News

January : Janet makes a photoshoot at Hayvenhurst.

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 21 : Janet makes her acting debut on CBS’s hit sitcom “Good Times” as Penny Gordon Woods.

She joins the cast at the start of season 5 and will appear in all 24 episodes of the season.

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 10 : Janet is on the cover of Jet Magazine with her TV mom Ja’net DuBois.

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.

Previous year : 1976

Following year : 1978

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 : Jackie & Enid are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

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 family 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 3 : Randy & Janet are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

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 20 : Tito, Dee Dee, Taj & Taryll are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

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.

Previous year : 1974

Following year : 1976

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 , 1974: 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. Backstage, Michael meets Elvis Presley & his daughter Lisa Marie.

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.

Janet attends the 46th annual Santa Claus Lane Parade in Hollywood, California.

Previous year : 1973

Following year : 1975

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 America.

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 sat 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 4 : Tito Dee Dee & Taj are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

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

October 21 : The Jackson 5 give a concert at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio, 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 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 of 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 18 : Jermaine & Hazel are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

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.

Previous year : 1972

Following year : 1974

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 20 : Tito & Dee Dee are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

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.

Previous year : 1971

Following year : 1973

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.

Previous year : 1970

Following year : 1972

January 03 : Janet celebrates Eissa’s 2nd birthday in London.

January 10 : Statement from the Estate of Michael Jackson

Earlier today certain media ran an item relating to a film included in the lineup of the Sundance Film Festival. The Estate issued the following statement to media reporting the story:

“This is yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson. Wade Robson and James Safechuck have both testified under oath that Michael never did anything inappropriate toward them. Safechuck and Robson, the latter a self-proclaimed ‘master of deception’, filed lawsuits against Michael’s Estate, asking for millions of dollars. Both lawsuits were dismissed. This so-called ‘documentary’ is just another rehash of dated and discredited allegations. It’s baffling why any credible filmmaker would involve himself with this project.”

Unfortunately, anyone can release a documentary and they do not have to secure permission to do so. The only time the Estate has any potential recourse is when a documentary or other film uses intellectual property such as music or video that is owned by the Estate and is not protected under “fair use” claims, which of course the Estate is monitoring. You may recall the Estate filed litigation against Disney earlier this year for violating its intellectual property rights. As the Estate said, the individuals featured in this documentary have had their claims rejected in court. Furthermore, Michael was declared innocent in the criminal case against him. No documentary can change that.

The Jacksons kick off their australian tour in Mount Maunganui in New Zealand.

January 12 : Concert in Sydney.

January 13 : Janet is spotted shopping in London.

Concert in Brisbane.

January 15 : Concert in Gold Coast.

January 16 : LaToya is a guest on Match Game on ABC.

Jacksons concert in Melbourne.

After a one month break from social medias and public exposure Paris writes on Instagram : « I am happy and healthy and feeling better than ever ».

January 18 : Jacksons concert in Adelaide.

Diana Ross, Rebbie, Katherine, Yashi, Stacee, London & Taryll attend Evan Ross & Austin’s concert at the Roxy Theater in L.A.

January 19 : Concert in Perth.

January 21 : Taj Jackson launches a Go Fund Me Page to fight against “Leaving Neverland :

“MJ fam – here we are over 11 years since of my Uncle Michael’s passing. Instead of being able to mourn and properly celebrate and honor Michael Jackson, we are, again, being forced to educate the media and the general public with the evidence-based truth about him.
Once again, we have to defend Michael Jackson’s name and legacy from vicious and calculated lies. We can no longer sit back and wait for the ‘right thing’ to be reported or for someone else to step in and champion our cause. This is on us – fans, friends and family. I know that the unanimous acquittals and the FBI’s on and off 10-year investigation (resulting in my Uncle’s complete exoneration) should have been enough. The worst thing we can do is let this continued slander go unchallenged. Especially since my uncle is not here to defend himself.
I know that when we as a group are united, we are unstoppable.
So I am asking for your help.

This series will uncover the real Michael Jackson. The larger-than-life entertainer grew up in ways no other human could ever imagine. The viewer will have the opportunity to step inside Jackson’s world through the stories and recollections of the people that truly knew him best. Michael was human like the rest of us; flawed and imperfect. He was eccentric, uber talented, philanthropic, sensitive and traumatized. All of these things made Michael who he was. He was not weird, he was unique. He was a man who believed in the message of love, in a world that didn’t appreciate or understand him.

I am the oldest nephew of Michael Jackson. I had the privilege to have grown up extremely close to my uncle and was always a loyal friend and ally to him throughout his entire life. I also had a front seat to what the negative media and allegations put him through. I lived with him during the whole 2005 trial.

As a sexual abuse victim (from my uncle Chuck on my mom’s side of the family), I know what it means to be a survivor. I also know what kind of damage sexual misconduct leaves upon the victims. This unique position makes me even more determined and qualified to make the truth, the whole truth known about my uncle Michael’s false allegations.

