jacksons Variety Show.  Special guest stars :John Byner/Nicholas Brothers. Songs performed : “What You Don’t Know Won’t Hurt You”
“On the Wall”,”Midnight at the Oasis”,”Get Ready”,”Good Times” “I Can’t Quit Your Love”.

February 24 : The Jacksons arrive in Caracas, Venezuela.

February 25 : The Jacksons tape a 30 minutes long performance on Súper Sábado Sensacional TV show  They perform One Day In Your Life, Happy, I’ll Be There, Dancing Machine, Body Language (Do The Love Dance), Enjoy Yourself et Just A Little Bit Of You. (the last two songs are cut from the airing). The show airs on Venevision the day after.

February 26 : The Jacksons give a concert at the Poliedro de Caracas in Caracas, Venezuela.

February 28 : The Jacksons give a concert at the Salón Naiguatá del Hotel Tamanaco in Caracas, Venezuela.

March : Michael is on the cover of Rock & Soul Magazine.

March 2 : CBS airs the 11th episode of The Jacksons Variety Show.  Special guest star : Lynda Carter. Songs performed “Think Happy”, “On The Wall”, “On the Good Ship Lollipop”, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”,”Thank God I’m a Country Boy”, “Living Together”, “I’ll Be There”.

March 9 : CBS airs the 12th episode of The Jacksons Variety Show.  Special guest stars : Tim Conway/David Letterman. Songs performed : “Dancing Machine”, “On the Wall”
“Behind Closed Doors”, “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby”, “I’m Going To Jackson”, “Flat Foot Floogie”,”World of Sunshine”,”Body Language.

March 10 : Michael and Janet attend the First Annual Rock and Roll Celebrity Sports Classic at the University of California in Irvine.

March 23 : Radio station WDIA organized a fan meet-and-greet with The Jackson at a shopping center in Memphis, Tennessee, which quickly turned into a riot. The event, featuring autograph signings by the group, was set to take place at the Woolco discount store in the Southgate Shopping Center, located in the southern neighborhoods of Memphis. However, neither the store nor the radio station was truly prepared for the chaos that the arrival of the Jackson brothers could trigger. Woolco, which sold numerous records by the group, did not anticipate that hundreds, and then thousands, of young fans would rush to the store, swarm the Jacksons, and cause significant damage. The Woolco and WDIA employees, seeing the chaos, were forced to secure Michael and his brothers on the store’s roof, from where they threw autographs to the crowd, estimated at around 6,500 people. While there were no injuries, several fans, angry at not being able to get close to their idols, vandalized and looted the Woolco store. It seems the Jackson family later reimbursed the damages.

March 24 : The Jacksons perform a concert at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, Tennessee.

Spring : Michael becomes friend with Tatum O’Neal after speaking with her father Ryan O’Neal at a club in Los Angeles. The next day, Tatum invites Michael to a dinner party at Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner’s Holmbt Hills estateand they share a tub together.

April : In New York City, The Jacksons perform “Enjoy Yourself” on local NY kids TV show Wonderama and they are interviewed by TV host Bob McCallister.

April 10 : The Jacksons perform a concert at Uniondale’s “Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum” during “The Jacksons’ Tour”. While no footage of the tour has ever surfaced, a press article published the day after mentionned that Stevie Wonder was on stage that night.

May 15 : The Jacksons arrive in London for a short European tour.

Michael meets former child star Mark Lester at his London home. Lester once was the most famous English child actor and was cast in the musical film Oliver! (1968) where he played the lead in the multiple Academy Award-winning adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel. Lester in 2008 : “Michael is one of my best friends. I talked to him just a couple of days ago. I’ve stayed at Neverland countless times. We met more than 30 years ago when he was on tour here with the Jackson Five. His agent rang me up and said: ‘Michael’s favourite film is Oliver! He’d love to meet you.’ “We went for a coffee and we’ve been pals ever since. I’m just so proud of him. He’s managed to turn his life around after all the claims and he’s just trying to get by. We have so much in common. We were both thrust into the spotlight at a very early age. If you haven’t experienced that, it’s impossible to fully understand.”

May 16 : The Jacksons perform at the Queen Theatre in Glasgow, Scotland.

May 17 : The Jacksons perform “Forever Came Today”, “Show You The Way To Go” and a Motown medley medley at Kings’s Theatre in Glasgow as part of the Royal Command Performance celebrating the Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. The groups meets Queen Elizabeth for the second time.

May 19 : The Jacksons perform “Show You The Way To Go” on Top Of The Pops in London. The group poses for pictures at Hyde Park Corner in London.

May 21 : The Jacksons perform “Enjoy Yourself”, “Show You the Way to Go”, “Dreamer”, “Keep on Dancing” on Musikladen, Bremen, Germany.

In Amsterdam, The Jacksons visit the studios of Claude Vanheye, a Dutch photographer who had made a name for himself in the world of celebrities, for a photo shoot. Jackie, Tito, Marlon, and Randy return to their hotel. Michael stays behind with the photographer—he wants to explore the neighborhood and get to know the city of Amsterdam a little better. Wearing a black buttoned jacket and holding a camera in hand, the man who was not yet the King of Pop quietly enjoys the neighborhood with Vanheye, the two of them taking photos of each other as they wander.

May 24 : The Jacksons perform a concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. They do a photoshoot all around London with photographer Tom Sheehan.

Late May : The Jacksons perform “Think Happy” & “Show You The Way To Go” on TopPop taped at AVRO TV Studio, Hilversum, Netherlands (aired on July 19).

May 30 : The Jacksons tape a performance of  “Keep On Dancing” on Numéro Un Joe Dassin taped at the Buttes-Chaumont Studios in Paris, France (aired on French TV on July 2, 1977). Upon leaving the studios, French photographer Jacques Benaroch, managed to capture the brothers with Joe on the street for a few candid pictures. The pictures were taken around 27/29 Rue des Alouettes, while the studios were located at 34/36 on the same street.

June : The Jackson go back to Sigma Sound Studios in Philidalphia to record their new album with Gamble & Huff.

June 9 : Michael attends a Studio 54 party for the stage show Beatlesmania in New York City. Michael poses for pictures with Andy Warhol and Steve Tyler from the group Aerosmith.

June 29 : Birth of Sigmund Esco Jackson Jr (Siggy) : First child of Jackie & Enid.

July : Michael and LaToya move together into a condo in Manhattan’s Sutton Place. Michael is in NYC to rehearse and film his first movie The Wiz, a black remake of The Wizard Of Oz. Michael got the part of the Scarecrow opposite good friend Diana Ross as Dorothy and Richard Pryor as The Wiz. The film is directed by Sydney Lumet.

July 4 : Michael goes to Jermaine & Hazel’s beach house in Malibu for a barbecue on American Independance Day. While swimming in the ocean Michael suffers an attack of pneumothorax. Jermaines takes him to the Malibu Emergency Hospital. Michael has pleurisy.

July 16 : On the first day of rehearsal for The Wiz at the St George Hotel in Brooklyn, Michael meets the musical director Quincy Jones (that he has already seen in 1972 at Sammy Davis Jr’s home).

August : Michael goes to the famous club Studio 54 in New York with LaToya. He meets a lot of people like Liza Minelli, Stephanie Mills, Tatum O’Neil or Andy Warhol. Michael’s friend Theresa Gonsalves visit him in NYC. During a break in the “Good Times” series filming, Janet visits Michael & LaToya in NYC and they take her to Studio 54.

August 16 : Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine.

August 24 : Michael attends the Carter Burden party hosted by Woody Allen in NYC.

August 26 : Michael attends the RFK pro-celebrity tennis tournament party with Mohamed Ali.

September : “Goin’ Places” is a song written by Gamble and Huff and recorded by The Jacksons for their twelfth album of the same name is released as the album’s lead single a few weeks before the album iq released, it peaked at #52 on the Billboard Hot 100 on November 12, 1977. The music video focuseq on scenes between the brothers performing on stage and playing around New York City. Locations in the video included Central Park and the Statue of Liberty.

September 12 : Michael is on the cover of Soul Magazine. In the interview he denies rumors of his homosexuality and talks about his new friend, 14 years old actress Tatum O’Neal : “I guess I am dating her in a way. I’ve taken her out a couple of times or she’s taken me out, whatever. But she is a friend of mine and I see her occasionally”.

September 28 : Universal Pictures holds a press conference at Astoria Studios in Queens to announce the making of The Wiz. Michael attends the event with Diana Ross, Nipsey Russel and Ted Ross.

October 3 : First day of filming of The Wiz at the Astoria Studios in Queens and on locations in New York City.

October 05 : Birth of Yashi Brown : Second child of Rebbie & Nathaniel.

