The Jacksons

The Jacksons Band members: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, Randy (from 1977)
Hometown: Gary, Indiana
Biggest Hit Singles: Show You The Way To Go, number one, 1977, I Want You Back, number two, 1970, I’ll Be There, number four, 1970
Career Highlights: Sold more than 100 million records, inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall Of Fame in 1997

Also known as Jackson 5, this hugely successful band of brothers launched many solo careers, including Michael Jackson’s and Jermaine’s.

Jackie, Tito and Jermaine got into music at a young age by borrowing their father’s guitar when he wasn’t in the house, and allowed younger brothers Marlon, Michael and Randy to listen if they promised not to tell.

Eventually they broke a guitar string, and all the boys got in big trouble before their father Joseph realised he had a load of talent on his hands and encouraged them to form a band!

Signing to the Motown label in 1968, they pumped out a string of huge hits; I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save and I’ll Be There to name a few.

The Jacksons were one of the first boy bands and built up such a following in the mid-70s they had their pick from millions of fans. The older brothers would get together with groupies after their shows and sometimes even share them with their father!

By the late 70s the band was drifting apart and Michael decided to start a solo career, which was to make him the biggest selling artist of all time.

There are rumours The Jacksons will reform for a string of gigs in 2008, after Jermaine got gossiping to presenters on the This Morning sofa and let the cat out of the bag.