My uncle’s last words to me were…
“After this, we’re doing films.”
Never did I think that a decade later necessity would require me to direct a film about his proven innocence.”

January 25 : The Michael Jackson estate has issued a statement on the film “Leaving Neverland,” which premiered at Sundance on Friday morning (Jan. 25). The documentary was screened at Park City, Utah’s Egyptian Theater. The Estate issued its statement about 12 hours after the film debuted, taking issue with what it calls “the kind of tabloid character assassination Michael Jackson endured in life, and now in death.”

Dan Reed’s film follows two accusers, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, as they describe intense and graphic acts they say Jackson committed against them, as well those they say the pop icon coached them to commit on him. Robson met Jackson through a dance competition at age 5, and alleges the sexual abuse began when he was 7. Safechuck was cast in a Pepsi commercial starring Jackson around age 8, and the alleged abuse began after months of close friendship.

Taj & TJ defend MJ on Twitter and plan to make a documentary to end all the lies.

January 26 : Genevieve gets engaged to longtime boyfriend in Atlanta in the presence of Alejandra.

January 28 : The Jackson family releases a statement regarding the “Leaving Neverland” documentary.

January 30 : Jermaine gives an interview to Good Morning Britain to defend Michael in the “Leaving Neverland” controversy. Many friends defend MJ on social medias including Brett Barnes, Frank Cascio, Karen Faye & Talun Zeitoun.

Frank Cascio defends MJ on Twitter : “Pro-a-gan-da information, especially of a biaised or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular point of view. Why didn’t Brett, myself or the thousands of others who had nothing to gain and have opposing views get a call for this “documentary”? @DanReed1000″

LaToya attends the press conference of the show ‘Forever The Best Show About The King of Pop’ at Centro Cultural Teatro 1 in Mexico City, Mexico.

January 31 : Janet gives a private performance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Then she takes a private jet back to L.A with her team (Joey, Gil, Preston, Cassie, Paulette & the Kids).

Paula Abdul presents Janet with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 20th Anniversary of Choreographer’s Carnival. Taryll Jackson attends the show.

February 3 : Family Day for Superbowl Sunday with Austin, Yashi, Donte, Jaafar & Jermajesty among others.

Janet Jackson Appreciation Day on social medias.

February 7 : Janet & her team arrive in Tokyo, Japan.

February 8 : The Estate’s letters to RadarOnline, HBO & Channel 4

The Estate of Michael Jackson has communicated with the fans some of the letters they have been sending to RadarOnline and HBO and also reassure the fans that they are working hard to dismiss the so called “Documentary” “Leaving Neverland”. Fans around the world have been campaigning to bring the truth to the media and to the general public but also trying to cancel this horrible and full of lies (and liars) “Documentary”

Janet goes shopping at Kiddy Land for Eissa.

February 10 : Janet performs at Nippon Dubokan in Tokyo, Japan.

Paris attends Republic Records Grammy after party at Spring Place Beverly Hills.

February 11 : Janet performs at Nippon Dubokan in Tokyo, Japan.

Brandi Jackson exposes Wade Robson’s lies in twitter and reveals that she dated him for 7 years and Michael introduced them to each other.

February 13 : Prince celebrates his 22nd birthday.

LaToya is a guest on The Masked Singer on Fox.

February 21 : Bigi celebrates his 17th birthday.

Janet is spotted in London with Eissa.

Lawsuit filed by the Estate of Michael Jackson

This morning, The Estate of Michael Jackson filed a lawsuit against HBO. HBO is not just a distributor but a co-producer of this so-called documentary Leaving Neverland. As many of you know, in 1992 HBO entered into an agreement for the broadcast of “Live From Bucharest” which became HBO’s highest rated special. As part of that agreement, HBO agreed to non-disparagement provisions which remain in effect. This program is the epitome of disparagement. Therefore, HBO stands in breach of contract. Even though Michael is not here to defend himself and there is no claim for defamation, this is a contractual obligation.

February 24 : Paris attends the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts  in Beverly Hills, California.

During a TV interview, LaToya refuses to comment the “Leaving Neverland” controversy : “Let’s keep Michael at peace and where he is. He has given the world so much joy. Let’s not take that away from him”.

February 26 : Janet is in NYC with Gil & Preston.

Global icon Janet Jackson is taking over the Las Vegas strip this spring/summer! Her new headlining residency Metamorphosis begins on Friday, May 17, 2019 at Park Theater at the new Park MGM resort.

Metamorphosis peels back the layers of the immensely private life of Janet, sharing her transformation from a young girl with issues of self-esteem to global icon.

The centerpiece of her all new thought-provoking show, will be Janet captivating you through your senses with electrifying visuals, explosive dance numbers, chart-topping hits and fan favorite deep cuts. The show also features a special 30-year anniversary celebration of her ground-breaking album Rhythm Nation.