October 11 : Michael attends Elton John’s party for the release of Elton, It’s A Little Bit Funny, a photo book about his Louder than concorde tour, in 1976 at the Studio 54. Michael poses for pictures with Elton John, Steve Rubell and Andy Warhol.

October 18 : The album “Goin’ Places” is released by Epic Records. It’s be the last Jacksons’ album released as a joint venture between Epic Records and Philadelphia International Records. Goin’ Places peaks at No. 63 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the United States, and at No. 11 on the US Soul Albums chart. The album sold over half a million copies.

October 21 : The single “Goin’ Places” is released by Epic and peaks at 52 on Hot 100 Billboard.

October 24 : Michael and the Jacksons go to Studio 54 in NYC.

October 25 : The cast of The Wiz helds a party (“Goin’ Places with The Wiz) in Michael’s honor at Studio 54, in celebration of his acting debut and The Jackson’s 2nd album Goin’ Places release. Katherine, Jackie, Marlon, Tito, Randy, LaToya and Janet attend the party which is hosted by Epic Records. Invitations were in the form of airline tickets in keeping with the “Goin’ Places” theme.

November : Randy, Janet, Marlon, Tito, and Joe attend the Annual Television Parade of Stars in Los Angeles.

Michael is on the cover of Rock & Soul Magazine.

The “Even Though You’re Gone” music video features the band members sitting (Michael separated from the rest of the group) singing the song. The video features The Jacksons wearing blue tuxedos.

November 2 : In NYC, Michael gives an interview to Australian journalist Molly Mueldrum. Molly and Mike talk about the brothers/family, the Wiz, and MJs career.

November 4 : Michael attends Andre Mc Andrie ‘s 14th birthday party at Gallagher’s Restaurant in New York (a few blocks from Studio 54). She was the heroine of the musical Annie.

November 14 : Michael & Steve Rubell attend the premire party for “The Turning Point” at Studio 54 in NYC.

November 17 : Michael & Janet go shopping  at Barney’s clothing store in NYC.

December : Michael & Joe go to a meeting with Ron Alexenburg, President of Epic Records to ask for complete artistic freedom for the next Jacksons ’ album. Alexenburg agrees, appointing two executive producers, Bobby Colombus and Mike Atkinson.

Michael gives an interview to Steve Manning from his New York’s East Side appartment. Steve is greeted by LaToya who just finished preparing breakfast for Michael. The interview is published on the January 1978 issue of Black Stars magazine which features Michael on the cover. In the same. In the same issue, Janet gives on of her first interview to Jason Winters and makes a photosession. Janet, 11 years old is already concerned with her weight : « I love to eat but now being on television, I have to watch it. I don’t want to gain too much weight ». She also talks about her brother : “I miss Michael a lot but I’ve sorta gotten used to him being away. He travels a lot”.

December 29 : Last day of filming of The Wiz in NYC.

December 31 : Michael spends New Year’ s eve at the Studio 54 with Liza Minelli among others.

Steve Manning, a friend of the Jacksons and president of their fan club publishes a book on the family titled The Jacksons.

January 15 : Michael and his brothers give sworn depositions in the Motown lawsuit.

January 21 : The Jackson 5 perform “Forever Came Today” and “Body Language” the Carol Burnett Show (taped at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City).

January 24 : Michael performs “Just A Little Bit Of You,”, “One Day In Your Life” & “We’ve Got Forever” solo on the Soul Train Show + “Forever Came Today” & “”All I Do Is Think Of You” with the Jackson 5.

January 31 : Michael accepts an award on behalf of Gladys Knight & The Pips at the American Music Awards and he also presents an award to Aretha Franklin with David Soul.

February 10 : The Jackson 5 & Joe arrive in Manila, Philippines. They give a press conference and they stay at the Manilla Hilton Hotel.

To promote their concerts, they appear in the television show called Student Canteen presented on Channel 7 at noon by Eddie Ilarde, Bobby Ledesma and Coney Reye. Michael performs Ben on the TV show.

During his stay, Michael meets two actresses very famous in the Philippines, which will not fail to make the front page of the country’s magazines: Vilma Santos, also known at the time as “Queen of Philippine Movies”, “Queenstar” or “Star for All Seasons and the actress Nora Aunor.

Michael, aged 17, finds time to visit Laguna and Pagsanjan in order to have something new to submit to his teacher (Mrs Rose Fine)

February 13+14+15 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Folk Arts Theater in Manila, Philippines. Randy takes over Jermaine whose absence is justified by “sickness”.

February 16 : The Jackson 5 perform “Forever Came Today” on the Rich Little Show.

February 17+18+19 : The Jackson 5 perform their last concerts as “The Jackson Five” at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines.

March 10 : The Motown contract with The Jackson 5 has expiered. CBS contract with The Jacksons is now effective. From 1969 to 1975, The Jackson 5 recorded 469 songs at Motown and only 174 have been officially released by 1975.

April 30 : Michael & his brothers give an interview to a local TV News station in Montgomery, Alabama.

May 10 : Michael is on the cover of Soul magazine with a interview by Walter Burrell and a photoshoot that took place in April at Hayvenhurst + exclusive pictures of Jackson 5’s recent tour in Manila, Philippines.

June 15 : Motown releases The Jackson 5 Anthology.

June 16 : Michael tapes a TV interview at Hayvenhurst.

The Jacksons perform on The Dinah Show (taped in Burbank). They perform “De De Doo” with Dinah Shore, the host of the show. She interviews the brothers, who talk about their recent trip to the Philippines. Michael sings “One Day In Your Life” and “We’re Almost There,” then he is interviewed alone. He talks about his songs and vacations. Katherine, Rebbie, LaToya and Janet are in the audience and make a quick appearance.

CBS airs the first episode of The Jacksons Variety Show. The show based on their Las Vegas set features The Jacksons + The Jackson Sisters (Rebbie, LaToya & Janet).  Special guest star : Sonny Bono. Songs performed :”Forever Came Today”, “Love Will Keep Us Together”, “More Than You Know”/”Am I Blue?”/”For Once in My Life”/ “Try a Little Tenderness”, “Steppin’ Out with My Baby”, “Dancing Machine”.

June 21 : The Jacksons are guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson taped in Burbank. The Jacksons are interviewed by Freddie Prinze, the host, and they sing a medley of “Without A Song/You’ve Got A Friend/Make It With You/Behind Closed Doors/You’ve Made Me So Very Happy/You Are The Sunshine Of My Life/You And Me Against The World.” Michael performs “Happy” in solo.

June 23 : 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”.

June 24: The Jacksons are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

Michael meets Paul McCartney during an event in Beverly Hills.

June 30 : CBS airs the 3rd episode of The Jacksons Variety Show.  Special guest star : Ed McMahon. Songs performed :”Rockin’ Robin”, “Flat Foot Floogie”, “World of Sunshine”, “Save The Bones for Henry Jones”, “The Love You Save”.

July : The Jacksons record their first album for CBS Epic Records at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. The album is produced by Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff.

July 15 : In the middle of a recording session, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff decide to give the group a break and take them to spend a few hours at Valley Forge National Park at Chester County, Pennsylvania, about 45 minutes from the studio. Dexter Wansel, a keyboardist working with Gamble and Huff, reached out to a couple of friends, the Nash family, who lived in Wayne, a suburb of Radnor just a few kilometers from the park: “Dexter was a personal friend. Everything was arranged very discreetly. No one mentioned it to the press,” explained Toni Nash, the mother, who was a presenter for a local TV station at the time and is now a sculptor and documentary producer. The Nash family—Toni and Leslie Nash, along with their three children, Larry, Suzi, and Michael—owned three horses. They borrowed additional ones and took the Jacksons to a friend’s property in Ivy Hollow (likely the site of what is now the Montessori School, opened in 2011 in the national park and formerly known as Ivy Hollow Farm), where the brothers spent their time playing basketball and horseback riding.

July 7 : CBS airs the 4th episode of The Jacksons Variety Show.  Special guest star : Joey Bishop. Songs performed :”ABC” “Fever”, “I Got You Babe”,”Down by the Old Mill Stream”, “Never Can Say Goodbye”.

October 10 : On the Sonny & Cher Show – Bozo Awards, The Jackssons participate in the Bozo Awards segment with Sonny & Cher and Bob Hope, and they perform “Enjoy Yourself” taped at CBS Television City in Los Angeles.

October 22 : The Jacksons’ first single for Epic  “Enjoy Yourself” is released (it will peak at 6 on Hot 100 Billboard).

