1958-68

Where it all started....

• 1958

August 29 :
Katherine gives birth to Michael Joseph Jackson in Gary Indiana.

• 1960

Katherine becomes a Jeovah's Witness and decides to raise her children in this faith.

• 1961

October 31 : Katherine gives birth to Steven Randall Jackson (Randy)

Jackie, Tito & Jermaine start a musical group together named The Jackson Brothers.

• 1963

Michael starts Kindergarten at Garnett Elementary School in Gary and, at the age of 5, makes his first public performance at a school pageant where he sings "Climb Every Mountain". Katherine & her father Prince Scruse are in the audience.
Shortly after, Michael takes over from Jermaine as lead vocalist in the Jackson Brothers Group and Marlon also joins in.

• 1965

The Jackson Brothers are renamed the Jackson 5 during their first public performance at children fashion show in Glen Park where they perform "Doin The Jerk".
The Jackson 5 also enter and win the Roosvelt High School talent show where they perform "My Girl";
Two months later, they win the Annual Talent Show at Gilroy Stadium where they perform "Barefootin" and receive their first ever press article in the Gary Post Tribune.
Joe books the Jackson 5 into Mr Lucky's , a nightclub in Gary where they perform six times a week!

• 1966

Joe sends a tape to Motown's founder Berry Gordy but it's returned three months later...
May 16:
Katherine gives birth to Janet Damito Jo Jackson in Gary

• 1967

The Jackson 5 win first prize in an amateur talent show at Gary 's Memorial Auditorium.
Joe enters the group in the Sunday Night Amateur Talent show at the Regal Theater in Chicago where they become three times winner and also win the Multiple Winners Super Talent show and are placed on the same bill as top R&B act of the year, Gladys Knight & The Pips.
August : The J5 are enter straight into the "Super Dogs" final at Harlem 's legendary Apollo Theater in NYC and they win it!
They come back as paid performers and Michael, backstage, gets to watch and study his favourite performers James Brown & Jackie Wilson.
New York lawyer, Richard Arons, helps Joe to book gigs in several cities ( Saint Louis , Philadelphia, Kansas City & Whashington)
At the end of the year, the group makes its first ever recording sessions in a studio owned by Mr Keith for a local record company named Steeltown Records.

• 1968

January:
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.
March :
The Jackson 5 make their first ever commercial photoshoot for Steeltown Records.

April:
The J5 perform at a campaign rally for Richard Hatcher in Gary with Bobby Taylor and Diana Ross & The Supremes amoung others.
May :
The J5 perform at the Apollo Theater in NYC.
July :
The J5 are the opening act for Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers at the Regal Theater in Chicago . 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 :
The J5 give an audition to Motown at the Hittsville Studio in Detroit and the tape is sent to Berry Gordy.
They meet Suzanne De Passe and Ralph Seltzer.
July 26 :
Joe and the Jackson 5 sign a recording deal to Motown during a meeting with Joe Seltzer.
September 27 :
The J5 perform at a benefit concert at Gilroy Stadium in Gary.
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 (on month later they move to Kentucky)
Christmas
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!

1969

The Jackson 5 do some preliminary work in a Detroit studio with Bobby Taylor

• March 11 :

The Motown contract is fully excecuted. A dispute between Steeltown and Motown delayed its effect.

• August :

Motown headquarters movefrom 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.

• August 11:

Diana Ross invites the media to meet the Jackson 5 at a private showcase at Daisy’s Disco 326 Rodeo Drive, Bevery Hills. Michael meets Bob Jones, a Motown PR who will prove significant in his solo career…

• August 22 :

In their first nationally TV appearance, The Jackson 5 perform “It’s Your Thing” at the Miss Black America Pageant.
The group stars recording its first album with help from Motown producers Freddie Perren, Deke Richards & Fonce Mizell known as “The Corporation”
Suzanne De Passe, a young Motown executive becomes the group’s PR.

• October:

I want You Back, the Jackson 5’s debut single is released by Motown and will reach the number 1 spot on Billbard hot 100 charts.
Michael moves to Diana Ross's home and the two of them spend a great deal of time together.

• October 18:

Diana Ross & The Supremes introduce 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)

• 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 Queen Roads in Los Angeles.
The family celebrates their new life by driving up to San Francisco .

• December 14:

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.

• December 18:

Motown releases the Jackson 5 first album named “Diana Ross presents the Jackson 5” (N°1)

1970

• January:

The Jackson 5 receive their first Image Award from the NAACP for Best Singing Group of the year.

• January 31:

The Jackson 5 perform I Want You Back on the Andy Williams Show.