You will follow her path to self-love, empowerment, motherhood and activism, amidst the challenges faced along her personal journey finding your own light through her Metamorphosis.

February 27 : The Jackson family reacts to “Leaving Neverland”. Brandi Jackson gives a radio interview while Marlon, Tito, Jackie & Taj are guests on CBS This Morning.

February 28 : Janet is spotted at NYC airport.

March : The MJ Estate lawyers contact Frank Cascio and his family to ask them for support. Despite having a decades-long friendship with Michael Jackson, and after years of passionately defending Michael against false and scurrilous allegations made by third parties, Frank and his family decide to exploit the negative publicity following the release of Leaving Neverland in order to try to profit from making their own specious allegations against Michael. To do so,
Frank’ representative insist on meeting with MJ Estate representatives at the Sunset Marquis Hotel swimming pool wearing only bathing suits so that MJ Estate representatives could not wear a “wire” to record the conversation.

Following this bizarre meeting, Frank’s lawyer informs MJ Estate lawyers that the Cascios intend to repudiate their prior support of Michael and manufacture false and specious allegations against him unless they were paid money, as well as to counter the negative press surrounding the film, MJ Estate sought to make a life rights and consulting deal to acquire content that the Respondents and other parties to the Agreement had accumulated during their decades-long close friendship with Michael, including home movies showing Michael’s warm and happy interactions over the years with his “second family” during
Christmas, holidays, and other occasions. However, Respondents used the negative media frenzy as an opportunity to enrich themselves.

March 1 : The Jacksons give a concert at Treasure Island Resort & Casino Welch, MN

March 2 : Janet visits MPA Academy in London.

March 3 : The Jacksons give a concert at  Maarten Yacht Club Simpson Bay Netherlands Antilles.

March 3 + 4 : HBO airs two-part HBO documentary Leaving Neverland,

March 4 : HBO and OWN present Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland, a conversation hosted by Oprah featuring Wade Robson and James Safechuck.

March 5-11 :  Many family and friends defend MJ on social medias including Karen Faye, Corey Feldman, Brett Barnes, Macauley Culkin, Jermaine, Austin, Yashi, Brandi, the Schleiter Family, Grace Rwaramba etc

Taj flies to London to give interviews (the doc is aired on Channel 4)

Katherine, Rebbie, Janet, LaToya, Randy, Prince & Paris remain silent.

March 11 : Janet is spotted at NYC airport.

March 12 : Austin has breakfast with Katherine & Rebbie.

March 13 : LaToya attends the show ‘Forever, The Best Show About The King of Pop’ at Centro Cultural Teatro 1 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Paris on Twitter : “there’s nothing i can say that hasn’t already been said in regards to defense. Taj is doing a perfect job on his own. and i support him. but that’s not my role. I’m just tryna get everyone to chill out and go with the flow, be mellow and think about the bigger picture. that’s me.”

March 16 : The Jacksons give a concert at das Américas São Paulo, SP Brazil.

TMZ reports that Paris was hospitalized last night after a suicide attempt. Paris replies to them on Twitter “fuck you, you fucking liars”.

March 18 : Paris attends the Premiere Of Netflix’s ‘The Dirt’ at ArcLight Hollywood in Hollywood, California.

Statement from the Estate of Michael Jackson

March 19 : The Jacksons give a concert at Auditório Araújo Viana  Porto Alegre/RS Brazil.

March 21 : The Jacksons give a concert at Luna Park Buenos Aires Argentina

March 23 : Diana Ross supports MJ on Twitter.

The Jacksons give a concert at Teatro Caupolicán Santiago Chile

The Jackson family provided Billboard with a 24-page working PowerPoint document, titled “Leaving Neverland and the Truth,” that questions the accusers’ memories and the filmmakers’ motives in detail. The estate also attached recent news clips in which the singer’s defense attorney called the accusations “hogwash.”  The document goes into detail about the documentary being bias, inconsistent, and notes that the footage that was featured was misused.

The Jackson family gathers to celebrate Genevieve’s engagement party in L.A. Many members attend the party including Katherine, Rebbie, LaToya, Austin, Stacee, Yashi, TJ and Frances, Taj and Thayana, Taryll & Breanna, Alejandra, Randy Jr, Donte, Jaafar, Jermajesty, Autumn, Paris, Steveanna and more…

March 27 : The Jacksons perform in Austin, Texas.

March 29 : Janet attends the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center in New York City where she is inducted by Janelle Monae.

Then she attends an after party celebrating her induction with many family & friends including Randy, Austin Brown, Joey, Gil, Preston, Robert, Lil Kim, MC Lyte, Tina Landon, Terry Lewis, Jimmy Jam, Asa Soltan, Johnny Gill, Joey Harris, Cassidy Blaine, Tommy Parker, Janet & Talun Zeitoun & more.