October 26 : Motown releases “Joyful Jukebox Music” , a compilation album by the Jackson 5. Released after the band had left the label. This is the third compilation released by the group, after Greatest Hits (1971) and Anthology (1976), yet the first to be entirely composed of previously unreleased material, recorded between 1972 and 1975. The compilation is released less than two weeks before the group’s debut on their new label Epic Records.

November 05 : The Jacksons’ first album for Epic titled “The Jacksons” is released. The album features for the first time two songs produced by The Jacksons : “Style Of Life” & “Blues Away” (written by Michael). The album is released in 1976 for Epic Records and Philadelphia International Records as a joint venture. Philadelphia International heads Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff produced and executive produced the album, including their first top ten hit in two years, “Enjoy Yourself”.

November 12 : The Jacksons perform “Enjoy Yourself” and “Dreamer” on Dinah TV show (taped in Burbank). Michael talks to Fred Astaire on the show.

November 27 : The Jacksons are on the cover of Rock & Soul Magazine.

December : The Jacksons are on the cover of Jet & Soul Magazine.

The Jacksons + Rebbie, LaToya & Janet give an interview at Hayvenhurst. This rare interview is aired in 2009 on the Swedish tribute program “As we remember Michael Jackson” (original title “Så minns vi Michael Jackson”).

December 18 : Birth of Valencia Jackson, first child of Marlon & Valencia.

While on a promo tour in San Francisco, The Jacksons go to local music store “Jax Records” where fans swarm the place and break the windows causing chaos and injuries. They also give an interview for KPIX-TV with Ben Fong-Torres as the host.

December 31 : Spanish TV channel TVE airs The Jacksons performances on Nochevieja. The performances were taped earlier in Las Vegas. Valerio Lazarov, the producer of the show, had sent a team. The brothers performed “Good Times”, “Enjoy Yourself”, Dreamer, Keep On Dancing & “Think Happy” with an introduction and a “Happy Birthday” sung in Spanish, alongside the presenter Didi Sherman, Lazarov’s wife.

January : The Jackson 5 tour the West Indies.

January 10 : Concert at the Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

January 16 : The album “Forever Michael” & the single “We’re Almost There” are released by Motown.

January 25 : The Jackson 5 perform “Life Of The Party” on the Carol Burnett Show (taped at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City). Janet & Randy also perform on the show.

Michael performs “We’re Almost There” on American Bandstand.

February 5 : Michael, Randy & Janet pose for pictures at the Warwick hotel in New York City.

February 6+7+8+9+10+11+12+13 : The Jackson 5 are in concert at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

While in NYC, The Jackson 5 tape a performance on Wonderama, a children’s television program that originally appeared on the Metromedia-owned stations.

February 17 + 18 + 19 : Concerts at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines.

February 18 : Michael accepts an award on behalf of Diana Ross at the American Music Awards and he also presents an award with Janet to Gladys Knight & The Pips.

March 1 : The Jackson 5 are nominated for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance – Duo, Group Or Chorus with “Dancing Machine” at the 17th Grammy Awards ceremony held at Uris Theater in New York. Michael attends the ceremony and poses for pictures with Stevie Wonder.

March 8 : The Jackson 5 share the stage with Bob Marley & the Wailers at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. The show, which was initially scheduled for February 15, 1975, was held at Kingston’s National Arena on March 8, 1975 and featured the Wailers original line-up of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer along with Carlton Barrett (drums), Aston “Family Man” Barrett (bass), Al Anderson (lead guitar), Lee Jaffe (harmonica) and a brass section of Bobby Ellis (trumpet) and Richard “Dirty Harry” Hall (saxophone). Also on the bill were Marcia Griffiths, Bongo Herman, and the I-Three. The Jackson Five took the stage nearly an hour and a half prior to the Wailers and gave a tremendous performance with their fancy footwork and hit songs.

March 14 : Concert at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida. 

March 15 + 16 : Concerts at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

March 16 : The Jackson 5 appear on the Cher TV show taped at CBS Television City in Los Angeles. They are introduced by Janet and they perform “I Am Love” + a skit called “The World Is a Mess” and finally Cher joins the group to perform a medley of “I Want You Back”/”I’ll Be There”/”Never Can Say Goodbye”/”The Love You Save”/”Dancing Machine”.

March 28 : The Jackson 5 sign a contract with CBS Epic Records and terminate their relationship with Motown Records. For copyright reasons, the group can no longer use the Jackson 5 name and brand. Jermaine refuses to sign the contract. Randy joins the group officially.

April 9 + 10 + 11 + 12 + 13 + 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 + 18 + 19 + 20 + 21 + 22 : Concerts at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino – Celebrity Room in Las Vegas, Nevada.

May : Joseph negociates a new recording deal for the Jackson 5 with CBS Epic Records. The Jackson 5 will receive an advance, known in the record industry as a “signing bonus”, of 750 000 dollars and an additional 500 000 dollards from a “recording fund”. They are guaranteed to be paid 350 000 dollars per album.

May 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 11 : Concerts at the Shady Grove Music Theatre in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

May 13 + 15 : Concerts at the Mill Run Playhouse in Niles, Illinois.

May 14 : Michael and Berry Gordy have a private meeting at Berry’s Bel Air estate. A few days later, Michael accept to sign the CBS Epic Records deal that Joseph negociated. Jermaine refuses to sign the deal and decides to leave the group and to stay at Motown.

May 15 : “Moving Violation” is the last album of the Jackson 5 released by Motown.

June : “Forever Came Today” is the last official single of the Jackson 5 released by Motown.

“Just A Little Bit Of You” is the last official single of Michael Jackson released by Motown.

June 9 + 10 : Concerts at the Mill Run Playhouse in Niles, Illinois.

June 11 : Concert at the Chicago Stadium in Chicago.

June 12 + 13 + 14 + 15 : Concerts at the Mill Run Playhouse in Niles, Illinois.

June 24 + 25 + 26 + 27 + 28 + 29 : Concerts at the Nanuet Star Theatre in Nanuet, New York.

June 28 : The Jackson 5 perform “Dancing Machine”, “Moving Violation” & “Just A Little Bit Of You” (by Michael) on American Bandstand (taped in Los Angeles).

Late June : Berry Gordy’s vice-chariman of Motown, Michael Roshkind, telephones Joseph to inform him that Motown owns the name “The Jackson 5”. It was a clause in the contract signed by Joseph and his sons in Detroit on July 26, 1968. Joe is furious.

June 30 : Joe Jackson calls a press conference at the Rainbow Grill atop the Rockfeller Center in Manhattan with the whole family, except Jermaine, to announce that the Jackson familu is leaving Motown for CBS Epic Records. Earlier in the morning, Berry Gordy had one of his lawyers send a telegram to Arthur Taylor, president of CBS Records, warning him not to use the name “The Jackson 5” during the press conference since Motown owned exclusive rights to this name and brand.

June 30+31 + July 1+2+3+4+5 : Concerts at the Nanuet Star Theater Nanuet in New York City.

July : Berry Gordy and Motown file a lawsuit againt Joseph Jackson, The Jackson 5 and CBS seeking five million dollars in damages for signing wuth CBS before the Motown contract had expired. Joseph Jackson files a countersuit, claiming Motown owe the family royalties, unpaid advances and expenses.

The Jackson 5 perform “Forever Came Today” & “Body Language” on the Carol Burnett Show without Jermaine!

July 6 : Jermaine flies from Los Angeles to New York. He meets the brothers at their hotel but decides not to perform with them. The Jackson 5 perform at the Westbury Music Fair in Westbury, New York. For the first time ever, Jermaine does not perform with his brothers. Marlon sings his solo parts.

July 7 : Jermaine joins Joseph and the brothers at CBS Records in Manhattan. Jermaines decides to fly back to Los Angeles. He officially leaves the Jackson 5.

The Jackson 5 perform “Moving Violation”, “Forever Came Today” and “One Day in Your Life” on the Dinah Show. Janet & Randy also perform their Vegas act (the show was taped earlier in Burbank).

July 9 + 10 + 11 + 12 +13 + 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 + 18 + 19 + 20 + 21 + 22 : Concerts at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino – Celebrity Room in Las Vegas, Nevada.

August 2 : Concert at the Florida State Fair in Tampa, Florida.

August 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 : Concerts at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, California.

August 8 : Dee Dee gives birth to Taryll Jackson.

August 16 : Marlon secretly gets married to Carol Ann Parker. He doesn’t tell any member of the Jackson family until January 1976.

August 18 + 19 + 20 + 21+ 22 + 23 + 24 : Concerts at the Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mills, Maryland.

August 27 + 28 + 29 + 30 + 31 : Concerts at the Westbury Music Fair in Westbury, New York.

