Читать книгу Michael Jackson – Legend, Hero, Icon: A Tribute to the King of Pop - James Aldis - Страница 15

Michael was still just three or four years old when the band was formed, but there was no question over his eventual inclusion within the line-up—his talents shone as brightly as any star in the sky. His precocious vocal talent and ability to play the bongos meant that he was a surefire member of the team. The band’s first incarnation in 1964 consisted of brothers Jackie, Tito and Jermaine, under the name The Jackson Brothers, but the following year Michael, aged five, and brother Marlon joined the group, establishing a set-up that would remain in place for the following decade. Initially, the band covered popular soul and R&B songs of the day, absorbing influences from James Brown to Sly and the Family Stone.

‘I’ve always joked that I didn’t ask to sing and dance, but it’s true. When I open my mouth, music comes out.’

—Michael Jackson

Seeing their potential, Joe began to spend less time with The Falcons and more time developing his children’s fledgling act. He began putting them forward for performances at talent contests and amateur nights, and before long they were developing both a reputation and a well-practised edge. Soon their live performances would be captured for posterity as Joe clinched a deal with a local recording studio and label named Steeltown. Their first release, a single entitled ‘Big Boy’, featured nine-year-old Michael on vocals, and helped them gain a foothold with larger concert venues, such as the Apollo Theater in New York and some of Chicago’s biggest talent shows.

Michael as a freshman in 1973 at Montclair College Preparatory School in Van Nuys, California.

The kids pose in front of a huge J5 sculpture graffitied with their names.

The band at one of many awards ceremonies. Here they are at the NAACP Image Awards, established for the advancement of coloured people within the arts.