March 30 : Debbie Rowe attends Paris ‘s first musical  gig in a L.A bar.

April 3 : Paris spends her 21st birthday with her boyfriend and with Austin.

April 7 : Janet and her crew perform the very last SOTW show at Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage on a boat cruise in Miami, Florida.

Then Janet throws a party for Gil’s 40th birthday!

April 9 : Back in L.A, Janet and her crew start rehearsing for Metarmophosis. Dean Anthony Lee is now part of the team. He choreagraphed the song “Feedback”.

April 13 : Sarah Moore, Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn are seen at Coachella on April in Indio, California.

April 18 : Janet makes a photoshoot in L.A.

Latoya attends the opening of Princess Grace Kelly exhibit in Monaco.

April 21 : Katherine, Rebbie, Taj his wife and daughter Taylor spend Easter sunday together.

April 25 : Janet shares a video message to her fans to win tickets for her #MetamorphosisVegas opening night. She also announces a special Rhythm Nation 30th anniversary concert on Sept 21 in San Francisco.

The Jacksons perform at the Aaron Beasant Park Amphitheate in Panama City Beach, FL

April 27 : The Jacksons perform at the Beau Rivage Theatre Biloxi, MS.

May 2 : Paris and Caroline D’Amore attend the Dinner Party to Celebrate Pizza Girl by Caroline D’Amore hosted by Paris Jackson at the Private Residence of the CEO of Absolut Elyx.

Janet and her team go to Las vegas for the next phase of rehearsals for #MetamorphosisVegas.

May 10 : LaToya attends the 26th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills with Kathy Hilton & Branda Richie.

May 11 : Prince Jackson goes through commencement ceremonies Saturday at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
Many family members attend the graduation ceremony and after party including Katherine, Rebbie, Latoya, Paris, Bigi, Omer and Pia Bhatti, Austin, Brandi, Siggy & 3T.

Janet stays in Vegas.

May 16 : Janet celebrates her 53rd birthday in Vegas.

Taj, Prince & Bigi launch their You Tube channel on film reviews.

May 17 : Opening night for Janet’s residency in Vegas.

Many family and friends attend the show  including Katherine, Rebbie, Austin, Yashi, Jimmy Jam, Yvette Nicole Brown, Queen Latifah, Gabrielle Union, Eve etc

Later Janet attends the after party for the debut of her residency “Metamorphosis” at On The Record Speakeasy and Club at Park MGM.

May 18 : 2nd Metamorphosis show in Vegas. Austin attends it.

May 19 : Janet’s friends hold a surprise birthday party in Vegas with many family & friends including Austin, Johnny Gil, Lil Kim, Ciara, Teyana etc…

May 21 : 3rd Metamorphosis show in Vegas. Siggy attends it.

May 22 : 4th Metamorphosis show in Vegas.

May 24 : Michael Jackson’s Estate and Tohme Tohme settle lawsuit

The settlement announced Thursday with Tohme Tohme ends one of the last remaining legal fights involving Michael Jackson’s estate. The deal came after five days of the trial had already been held. Terms of the agreement were not released.

May 25 : 5th Metamorphosis show in Vegas.

May 26 : 6th Metamorphosis show in Vegas.

May 27 : Janet flies back to London wih Eissa.

June 07 : Paris and Jeremy Scott attend the Moschino Spring/Summer 20 Menswear and Women’s Resort Collection party at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The Jacksons performs in Moiesey, UK.

June 21 : Gil & Preston join Janet in London.

June 23 : Janet is on the cover of the Sunday Times magazine with a new photoshoot + interview of Janet.

June 24 : It is announced that Paris will make an appearance in the third season of the VH1 television series Scream. Paris also appears in Habit, portraying Jesus Christ.

June 25 : Michael’s family, friends and fans celebrate him on the 10th anniversary of his passing.

June 26 : Janet attends a Gladys Knight concert in London with Gil & Preston.

June 28 : Jaafar releases his debut single “Got Me Singing” on Itunes, Spotify, Apple Music and You Tube.

Latoya has dinner in L.A with her friends.

June 29 : Janet performs a 50 minutes set at the Glastonbury Festival in England.

June 30 : Janet performs a 80 minutes set at the Jazz Montreux Festival in Switzerland. She is introduced on stage by Quincy Jones.

Backstage, Janet poses with Shania Twain and a few fans who present her with the European Appreciation Award.

July 5 : Janet attends Wireless in London with her friend James and backstage she meets Lil Nas.

July 6 : Janet attends Stevie Wonder’s concert at Hyde Park in London and backstages she poses with Lionel Richie & Stevie.

July 12 : The Jackson perform in Birmingham, UK.

July 14 : The Jacksons perform in Essex, UK.

July 18 : Janet and her team perform at the Jeddah Music Festival in Saudi Arabia.