August 28 : The Best Of Michael Jackson is released by Motown.

September : Enid Jackson files for divorce from Jackie (later the couple reconcile and remain married until 1987).

September 1 : Concert at the Mount Vernon Memorial Stadium in Mount Vernon, New York.

September 12 + 13 + 14 : Concerts at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan.

September 19 : Concert at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

September 21 : Concert at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia.

September 26 : Concert at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis.

September 27 : Concert at the Rochester Community War Memorial in Rochester, New York.

October 10 : Concert at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, Tennessee.

October 11 : Concert at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum in Atlanta, Georgia.

October 12 : Concert at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

October 17 : Concert at the Onondaga County War Memorial in Huntsville, Alabama.

October 18 : Concert at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York.

October 22 + 23 + 24 + 25 + 26 + 27 + 28 + 29 + 30 + 31 + November 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 : Last series of concerts at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino – Celebrity Room in Las Vegas, Nevada.

November 5 : Issued as a B-side to “Forever Came Today”, on the pop charts, airplay of  “All I Do Is Think Of You” was so massive on the urban side that the song was charted also eventually peaking at number fifty on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart. The 45 single is issued by Motown. It is the final charted single issued as The Jackson 5 before the group leaves Motown for CBS.

November 24 + 25 + 26 + 27 + 28 + 29 + 30 : Concerts at the Front Row Theater in Highland Heights, Ohio.

December 11 : The Jackson 5 perform “All I Do Is Think Of You” on the The Mike Douglas Show in Philadelphia.

December 21 : The Jackson 5 perform a full concert with an orchestra at the Televisa San Ángel in Mexico City (Mexico). Katherine, Janet & LaToya attend the concert. Jermaine is not on stage, Marlon takes over his parts. The concert is filmed and later air on Mexican TV channel TIM.

January 4 : Concert at the Capitol Centre in Landover, Maryland.

January 10 : One More Chance, a Jackson 5 TV Special is aired on CBS. The group performs “Get It Together” + a medley of “I Want You Back”/”ABC”/”I’ll Be There”/”Ben”/”Daddy’s Home”/”Never Can Say Goodbye”/”The Love You Save” and another medley “Up a Lazy River”/”Opus One” (with the Mills Brothers). The special was filmed in CBS studio in Los Angeles, on November 21,1973.

January 19 : The Jackson 5 perform “Dancing Machine” at the 7th Annual Image Awards at Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

January 29 : The Jackson 5 fly from New York to Dakar, Senegal, for their first African tour with Joe, Rose Fine, Mamadou Johnny Secka and several reporters invited to a press trip to cover the tour.

Upon arriving at Yoff airport in Senegal, they are greeted by 35-40 drummers and dancers then hold a press conference with Senegalise radio and the national newspaper Le Soleil.

During their stay, they receive an award for the Organisation for African Unity and they visit Goree Island.

They announce to reporters their plans to shoot a film entitled “Isomin Cross & Sons” in the spring in Arizona which tells of a family crossing the U.S in 1860 and the problems they encounter. “It is something that we are helping to create with Raymond St. Jacques who plays our father in the movie. We are also doing the music” says Jackie.

January 30 : The Jackson 5 perform “Dancing Machine”on the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (taped earlier)

February 1 : Concert at the Demba Diop Stadium Dakar Senegal. The show opens with “Get It Together”. After a technical incident, the group leaves the stage but comes back when the issue is fixed.

February 2 + 3 : Concerts at the Theatre National Daniel Sorano in Dakar, Senegal.

February 9 : Michael is on the cover of Look-In magazine.

February 19 : Michael appears at the first annual American Music Awards to present awards with Donny Osmond to The Temptations and with Donny Osmond, Ricky Segal and Ricky Allen to the Carpenters.

The single “Dancing Machine” is released by Motown.

February 22 : Concert at the Houston Rodeo & Livestock Show 1974 in Houston.

February 23 : Concert at the Denver Coliseum in Denver, Colorado. 

March : The Jackson 5 appear on the cover of Blues & Soul with a feature on their African trip.

March 2 : The Jackson 5 present an award to Gladys Knight & The Pips during the Grammy Awards held at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

March 7 : The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

March 8 : Concert at the Greenville Memorial Auditorium in Greenville, South Carolina. 

March 9 : Concert in Louisville, Kentucky.

March 11 : Michael sings “When I Grow Up” with Roberta Flack on the Free To Be… You and Me TV show.

March 12 : The Jackson 5 (+ Randy) are on the cover of Blues & Soul magazine with a coverstory on their recent tour in Africa by reporter Kwame Brathwaite.

March 16 : The Jackson 5 perform “Dancing Machine” & “This Old Man”/”ABC” on the Carol Burnett Show. The show is taped at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.

April 3 : The Jackson 5 perform “It’s Too Late To Change the Time” & “Dancing Machine” on the Mike Douglas Show taped in Philadelphia.

April 4 : The Jackson 5 perform “Let It Be”, “Never Can Say Goodbye” & “Dancing Machine” on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson taped in Burbank.

April 9 +10 +11 +12+13+14+15+16+17+18+19+20+21+22+23 + 24 : Joe Jackson arranges for the whole family , including sisters Rebbie, LaToya & Janet to perform twice a day a family show at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas ( Nevada ). Katherine attends every shows.

April 9 : The Jackson 5 perform “It’s Too Late To Change The Time” & “Dancing Machine” on the Merv Griffin Show.

April 10 : The Jackson 5 perform “I Want You Back”/”ABC” on “Sandy in Disneyland” TV special.

April 26+27+28 : The Jackson family moves their cabaret set to the High Sierra, Horizon Lake Tahoe in Stateline, a census-designated place (CDP) on the southeastern shore of Lake Tahoe in Douglas County, Nevada.

Michael & Jackie meet Elvis Presley in an elevator. Later Elvis takes his daughter Lisa Marie Presley (aged 6) to see The Jackson family show. The rumor says Michael and Lisa Matie met backstage but no picture exist of this meeeting.

May : Michael and his brother record background vocals for Stevie Wonder’s song “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” at the Record Plant studios in Hollywood.

May 13 : Concert at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, DC.

May 25 : Concert at the Cincinnati Gardens in Cincinnati, Ohio.

May 26 : The Jackson 5 attend a dinner show starring Elvis Presley at “Lake Tahoe”. Elvis introduces them as “one of the hottest bands, they’re really fantastic” and adds “they open here tomorrow night, so come and see them.”. Later, Elvis introduces his 6 years old daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.

May 27 + 28 + 29 + 30 + 31 + June 1 + 2 : Concerts at the High Sierra, Horizon Lake Tahoe in Stateline, a census-designated place (CDP) on the southeastern shore of Lake Tahoe in Douglas County, Nevada.

June 22 : Concert at the Forum in Inglewood. Most of the Jackson family and friends attend the show.

June 24+25+26+27+28+29+30 : Concerts at the Mill Run Playhouse in Niles, a village in Cook County, Illinois, located in the townships of Maine and Niles, directly neighboring Chicago’s far northwest border.

July 8+9+10+11+12+13+14 : Concerts at the Circle Star Theatre in San Carlos, a city in San Mateo County, California.

July 15 : Concert at the Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburg.

July 16 : Concert at the New Jersey State Fairgrounds in Hamilton Township.

July 19 : Concert at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh.

July 20 : Concert at the New Jersey State Fairgrounds in Hamilton Township.

July 21 : Concert at the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond.

July 24 : Concert at the Detroit Olympia in Detroit, Michigan.

July 26 : Concert at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo.

July 27 : Concerts at the Madison Square Garden of New York City.

July 29+30+31 + August 1+2+3+4 : Concerts at the Front Row Theater in Highland Heights, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

August : The Jackson family is on the cover of Jet Magazine.

August 6 : Concert at the Propst Arena in Huntsville.

August 7 : Concert at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans.

August 10 : Concert at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis.

August 11 : Concert at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City

August 16 : Concert at the Civic Center in St. Paul.

August 17 : The Jackson 5 perform at the World Expo in Spokane.

August 19: The Jackson 5 perform “Dancing Machine” & a medley of “Killing Me Softly with his song”/”By The Time I Get To Phoenix”/”Danny Boy” on the Tonight Show with Bill Cosby taped in Burbank.

August 21+22+23+24+25+26+27+28+30+31 +September 1+2+3 : The Jackson family return to the MGM Grand Hotel of Las Vegas for another series of shows.

Even though Michael doesn’t celebrate birthdays as a Jehovah’s Witness he is presented with a birthday cake for his 16th birthday.

August 27 : The Jackson 5 perform “It’s Too Late To Change the World” and “Dancing Machine” on the Merv Griffin Show. Janet makes her TV debut and performs with Randy a Sonny & Cher skit (taped earlier in Los Angeles).

August 30 : Cheryl Terrel, Joe’s lover, gives birth to a baby girl named Joh’ Vonnie.

September 1 : The Jackson 5 perform “Dancing Machine” on the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

September 5 : The album “Dancing Machine” is released by Motown.

September 8 : Tito Jackson throws a party for singer Al Green. Nearly five hundred guests attend, including David Bowie, to whom Michael shows the robot dance steps on the dance floor. Michael & LaToya pose for pictures with David Bowie.

September 12 : The Jackson 5 land in Brazil at Viracopos Airport in Sao Paulo, the first stop of the tour in the country. They check into the Othon Palace Hotel with the 21 people accompanying them, including Joe, Katherine LaToya and Janet, along with Miss Rose Fine, the children’s tutor. Randy, the youngest boy in the family, also joins the group. A press conference is organized at the hotel. The Brazilian press, represented by Folha de S. Paulo, is somewhat suspicious of the group, and the questions are unsettling and somewhat aggressive.

September 13 : Concert at the Palácio das Convenções d’Anhembi in São Paulo, Brazil.

September 14 : Concert at the Pavilhão de Exposições do Anhembi in São Paulo, Brazil.

In addition to these two dates in Sao Paulo, the group tapes a TV show for Brazilian television, Tupi, in the Sumaré neighborhood. The recording lasts until dawn due to technical issues. The program is the only recording that exists of the Jackson 5’s visit to Brazil. Unfortunately, it was largely destroyed by the fire that struck the TV channel’s building. Only 1 minute and 40 seconds of the recording survived the fire and are now preserved at the Brazilian Cinematheque, along with the rest of the channel’s files. Rare footage of Michael performing “Never Can Say Goodbye” and “Ben” was broadcast in 2009.

September 17 : Concert at the Gigantinho in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

September 18 : Concert at the Belo Horizonte, Estádio Independência in in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

September 19 + 20 : Concert at the Ginásio do Maracanãzinho in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

During their visit to Rio de Janeiro for two dates, the group stops by the Globo radio studios. They are guests on the daily show hosted by Paulo Giovani, a renowned radio presenter.

The Jackson 5 give a press conference at the à Hotel Nacional in Rio.

September 21 : The Jackson 5 have to cancel their concert at the last minute at the Ginásio Nilson Nelson in Brasília, Brazil because their music material is still in Rio : ” The spectators were furious. We jumped outside, and when the bus driver saw us, he stopped immediately. We barely had time to jump into the bus, and inside, the enraged crowd was breaking everything. People surrounded the bus, pushing it and throwing anything they could get their hands on. “Quick, lie down and cover your heads with your hands,” I shouted to the boys. Shattered glass flew, and within minutes, all the windows were broken. The driver miraculously managed to navigate through the furious crowd without harming anyone, and afterwards, we were free on the road”. The concert is reschudeled for the daf after.

September 22 : Concert at the Ginásio Nilson Nelson in Brasília, Brazil.

The Jackson 5 perform “Life Of The Party” on the Sonny Comedy Revue.

September 23 : The Jackson family flies back to Los Angeles.

October: The single “Whatever You Got I Want” is released by Motown.

October 4+5+6: New series of family shows at the Sahara Tahoe in Stateline.

October 5 : Michael performs “Whatever You Got I Want”, “What You Don’t Know” & “If I Don’t Love You This Way” on the Soul Train Show taped in Los Angeles (aired on October 19).

October 10 : The Jackson arrive in Panama City, Panama and they attend a press conference at Salon El Tonel.

October 11+12 : Concerts at the Estadio Revolución in Panama City, Panama.

On October 12, at 4 PM, the Jackson 5 are present at the Gran Morrison shopping center on Transistmica to sign autographs.

October 18 : Concert at the LSU Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

October 19 : Concert at the Barton Coliseum in Little Rock, Arkansas.

October 25 : Concert at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana.

October 26 : Concert at the Joyce Center in Notre Dame, Indiana.

October 27 : Concert at the MECCA Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

November 1 : Concert at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento, California. 

November 3 : Concert at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena in Oakland; California.

November 9 : Concert at the Philadelphia Civic Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

November 10 : Concert at the Springfield Civic Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

November 15 : The Jackson 5 perform “It’s Too Late To Change The World” and “Whatever You Got, I Want “on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (taped in Burbank).

November 20+21+22+23+24+25+26+27+28+29+30+31 + December 1+2+3 : Last series of family shows at the MGM Grand Hotel of Las Vegas.

November 24 : Jackie gets married to Enid Spann in Las Vegas. Soon after he leaves Hayvenhurst to move in hos own place with Enid.

November 28 : The Jackson 5 raise money for Muscular Dystrophy on the annual MDA telethon, hosted by Jerry Lewis.

December : The single “I Am Love” is released by Motown.

The whole Jackson family is on the cover of Ebony magazine.

January 10 : The Jackson 5 appear on the Dick Cavett Show.

January 25 : The Jackson 4 are interviewed on KHJ Radio in Los Angeles.

January 28 : Michael attends the 30th Golden Globe Awards at the International Ballroom – The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills with Katherine and Joe. He takes the stage to perform “Ben”, nominated for Best Song, Motion Picture, for the movie of the same title. Minutes later, the song – already a hit at the box office – wins the Golden Globe.

February : The single “Hallelujah Day” is released by Motown.

March 2 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City.

March 3 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Fant-Ewing Coliseum in Monroe.

March 4 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Rodeo & Livestock Show 1973 in Houston.

March 9 : Katherine files for divorce after finding out about Joe’s affair but she withdraws her demand a couple of months later.

March 10 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Astrodome in Houston.

March 27 : Michael attends the 45th Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles with Joe. During the ceremony, he performs “Ben” (the song is nominated as best song for a film).

March 29 : The album “Skywriter” is released by Motown.

April 13 : The album “Music & Me” is released by Motown.

April 22 : The Jackson 5 (+ Randy) arrive in Tokyo; Japan with Joe, Katherine, Bob Jones, Rose Fine and Johnny Jackson . While in Japan, they take time to visit Buddhist temples, art museums and the Oriental Gardens of the Takanawa Prince Hotel.

April 24 : The Jackson 5 (with Joe) give a press conference in Tokyo about the upcoming Tokyo Music Festival. They perform on a Japonese TV Show

April 27 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Imperial Theater in Tokyo.

April 28 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Yuubin Chokin Hall in Hiroshima.

April 29 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Tokyo Music Festival. They attend an after party where they spend time with Sammy Davis Jr and his wife.

April 30 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Koseinenkin Hall in Osaka. The concert is recorded and released (only in Japan) on October 31, 1973.

May 1 : The Jackson give a concert at the Festival Hall in Osaka.

May 2 : The Jackson give a concert at the Nippon Budokan, in Tokyo.

May 4 : The Jacksons 5 fly back to the US.

May 5 : The single “With A Child’s Heart” is released by Motown.

The Jackson give a concert at the Coliseum in Portland.

May 6 : The Jackson give a concert at the Center Coliseum in Seattle.

May 11 : Concert at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon.

May 12 : Concert at the Special Events Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

May 13 : Concert at the Charles C. Hughes Stadium in Sacramento, California.

May 18 : The Jackson give a concert at the Spectrum Theater in Philadelphia.

May 19 : The Jackson give a concert at the Hara Arena in Dayton.

May 20 : The Jackson give a concert at the St. John Arena in Columbus.

June 22 : The Jackson 5 arrive in Brisbane . They are the first black group ever to tour in Australia.

June 23 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Festival Hall in Brisbane.

June 26 + 27 : The Jackson 5 give two concerts at the Festival Hall in Melbourne.

June 29 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Beatty Park Aquatic Centre in Perth.

June 30 + July 1 : The Jackson 5 give two concerts at the Apollo Entertainment Centre in Adelaide.

July 2 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney.

July 4 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Christchurch Town Hall in Christchurch, New Zealand.

July 5 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Wellington Town Hall in Wellington, New Zealand.

July 6 : The Jackson 5 fly back home.

July 8 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Coliseum in Greensboro.

July 13 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Boston Garden in Boston.

July 14 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the New Haven Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New Haven.

July 15 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Providence Civic Center in Providence.

July 16 : Concert at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio.

July 17 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

July 20 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh.

July 21 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Pocono International Raceway in Long Pond.

July 22 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Madison Square Garden in New York City.

US radio personality Charlie Tuna asks a 14-year-old Michael about his future plans in a radio interview : “Producing records, cuz we have our own studio at home, we are going to really start getting into different things. We were recording last night.” 