July 20 : Janet and her team are back in Vegas.

July 24 : 7th Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

July 26 : 8th Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

The Jacksons perform in Cheshire, UK.

July 27 : 9th Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

July 31 : 10th Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

August 1 : Paris and her boyfriend Gabriel Glenn attend the LA Special Screening Of Roadside Attractions’ “The Peanut Butter Falcon” at ArcLight Hollywood.

The Jacksons perform in Paloznak, Hungary.

August 2 : 11th Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

August 3 : 12th Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

August 6 : The Jacksons perform in Monaco.

August 7 : 13th Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

August 8 : The Jacksons perform in Marbella, Spain.

August 9 : 14th Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

The Jacksons perform in Torrevieja, Spain.

August 10 : 15th Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

August 11 : The Jacksons perform in Marciac, France.

Janet is on the cover of Stellar inside the Sunday Telegraph and  the Sunday Herland Sun with an exclusive interview.

August 14 : 16th Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

August 16 : 17th Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

Rebbie, Yashi & Austin take Katherine to Diana Ross’s concert the Wynn in Vegas.

August 17 : 18th and final Metamorphosis show at the Park MGM Theater in Vegas.

Mary J Blige, Katherine, Rebbie, Yashi, Austin, Taj, Taryll & Jermaine Jr attend the show.

August 22 : The Jacksons perform in Penthalaz, Switzerland.

August 23 : The Jacksons perform in Overton, Hampshire, UK.

August 27 : Missy Elliott is presented with Michael Jackson Vanguard Award during the MTV Video Music Awards. Janet does not attend but she sends a pre recorded video message to congratulate Missy.

August 29 : The Jacksons perform in Trélazé, France.

September 5 : The Jacksons perform in Morganton, US.

September 6 : TJ Jackson releases his first solo single ever titled “Insomnia”.

September 7 : The Jacksons perform in Atlanta, US.

September 12 : Janet is spotted in Mayfair, centra London with Randy.

September 13 : Janet visits the Flyte Time Studios in Minneapolis with Terry Lewis & Jimmy Jam.

LaToya is a guest on CBS News.

September 14 : Janet performs a concert at the Treasure Island Amphitheater in Welch, Minnesota. Terry Lewis & Jimmy Jam join her onstage.

LaToya and her nephew Jaafar Jackson attend the Face Forward International 10th Annual Gala “Highlands To The Hills” in Los Angeles.

September 19 : Janet celebrates the 30th anniversary of Rhythm Nation 1814 with small videos messages on her social medias + Spotify.

TJ Jackson’s very first music video for his single “Insomnia” premieres on his You Tube Channel.

September 20 : Judge Declines HBO’s Request to Throw Out ‘Leaving Neverland’ Lawsuit

September 21 : Janet performs a concert at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

October 1 : Janet is spotted having lunch in London with Eissa and a friend.

October 5 : Janet flies from London to NYC.

October 8 : LaToya is spotted in L.A.

October 9 : Janet flies back to London.

October 10 : Paris and Gabriel Glenn attend the 2019 amfAR Gala Los Angeles at Milk Studios.

October 12 : Janet shares a picture of her in London.

LaToya is in Vegas to be a judge on Miss World America.

October 18 : Janet flies from London to NYC.

October 20 : LaToya attends Gladys Knight’s 75th birthday party in Hollywood.

October 22 : HBO Taking Michael Jackson ‘Leaving Neverland’ Dispute to Appeals Court

October 24 : Back in London, Janet gives an interview to the Star Advertiser.

October 25 : Prince hosts The Heal LA Foundation’s 4th Annual “Thriller Night” Costume Party at Hayvenhurst with many family members (Bigi, Paris, 3T etc)

LaToya attends the premiere of “Forever” at the Centro Cultural Teatro in Mexico City.

October 28 : Janet makes a surprise appearance at the 2019 Pride of Britain Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London to present Dame Elizabeth Anionwu with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

October 31 : Host Sheinelle Jones dresses as Janet in her “Rhythm Nation” Video during NBC’s “Today” Halloween Celebration at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City and Janet congratulates her in a pre recorded video taped in London.

November 4/5 : Janet flies from London to Perth, Australia.

November 6 : Janet gives an interview to radio show Carrie & Tommy on Hit network. She rehearses with the Kids. At night she has dinner with her team including Gil, Preston & Joey.

November 7 : Paris attends alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet x FriendsWithYou Launch in Los Angeles.

November 8 : Janet performs a concert at  RNB Fridays Live 2019 at HBF Park in Perth, Australia.

November 9 : Janet performs a concert at  RNB Fridays Live 2019 at HBF Park in Melbourne, Australia.

November 10 : Janet performs a concert at  RNB Fridays Live 2019 at HBF Park in Adelaide, Australia.

November 11 : Paris and Prince Jackson attend the Ryan Gordy Foundation “60 Years of Motown” Celebration at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills where they see Chris Tucker.