July 24 + 25 : The Jackson 5 give two concert at the International Amphitheater in Chicago.

July 27 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland.

July 28 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Olympia Stadium, Detroit.

July 29 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs.

August : The single “Get It Together” is released by Motown.

August 3 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond.

August 4 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton.

Dee Dee gives birth to Toriano Jackson 2 (Taj), Tito’s first son and Katherine and Joe’s first grandson. Since Tito is on tour, LaToya acts as Dee Dee’s Lamaze labour coach.

August 6 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore.

Michael & Marlon are on the cover of Soul Magazine.

August 7 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro.

August 8 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville.

August 10 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Carolina Coliseum in Columbia.

August 11 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Omni in Atlanta.

August 12 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach.

August 17 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis.

August 18 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis.

August 19 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

August 21 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans.

August 22 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Dallas Memorial Auditorium in Dallas.

August 24 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Cow Palace in Daly City.

The single “Skywriter” is released in the UK only.

August 25 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, in Fresno.

August 26 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Forum in Inglewood. Most of the Jackson family and friends attend the show.

August 28 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Suffolk Downs in Boston.

August 29 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Autostade in Montreal, Canada (on Michael’s 15th birthday).

August 31 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Expo Center and State Fairgrounds in Columbus.

September 2 : The Jackson 5 end their summer tour with a concert at the Honolulu International Center in Honolulu.

September 5 : Michael is on the cover of Rock And Soul Songs magazine.

September 9 : The Jackson family hosts a party at Hayvenhurst. Private home movie shows Michael holding his nephew Taj.

September 12 : The album “Get It Together is” released by Motown.

September 25 : Motown releases “A Motown Christmas”, a Christmas music compilation album as a 2-LP set by Motown Records. It contains various seasonal singles and album tracks recorded by some of the label’s artists from the 1960s and early 1970s. Some of the music had previously been released on the 1968 compilation Merry Christmas from Motown. Included in the compilation is “Little Christmas Tree”, an unreleased song of Michael written by George Clinton and Artie Wayne, and produced by Mel Larson and Jerry Marcellino.

September 26 : The Jackson 5 perform Get It Together & Dancing Machine at the Bob Hope Special.

October : The single “Music And Me” is released by Motown.

October 19 : Concert at the El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas.

October 23 : The Jackson 5 perform at a party for Chan Cox, daughter of businessman Edwin L. Cox, at The Grand Ballroom of the Statler Hilton Hotel in Downtown Dallas, Texas.

October 23 : Concert at the Grand Ballroom at Statler Hilton in Dallas, Texas.

October 31 : The Jackson 5 in Japan, also known as In Japan!, the first live album by the Jackson 5 is released in Japan only. The concert was recorded on April 30, 1973 at the Kōsei Nenkin Hall, Osaka, Japan.

November 3 : In Los Angeles, The Jackson 5 tape an episode of the Soul Train Show where they perform “Get It Together”, “Dancing Machine”, “You’re in Good Hands” (by Jermaine), “With A child’s Heart” (by Michael) & “Don’t Say Goodbye Again”. The episode is aired on November 17.

November 21 : In Los Angeles, The Jackson 5 tape One More Chance, a Jackson 5 TV Special to air on CBS on January 10, 1974. The group performs “Get It Together” + a medley of “I Want You Back”/”ABC”/”I’ll Be There”/”Ben”/”Daddy’s Home”/”Never Can Say Goodbye”/”The Love You Save” and another medley “Up a Lazy River”/”Opus One” (with the Mills Brothers).

December : Michael & The Jackson 5 have appeared on the front cover of every issue of Right on! Magazine in 1973!

The Jackson 5 + Randy appear on the cover of the December issue Ebony Jr magazine with an interview that took place at Hayvenhurst.

December 15 : Jermaine leaves Hayvenhurst and gets married to Hazel Gordy, daughter of Berry Gordy. The whole family attends the wedding including Michael & Janet.

December 26 : Concert at the Cole Field House in College Park, Maryland.

December 29 : Concert at the Cumberland County Arena in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

December 30 : Concert at the Winston-Salem War Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Michael spends time visiting Diana Ross on the set of her movie Lady Sings The Blues

January 1 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville.

January 2 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Coliseum in Greenville.

January 5 : The Jackson 5 give a concert in Los Angeles (unknown avenue).

January 12 : The Jackson 5 headline the first annual Martin Luther King Birthday Commemoration at the City Auditorium in Atlanta. The Jackson 5 (along with other artists like Gladys Knight & The Pips) perform two concerts. On this occasion, Martin Luther King’s widow presented the Jackson brothers with an award in appreciation of their participation in the event.

January 24 : The album “Got To Be There” is released by Motown.

February : The single “Rockin Robin” is released by Motown.

February 12 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis.

Merdean Fielding, a gospel singer who covered the local music scene for the St. Louis Argus, arranges an interview with the Jackson 5 during their visit to St. Louis. He invites Wilma Chestnut to join him. They all pose for pictures together with the J5.

March 1 : The Jackson 5 perform “Sugar Daddy”, “Got To Be There” & “Brand New Thing” (with Randy) at the Hellzapoppin’ TV Special.

March 16 : Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine.

March 26 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport.

March 27 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans.

March 29 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Curtis Hixon Convention Hall in Tampa.

March 31 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson.

April : The single “Little Bitty Pretty One” is released by Motown.

April 1 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis.

April 29 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Indiana University Assembly Hall in Bloomington.

May 2 : The single “I Wanna Be Where You Are” is released by Motown.

May 23 : The album “Lookin’ Through The Windows” is released by Motown.

June 5 : Michael appears as the bachelor at The Dating Game TV show and chooses Latanya Simmons as bachelorette and he performs “Rockin Robin”.

June 17 : Tito leaves Hayvenhurst and gets married to Delores “Dee Dee” Martes in a small chapel in Inglewood California. The whole family attends the wedding including Michael, LaToya & Janet.

June 23 : The single “Lookin’ Through The Windows” is released by Motown.

June 30 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Madison Square Garden in New York City.

July 1 : ABC airs an episode of American Bandstand devoted to Michael. 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”.

The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore.

July 2 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Scope in Norfolk.

July 7 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Coliseum in Richmond.

July 8 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Coliseum in Charlotte.

July 9 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Coliseum in Greensboro.

July 12 : “Ben”, the theme song for a film of the same name is released by Motown and becomes number 1. That’s How Love Goes (by Jermaine) is released.

July 14 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Cincinnati Gardens in Cincinnati.

July 15 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Civic Center Arena in Pittsburgh.

July 16 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland.

July 18 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the International Amphitheater in Chicago.

July 21 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Civic Center Arena in Pittsburgh.

July 22 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Memorial Auditorium in Dallas.

July 23 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Coliseum in Houston.

July 24 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Memorial Auditorium in New Orleans.

July 29 + 30  : The Jackson 5 give two concerts at the Universal Amphitheater in Chicago.

August 4 : The album “Ben” is released by Motown.

The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Coliseum in Columbia.

August 5 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Municipal Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia.

August 6 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville.

August 7 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro.

August 10 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Carolina Coliseum in Columbia.

August 11 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Savannah Civic Center in Savannah.

August 12 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Cole Field House in College Park.

August 13 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Civic Auditorium in Charleston.

August 14 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Charleston Civic Center in Charleston.

August 17 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville.

August 18 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.

August 19 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis.

August 20 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

August 22 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Missouri State Fairgrounds Grandstand in Sedalia.

August 25 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Cow Palace in Daly City.

August 26 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Forum, Inglewood. Most of the Jackson family attend the show.

August 27 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego.

August 28 : The Jackson 5 arrive in Honolulu and they check in the Hilton Kahala Hotel on the island of Oahu. They visit family (cousins) who live in Hawaii and do some sightseeing. Every day, they go swimming and surfing. They also rent a catamaran. A photo of Michael on the beach with his cousin Tony (son of Lawrence, Joe’s youngest brother and father of Anthony, Michael’s godson) could date back to this stay. The brothers even participate in the Hawaiian Luau, a traditional celebration accompanied by music, dance, and local food. Michael even learns the hula dance!

Michael celebrates his 14th birthday during this stay in Honolulu. A party is organized with a big cake, and a delicious Hawaiian punch provided by the hotel!

August 29 :  The group grants a live interview to the local radio station KKUA. They tell Steve Nicolet, the program director, how much this stay will be a very fond memory. Tito mentions enjoying the ritual of giving a kiss to the person who puts a flower lei around your neck. Michael shows up at the radio station with his beach hat (yes, Michael always has a hat!!!), and even Randy, who is not yet part of the group, is interviewed.

The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Honolulu International Center in Honolulu on Michael’s 14th birthday.

August 31 : Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine.

September : Michael starts to attend Montclair Prep High School, a private school in Van Nuys. He and LaToya meet and become lifelong friends with Kathy Hilton.

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

September 27 : The Jackson 5 perform at the International Amphitheater in Chicago as part of the Save the Children charity during the Black Expo Festival organized in association with Jesse Jackson’s Operation PUSH (People United To Save Humanity). They share the stage with Sammy Davis Jr, Dennis Edwards, Roberta Flack, Melvin Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Cuba Gooding, Sr, Damon Harris, Isaac Hayes, Gladys Knight, Merald Knight, Ramsey Lewis, Curtis Mayfield, Wilson Pickett, Richard Street, Otis Williams, Nancy Wilson and Bill Withers. The concert is filmed for a documentary directed by Stan Lathan and written by Matt Robinson (released on September 18, 1973).

October : The single “Corner Of The Sky” is released by Motown.

October 5 : The Jackson 5 give a concert in Chicago (Unknown Venue).

October 7 : The Jackson 5 perform That’s How Love Goes, I Want You Back, Daddy’s Home, Lookin’ Through the Windows and Corner of the Sky on the Soul Train TV show.

October 23 + 24 + 25 : The Jackson 5 go to NBC Studios in New York City to tape an upcoming TV Special to be aired on CBS on November 5. Michael sings “Ben” and joins his brothers for “I Want You Back”, “ABC”,” I’ll Be There”, “The Love You Save” and “Never Can Say Goodbye”. The daydream sequence turn your favs into a bunch of elves. And they’re off to save a damsel in distress, played by Jo Anne Worley. The Jackson 5 also perform a skit featuring an unreleased song, “Daydreamer”, and closed the first half of the show with “We’re Coming Back”, using the riff from I Want You Back to good effect.

October 26 : The Jackson 5 perform “Ain’t Nothin’ Like The Real Thing” and Jermaine performs “That’s How Love Goes” on the Flip Wilson Show at NBC Studios in New York City.

Late October : The Jackson 5 arrive in London for their first tour in Europe.

October 30 : The Jackson 5 tape The Royal Variety Performance where they meet Queen Elizabeth. They perform I Want You Back, ABC, Rockin’ Robin, We Thank You, The Love You Save. Backstage, the group meets Elton John and Liberace. 

At night they perform their first concert in Europe at the Palladium in London.

October 31 : The Jackson 5 perform at Talk of the Town, London, England.

November 2 : The Jackson 5 arrive in the early afternoon in Groningen (Netherlands) on a special Transavia flight from London at Eelde Airport, located about ten kilometers from Groningen. They tape a TV performance at the Evenementenhal for the television game show Zevensprong, broadcast by TROS. They perform Ain’t No Sunshine et (We’ve got) Blue skies. The show airs on November 10. The video footage of this performance is nowhere to be found, neither from the broadcaster TROS nor in the archives of the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision in Hilversum, the largest audiovisual archive center in Europe, which preserves most of the Dutch audiovisual collection.

At night, the Jackson 5 give a concert in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

November 3 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Vorst Nationaal / Forest National in Vorst Forest, Belgium.

November 4 : 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”.

The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Circus Krone in Munich, Germany/

November 5 :  The Royal Variety Performance featuring the J5 is aired on the BBC.

The Jackson 5′s second TV special is aired in the States on CBS (taped earlier in NYC in October).

The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Stadthalle in Osnabrück, Germany.

November 6 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Olympia in Paris, France. While in Paris, the group visits the Eiffel Tower & makes some shopping with Bill Bray.

November 9 : The Jackson 5 perform “Lookin’ Through The Windows” & “Rockin Robin” an british TV show Top Of The Pops.

The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Birmingham Odeon in Birmingham, England (two shows: 6:30 and 9:00 pm).

November 10 : Michael makes his first visit to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London. Later in life, he will become one of their biggest financial contributors and visit patients in the hospital on numerous occasions.

The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Kings Hall at Belle Vue in Manchester, England.

November 11 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool, England.

November 12 : Upon arrival at London’s Heathrow Airport, security is overwhelmed by the excitement of thousands of wild fans who have come to greet the group. Moments of relaxation and meeting with fans in the English capital are on the agenda for this trip.

The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Wembley Empire Pool in London.

November 13 : The Jackson 5 fly back home to Los Angeles.

November 18 : The Jackson family (including Joseph, Katherine and 16 years old LaToya) attend the 6th annual NAACP Image Award ceremony at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. The Jackson 5 perform and for the third consecutive year, the group is presented with the NAACP’s Image Award for Male Group Of The Year. Michael poses for pictures with Coretta Scott King (Martin Luther King’s widow) and Redd Foxx.

November 28 : Michael & the J5 make a photoshoot for “Right On” Magazine in Los Angeles.

December 2 : The Jackson 5 attend a Christmas parade, The Little Rock’s Big Jingle Jubilee in Little Rock. At night, they give a concert at the Barton Coliseum in Little Rock, Arkansas.

December 9 : Michael and the Jackson 5 make an appearance in the Watts Christmas Parade in Los Angeles, California, and they serve as honorary chairmen. The parade is televised the following day on KTLA.

December 24 : The Jackson 5 perform at an unknown venue in Los Angeles.

January 2 : The J5 give a concert at the Miami Beach Auditorium in Miami Beach.

January 3 : The J5 give a concert at the Civic Center in Mobile.

January 7 : The single “Mama’s Pearl” is released by Motown (it peaks at number 2 on the Hot 100 Billboard).

January 29 : The J5 give a concert at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton.

January 30 : The J5 give a concert at the St John Arena in Colombus.

January 31 : The Jackson 5 return to Gary for the first time to play two benefits concerts for for Mayor Richard Hatcher’s re-election campaign at Westside High School and they receive the key to the city. A ceremony is held outside their former home on 2300 Jackson Street which is renamed Jackson 5 Boulevard for the day. A sign is places on the lawn in front of the house : Welcome home Jackson 5, keepers of the dream. The event is filmed for a TV Special.

March 16 : Motown releases J5’s new single, “Never Can Say Goodbye” (it peaks at number 2 on the Hot 100 Billboard).

The Jackson 5 attend the Grammy Award Ceremony where ABC wins an award for Best Pop Song. The Grammy Awards posthumously honore Reverend King’s 1967 speech, “Why I Oppose the War in Vietnam”, as the Best Spoken Word Recording (it had been released during 1970). The Jackson 5 travele to Atlanta to present the award to the pastor’s widow, Correta Scott King.

March 26 : The J5 give a concert in Fort Worth.

March 27 : The J5 give a concert at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport.

March 28: The J5 give a concert at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans.

March 29 : The Jackson 5 are guests on The Stephanie Edwards Show where they chat and listen to their new single “Never Can Say Goodbye”.

April : Michael appears on the covers of Rolling Stone Magazine and Soul Illustrated.

April 1 : The J5 give a concert at the Mid-South Auditorium in Memphis.

April 2 : The J5 give a concert at the Curtis Hixon Convention Hall in Tampa.

April 4 : The J5 give a concert at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson.

April 5 : The J5 give a concert in Monroe (Unknown Venue).

April 6 : The J5 give a concert in Monroe (Unknown Venue).

April 7 : The J5 give a concert at the Auditorium in Atlanta (two shows: 4:00 and 8:00 p.m).

April 9 : The J5 give a concert in Louisville (Unknown Venue).

April 10 : The J5 give a concert in Cleveland (Unknown Venue)

April 12 : The album “Maybe Tomorrow” is released by Motown.

April 18 : The Jackson 5 appear with Diana Ross on her first solo TV Special. They perform “Mama’s Pearl”/”Walk On”/”The Love You Save”, “It Was a Very Good Year” (Spoof by Michael), “I’ll Be There” and “Feelin’ Alright” (with Diana) + a sketch with Bill Cosby.

May 5 : The Jackson family moves into a new house that they just purchased for 250 000 dollars at 4641 Hayvenhurst avenue in Encino, California. They call their new home Hayvenhurst. They share 6 rooms  : Katherine/Joe, Jackie/Ronny Rancifer, Tito/Johnny Jackson, Jermaine/Marlon, Michael/Randy, LaToya/Janet) + a guest room for Jack Richardson (the group road manager since 1968).

Rebbie gives birth to a baby girl named Stacee Brown.

May 28 : The J5 give a concert at the Spectrum Theater in Philadelphia.

May 29 : The J5 give a concert at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum in Indianapolis.

May 30 : The J5 give a concert at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City.