November 15 : Janet performs a concert in Brisbane, Australia.

November 16 : Janet performs a concert in Sydney Australia.

November 17 : Janet performs a concert in Auckland, New Zealand.

November 18 : LaToya attends the “Forever – King Of Pop” press conference at Verti Music Hall in Berlin, Germany.

November 19 : Lawsuits by Michael Jackson accusers likely to be restored

November 20 : Janet performs a concert in Honolulu, Hawaii.

November 21 : LaToya visits the Jahrhunderthalle in the Höchst district before her tour of Germany. Under the title “Forever – King of Pop” she will appear in 15 German cities in January and February 2020.

Janet performs a concert in Honolulu, Hawaii.

November 22, 2019 : Michael Jackson’s Life Getting Movie Treatment; ‘The Aviator’s Graham King & John Logan Reteam, And MJ Estate Aboard : 

EXCLUSIVE: Bohemian Rhapsody producer Graham King has secured from the Michael Jackson estate the rights to make a film of the complicated pop icon’s life with access to all of his music, sources say. King’s GK Films has retained three-time Oscar-nominated writer John Logan to pen the script. It is not set up at a studio at this point.

November 23 : Janet performs the very last concert of her State Of The World 2017-2019 Tour in Honolulu with a special duet performance with ANA VEE.

November 28 : Back in London, Janet spends Thanksgiving with Eissa. She also shares on her social medias her upcoming cover of Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam. A new photoshoot from last month.

December 1 : Janet presents the Urban Luxe Award to Rihanna at The Fashion Awards 2019 held at Royal Albert Hall in London.

December 4 : LaToya attends Shop To Erase MS presented by Stacey Bendet to benefit Race To Erase MS at Alice + Olivia Boutique in Beverly Hills, California.

December 6 : Katherine, Rebbie, Yashi, Johvonnie and Genevieve attend Steveanna’s very first live performance as Billie Bodega in L.A.

December 12 : Janet shares videos from her Malibu home on her Instagram stories.

December 22 : Herman Weisberg. representative employed by attorneys for the Estate flies to New Jersey to meet with the Cascios, where he read a purported settlement agreement aloud to them. All Cascio siblings sign rhe agreement except Franck who is not present.

December 24/25 : Part of the Jackson family spends Christmas in Rome, Italy (Prince, Paris, Bigi, Omer, TJ, Frances, Royal, Dee, Jojo, Rio, Alejandra, Randy Jr, Donte, Jaafar & Jermajesty).

December 30 : LaToya is spotted shopping in L.A.

December 31 : Janet is spotted arriving at JFK airport. She spends New Year’s eve at her NYC home with Eissa and shares the fireworks on her Instagram Story.

Prince, Paris & Bigi fly back home from Rome to spend New Year’s eve in L.A.

Previous year : 2018

Following year : 2020

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 US.

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.

Previous year : 1969

Following year : 1971

January 1 + 2 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Apollo Theater in New York City (Sam & Dave headlining).

February 21 : The Jackson 5 perform at the VFW Hall in East Chicago. They meet a 17 year old concert promoter named Frank Brummett. Joe agrees to do some concerts with him. Frank Brummett remembers : “During a break, I approached the young performers, inquiring if they had a manager. They guided me to a table where their father, Joe Jackson, age 40, was seated. Having never heard of them before, I poured out my troubles about the lack of a venue and bands, tears streaming down my face. As I finished my tale of woe, Joe shared his own struggles – working at US Steel, raising six boys and three girls, and keeping his boys interested in their music while still having a minute to enjoy their childhood”

February 28 : The Jackson 5 perform at St. John’s Baptist Panel Room in Whiting, Indiana. Frank Brummett remembers : “The Jacksons performed their first COBRA PRODUCTIONS show on Friday, February 28th. It felt like a triumphant return, although Joe could only manage a later show due to his day shift at the steel mill. To fill the void, Dick Biondi offered to DJ the beginning of the evening. Dick enjoyed playing the game and was willing to mention us now and then on his show. We gathered a modest crowd of about twenty to thirty people that night. When the time came to settle the accounts, I found myself without sufficient funds to pay the band. Joe, ever supportive, told me not to sweat it; he assured me that “things will get better.”

March 7 + 8 : The Jackson 5 perform at the High Chaparral Lounge in Chicago.

March 09 : The Jackson 5 perform at St. John’s Baptist Panel Room in Whiting, Indiana.

March 11 : The Jackson 5 contract with Motown Records is finally effective. A dispute between Steeltown and Motown delayed its effect.

March 28 : The Jackson 5 perform at St. John’s Baptist Panel Room in Whiting, Indiana.

April 6 : The Jackson 5 perform at St. John’s Baptist Panel Room in Whiting, Indiana.

April 18 : The Jackson 5 perform at St. John’s Baptist Panel Room in Whiting, Indiana.