June : The single “Maybe Tomorrow” is released by Motown (it peaks at number 20 on the Hot 100 Billboard).

June 22 : The J5 give a concert at the Summerfest in Milwaukee.

July 9 : The J5 give a concert at the in Los Angeles (unknown venue).

July 16 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. The opening act is a new group named The Comodores with lead singer Lionel Richie.

A former Los Angeles police officer named Bill Bray is hired for security. He will eventually becomes Michael head of security and father figure until 1996.

July 17 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Charleston Civic Center in Charleston.

July 18 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Hampton Roads Coliseum in Hampton.

July 20 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte.

July 21 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Toledo Sports Arena in Toledo.

July 23 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the International Amphitheater in Chicago.

July 24 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Cincinnati Gardens in Cincinnati.

July 25 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Olympia Stadium in Detroit.

July 27 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum in Detroit.

July 28 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne.

July 30 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh.

July 31 :  The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore.

August 1 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the J.S. Dorton Arena in Raleigh.

August 2 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Macon Coliseum in Macon.

August 6 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Coliseum in Greensboro.

August 7 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Carolina Coliseum in Columbia.

August 8 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Miami Beach Auditorium in Miami Beach.

August 10 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Curtis Hixon Convention Hall in Tampa.

August 11 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham.

August 13 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.

August 14 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis.

August 15 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis.

August 17 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery.

August 18 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Tulsa Assembly Center in Tulsa.

August 20 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Denver Coliseum in Denver.

August 21 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Cow Palace in Daly City.

August 22 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

August 28 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds in Columbus.

August 29 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

August 31 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, Canada.

September : The Jackson 5 are on the covers of Life, Ebony & Cream magazines.

For his 5th grade, Michael joins Emerson Junior High, where his brothers are already enrolled. They only spend a few months at Emerson before receiving death threats, and Joseph decides to no longer send his sons to public schools. Michael and his brothers attend the Walton School in Panorama City. At this new school, Tito becomes friend with David Gest and introduces him to Michael. He and David become lifelong friends.

September 8 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Metropolitan Sports Center in Bloomington.

September 9 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit.

September 11 : An animated cartoon series based on The Jackson 5 debuts on ABC. Their speaking voices are not used but their songs are with “Mama’s Pearl” being the theme tune.

September 11 + 12 : The Jackson 5 give two concerts at the Honolulu International Center in Honolulu.

September 15 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the International House in Chicago.

September 16 : “Goin’ Back To Indiana”, the Jackson 5 first TV Special is aired on ABC. The special includes the group performing their hits, acting in skits with guest Bill Cosby and the Smothers Brothers and footage of the celebration filmed in their hometown of Gary back in January.

September 24 : The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Life magazine with Katherine & Joe. The photoshoot took place at Hayvenhurst and feaatures Rebbie, LaToya & 5 years old Janet.

September 26 : The Jackson 5 give a concert in Baltimore (unknown venue).

September 29 : The album “Goin’ Back To Indiana” is released by Motown.

October : The Jackson 5 are on the cover of the very first issue of Right On! Magazine.

October 7 : Motown releases Michael’s first ever solo single “Got To Be There”.

October 10 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Black Expo International Amphitheater in Chicago.

October 15 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the International Amphitheater in Chicago.

November 14 : The Jackson 5 perform a medley of “I Want You Back”/”ABC”/”The Love You Save” + “Never Can Say Goodbye” on the Flip Wilson Show.

November 21 : The Jackson 5 talk to the press at Hayvenhurst.

The Jackson 5 attend the NAACP Image Awards at the Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood. They are presetend with an award for Best Singing Group Of The Year.

November 23 : The single “Sugar Daddy” is released by Motown (number 10 on the Hot 100 Billboard).

December 9 : Motown releases the first greatest hits of the Jackson 5.

December : The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Right On!

December 23 : The Jackson 5 are dressed up as Santas with Mary Wilson and give out Christmas presents to underprivileged children at a Motown Christmas Party at the Pacific Town Club in Los Angeles.

December 24 : The Jackson 5 give a 45-minute charity concert at the Foundation for the Junior Blind in Los Angeles, in support of 1000 visually impaired children, of whom 400 attended the party after the show. The concert included, for the first time, some of the group’s Christmas songs. Following this event, Michael Jackson stated, “You know, that’s what Christmas really is… it’s giving.”

Katherine & Janet attend the show.

December 27 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston.

December 28 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the McFarlin Auditorium in University Park.

December 29 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton.

December 30 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond.

January 31 : The Jackson 5 perform “I Want You Back” on the Andy Williams Show. On the same day, “I Want You Back” hits number 1 on Hot 100 Billboard!

February 21 : The Jackson 5 perform “I Want You Back”, “ABC” and a medley of “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah/There Was A Time” on American Bandstand hosted by Dick Clark.

February 24 : The single “ABC” is released (number 1 on the Hot 100 Billboard).

April : The J5 rehearse for their first concert tour.

May 2 : The J5 kick off their first national tour at the Civic Auditorium in Philadelphia.

May 8 : The album “ABC” is released and it becomes number 1 on Billboard 200.

May 10 : In New York City, The Jackson 5 perform “I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save” on the Ed Sullivan Show.

May 13 : The single “The Love You Save” is released and it peaks at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

June 1 : The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Soul Magazine.

June 10 : The Jackson 5 perform The Love You Save & ABC on the Groovy Show TV program in Los Angeles.

June 19 : The J5 give a concert at the Cow Palace in San Francisco.

June 20 : The J5 give a concert at the Forum in Inglewood before an audience of 18 000. At one point in the show, teenage girls invade the stage forcing the group to run for safety! Diana Ross & the Jackson family attend the show including Joe, Katherine, Joe’s father, Samuel and Janet (aged 4).

August 6 : The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Jet magazine for the first time.

August 10 : Michael is on the cover of Soul newspaper in the U.S

August 12 : The Jackson 5 perform at their first charity concert at the Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

Despite his remarkable boxing career, Joe Louis faces financial difficulties. “The Salute To The Champ – Joe Louis Day” is organized to help the champion cover the cost of his hospitalization. The organizing committee hoped to raise $100,000. Berry Gordy, the president of Motown and a former boxer himself, was approached by two friends of Joe Louis and agreed to serve as honorary chairman of the event. Many stars volunteered to perform for free at this tribute concert, which took place at the Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan, the hometown of both the boxer and Motown. For two and a half hours, Bill Cosby, as master of ceremonies, welcomes a full house to performances by The Four Tops, B.B. King, Mahalia Jackson, Billy Eckstine, comedian Redd Foxx, and the Jackson 5. Former light heavyweight boxing champion Sugar Ray Robinson, former heavyweight world champion Sonny Liston, and basketball player Bill Russell were also in attendance.

August 28 : The single “I’ll Be There” is released and becomes the fourth consecutive number 1 single of the group on the Hot 100 Billboard which is a premiere in the industry!

August 30 : The J5 give a concert in San Francisco (Motown sales convention).

September 8 : The “Third Album” is released and becomes number 1 on the Billboard 200.

September 17 : The J5 perform “The Love You Save” & “I’ll Be There” at the Jim Nabors Show.

October 9 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Boston Garden in Boston. They are accompanied by a private tutor, Rose Fine.

October 10 : The World Series is the final series of Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America. Just before the first game, which saw the Cincinnati Reds face the Baltimore Orioles, the Jackson 5, accompanied by the Lemon-Monroe High School Marching Band, a high school marching band from the city, perform the Star-Spangled Banner at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio in front of a full stadium and an enthusiastic crowd, including both teams.

At night, The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Cincinnati Garden in Cincinnati.

October 11 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis.

October 15 : The “Jackson 5 Christmas Album” is released on Motown.

October 16 : The J5 give their first concert at the Madison Square Garden in New York City.

October 17 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the Olympia Stadium in Detroit.

October 18 : The Jackson 5 give two concerts at the Amphitheater in Chicago (3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m).

November : The Jackson family moves in a new house rented by Motown at
Bowmont Drive, in Beverly Hills.

The single “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is released by Motown.

November 15 : The Jackson 5 attend the NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles where they are are presented with their first Image Award for Best Singing Group of the year.

November 22 : The J5 give a concert in Rochester Hills (Unknown Venue).

November 28 : The J5 give a concert at the War Memorial Auditorium in Rochester.

December 24 : The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Jet magaz

December 27 : The J5 give a concert at the Coliseum in Charlotte.

December 28 : The J5 give a concert at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro.

December 29 : The J5 give a concert at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville.

December 30 : The J5 give a concert at the Jacksonville Memorial Coliseum in Jacksonville.