April 27 : The Jackson 5 perform at St. John’s Baptist Panel Room in Whiting, Indiana. Frank Brummett remembers : “April 27th marked our last show in Whiting, a bittersweet farewell as the Monsignor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church made the decision to kick COBRA PRODUCTIONS and the Jacksons out of town because of his “prejudiced” beliefs.”

April 28 + 29 + 30 + May 1 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Met Theater in Chicago (Delfonics headlining).

May 4 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Guys and Gals Club in Chicago.

May 9 + 18 + 30 + June 08 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Knights of Columbus Hall in East Chicago. Frank Brummett remembers : “We dubbed our June 8th show the “Farewell Show,” marking our final performance with the Jackson Five. Joe took Tito, Jack Richardson (their road manager), drummer Johnny Jackson & keyboard player Ronny Rancifer and drove to Los Angeles, Motown’s new headquarters,”

June 20 + 21 + 22 + 23 + 24 + 25 + 26 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Apollo Theater in New York City sharing a bill with Joe Simon and The Five Stairsteps.

July : Motown headquarters move from Detroit to California and so do the J5! Joe, Tito, Jack Richardson, drummer Johnny Jackson & keyboards players Ronny Rancifer drive to Los Angeles while Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon & Michael fly out a few days later. The group is accommodated at the Motel Tropicana on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Katherine remains in Gary with LaToya, Randy and Janet.

July 11 + 12 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Guys and Gals Club in Chicago (shows at 11:30 pm and 2:00 am).

August : Motown pulls Joe and the boys out of the Tropicana motel and move them to the Hollywood Motel across the street from Hollywood High and closer to Motown headquarters. They have a meeting with Berry Gordy at Diana Ross’s home in Hollywood Hills.

The group starts recording its first album at the West-Coast Motown studio, the Sound Factory in Vine Street, just north of Hollywood Boulevard. They are helped by Motown producers Freddie Perren, Deke Richards & Fonce Mizell known as “The Corporation”. Suzanne De Passe, a young Motown executive becomes the group’s PR.

August 09 : Diana Ross sends a Telegram to music, film, and media professionals : “Come join me in welcoming an extraordinary group, the Jackson Five, on Monday, August 11, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Daisy, North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. The Jackson Five, and their sensational eight-year-old singer, Michael Jackson, will be performing in concert.
— Diana Ross”

August 11 : Diana Ross invites 300 of her and Berry Gordy’s closest friends and business associates to meet the Jackson 5 at a private showcase at Daisy’s Disco 326 Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. The Jackson 5 perform Motown hits such as “Who’s Loving You” and Disney classics like “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”. Afterwards, a Motown press released is distributed to everyone in attendance. Michael and his brothers talk to local reporters and meet Bob Jones, a Motown PR who will prove significant in his solo career.

August 16 : The Jackson 5 perform at The Forum Los Angeles, CA as opening act for Diana Ross and the Supremes.

August 22 : In their first nationally TV appearance, The Jackson 5 perform “It’s Your Thing” at the Miss Black America Pageant in Madison Square Garden in New York City. The television broadcast of “The Miss Black America Pageant” airs on Sunday, August 24, 1969.

August 30 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Gilroy Stadium in Gary as part of Gary’s festival.

September : Michael starts to attend 6th grade at the Gardner Street Elementary School, a public school in Hollywood.

October 1 : Michael moves to Diana Ross’s Hollywood Hills home and the two of them spend a great deal of time together.

October 2 : Final mixing of the Jackson 5 first single at Motown “I Want You Back.

October 7: “I want You Back”, the Jackson 5’s debut single is released by Motown and soon reaches the number 1 spot on Billboard hot 100 charts.

October 18 : Diana Ross introduces the Jackson 5 on ABC’s Hollywwod Palace Special where they perform “Sing A Simple Song”, “Can You Remember”, “I Want You Back” and “There Was A Time” (with Diana Ross & Sammy Davis Jr)

Katherine, LaToya, Randy & Janet watch it live from their home in Gary.

November : Katherine, LaToya, Janet & Randy join Joe and the Jackson 5 in California and the whole family moves into a house rented by Motown on 1601 Queens Roads in the Hollywood Hills.

The family celebrates their new life by driving up to San Francisco for the weekend.

December 12 :  Motown releases the Jackson 5 first album titled “Diana Ross presents the Jackson 5” (N°1)

December 14 : In New York City, The Jackson 5 appear on The Ed Sullivan Show where they perform Stand, “Who’s Loving You” and “I Want You Back”. Diana Ross is in the audience and she takes credit for discovering them.

Later, the group performs “I Want You Back” on the Joey Bishop Show.

Previous year : 1968

Following year : 1970

January 30 : The Jackson 5 release their first single ever “Big Boy” which is premiered on a local radio station called WWCA.

Later the group records a second single for Steeltown “You Don’t Have To be 21 (To Fall In Love)/Jam Session which is not released.

February 14 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Super Dog Finals Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in New York City, NY.

March  : The Jackson 5 make their first ever commercial photoshoot for Steeltown Records. Steeltown Records sells thousands of copies of “Big Boy” nationally through a distribution deal with Atlantic Records, but it was neither a critical nor commercial success.

April : The J5 perform at a campaign rally for Richard Hatcher in Gary with Bobby Taylor and Diana Ross & The Supremes amoung others.

April 4 : Martin Luther King Is fatally shot by James Earl Ray at 6:01 p.m. In Moonwalk, Michael recalls that day: “I remember the day [Martin Luther King] died. Everyone was devastated. We didn’t rehearse that night. I went to church with Mom and the others. People were crying as if they had lost a family member. Even the men, who are usually less emotional, couldn’t control their feelings. I was too young to grasp the tragic nature of the situation, but when I think about it today, I feel like crying—for Dr. King, his family, and all of us.”

April 6 + 13 + 27 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Guys & Gals Club in Chicago, IL.

April 26 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Thomas Edison High School, Gary, IN.

May 4 + May 11 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Guys & Gals Club in Chicago, IL.

May 24 + 25 + 26 + 27 + 28 + 29 + 30 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Apollo Theater in New York City (Etta James headlining). Michael meets Etta James backstage.

May 31 + June 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6  : The Jackson 5 perform at the Capitol Theater in Chicago

July 12 + 13 + 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 + 18 + 19 + 20 + 21 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Regal Theater in Chicago, IL as part of the Battle of the Groups. During this series of shows, three people notice the group’s talent and they talk with Joe about Motown : Gladys Knight, Weldon Arthur McDougal III, a Motown executive and Bobby Taylor.

Mid July : The Jackson 5 are the opening act for Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers at Chicago’s High Chaparral Club. After seeing the group perform, Bobby Taylor telephones Ralph Seltzer, head of Motown creative department to suggest that the group be allowed to audition for Motown. He also introduces Joe & the boys to Suzanne DePasse, a young creative assistant working at Motown. Suzanne tells Berry Gordy about the Jackson 5. At first reluctant, the founder of Motown agrees to have them audition for Motown. At the same time, the group is invited to perform on the David Frost Show in New York but Joe cancels their TV debut when Bobby Taylor asks them to come to a Detroit studio to make an auditon for Motown!

July 23 : Joseph and family friend Jack Richardson take the Jackson 5 from Chricago to Detroit in the family’s Volkswagen minibus. Upon arriving to Motown’s headquarters Hittsville Studio, they are greeted by Suzanne De Passe, creative assistant to Berry Gordy and Ralph Seltzer. The Jackson 5 perform “Ain’t Too Poud To Beg” and “I Wish It Would Rain” by The Temptation, James’ Brown’s “I Got the Feeling” ,”Tobacco Road” and “Who’s Loving You”. The group’s audition is taped and the videotape is sent to Berry Gordy who is in Los Angeles.

July 26 : Ralph Setzer meets Joseph into his Motown office for a meeting and presents him with Motown standart nine-page contract. Joseph and the Jackson 5 sign the contract.

August 10 + 11 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Central Park Theater in Chicago, IL with Jerry Butler headlining; (shows at 2:00, 6:00 and 10:00 pm).

August 11 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Guys and Gals Club in Chicago (show at 11.30 pm).

August 12 + 13 + 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 + 18 + 19 + 21 + 22 + 23 + 24 + 25 + 26 + 27 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Regal Theater in Chicago.

September : The Jackson 5 start recording songs at Motown studios in Detroit under the direction of Bobby Taylor. They sleep on the floor of Taylor’s appartment!

September 27 : Motown Records book the Jackson 5 to perform at a benefit concert at Gilroy Stadium in Gary. The purpose of which is to defray the costs of Richard Hatcher’s mayoral campaign. The J5 open the show which features Gladys Knight and the Pips, Shorty Long and Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers.

October 6 + 13 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Guys and Gals Club in Chicago.

November 1 : The Jackson 5 perform at the High Chaparral Lounge in Chicago (Marshall and the Chi-Lites headlining).

November 17 : The Jackson 5 perform at the American Legion Hall, Hammond.

November 30 : While the Jackson 5 perform at the Regal Theater in Chicago, their sister Rebbie gets married to Nathaniel Brown at the Kingdom Hall of Gary. One month later they move to Kentucky.

December 21 + 22 + 23 : The Jackson 5 perform at the High Chaparral Lounge in Chicago.

December 24/25 : Berry Gordy invites the Jackson 5 to perform at his house in Detroit. They meet Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and the Four Tops!

December 29 + 30 + 31 : The Jackson 5 perform at the Apollo Theater in New York City (Sam & Dave headlining).

PREVIOUS YEAR : 1967

Following year : 1969