• 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)

• May 2:

The Jackson 5 give their first concert as Motown performers at Phiadephia ( Pennsylvania )

• May 8:

The album ABC is released and it becomes number 1!

• May 10:

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 (number 1 on the Hot 100 Billboard)

• June 1:

The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Soul Magazine.

• June 19:

Concert in San Francisco ( California )

• June 20:

Concert at the Los Angeles Forum ( California ) before an audience of 18 000. At one point in the show, teenage girls invade the stage forcing the group to run for safety!

• August :

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 6:

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

• August 12:

Concert in Detroit ( Michigan )

• September 15:

The Third Album is released and becomes number 1.

• September 17:

The J5 perform The Love You Save & I’ll Be There at the Jim Nabors Show

• October 9:

The Jackson 5 kick off their first national tour in Boston (Massachussets) They are accompanied by a private tutor, Rose Fine.

• October 10:

The Jackson 5 sing the National Anthem at the opening game of the World Series at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati ( Ohio )

• October 11:

Concert in Memphis ( Tennessee )

• October 15:

The Jackson 5 Christmas Album is released on Motown.

• October 16 :

Concert at the Madison Square Garden of New York ( New York )

• October 17:

Concert at the Olympia Stadium of Detroit ( Michigan )

• October 18:

Concert at the Amphitheater of Chicago ( Illinois )

• November :

The Jackson family moves in a new house rented by Motown in
Bowmont Drive, Beverly Hills.
The single Santa Claus Is Coming to Town is released by Motown.

• November 28:

Concert at the War Memorial Auditorium in Rochester ( New York )

• December 24:

The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Jet magazine.

• December 27:

Concert in Charlotte (New Carolina )

• December 28:

Concert in Greensboro (New Carolina)

• December 29:

Concert in Nashville (Tennesseee)

• December 30:

Concert in Jacksonville ( Florida )

1971

Steeltown records release the single We Don’t Have To be 21 (To Fall In Love)/Jam Session.

• January:

The Jackson 5 receive the NAACP’s Image Award for Best Singing Group Of The Year.

• January 2:

Concert in Miami Beach ( Florida )

• January 3:

Concert in Mobile ( Alabama )

• January 7:

The single Mama’s Pearl is released by Motown (number 2 on the Hot 100 Billboard)

• January 29:

Concert in Dayton ( Ohio )

• January 30:

Concert in Colombus ( Ohio )

• January 31:

The Jackson 5 return to Gary ( Indiana ) 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 at 2300 Jackson Street. The event is filmed for a TV Special.

• March

Motown releases J5's new single, Never Can Say Goodbye (number 2 on the Hot 100 Billboard)

• March 16:

The Jackson 5 attend the Grammy Award Ceremony where ABC wins an award for Best Pop Song.

• March 27:

Concert in Shreveport ( Louisiana )

• March 29:

The Jackson 5 are guests on The Stephanie Edwars Show where they chat and listen to their new single Never Can Say Goodbye.

• April 1:

Concert in Memphis ( Tennessee )

• April 2:

Concert in Tampa ( Florida )

• April 4:

Concert in Jackson (Mississipi)

• 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.

• April :

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

• May 5:

The Jackson family moves into a new house that they purchased in Hayvenhurst, Encino.

• May 6 :

Rebbie gives birth to Stacee Brown.

• May 28:

Concert in Philadelphia (Pensylvania)

• May 30:

Concert in Oklahoma City ( Oklahoma )

• June:

The single Maybe Tomorrow is released by Motown (number 20 on the Hot 100 Billboard)

• July 16:

The Jackson 5 kick off their summer tour at the Madisin Square Garden of New York. 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 until 1996!

• July 17:

Concert in Charleston ( West Virginia )

• July 18:

Concert in Hampton ( Virginia )

• July 20:

Concert in Charlotte ( North Carolina )

• July 21:

Concert in Toledo ( Ohio )

• July 23:

Concert in Chicago ( Illinois )

• July 24:

Concert in Cincinnati ( Ohio )

• July 25:

Concert in Detroit ( Michigan )

• July 27:

Concert in Flint ( Michigan )

• July 28:

Concert in Fort Wayne ( Indiana )

• July 30:

Concert in Pittsburg ( Pennsylvania )

• July 31:

Concert in Baltimore ( Maryland )

• August :

Concert at the Madison Square Garden in NYC.

• August 1:

Concert in Raleigh ( North Carolina )

• August 2:

Concert in Macon ( Georgia )

• August 7:

Concert in ( South Carolina )

• August 8:

Concert in Miami Beach ( Florida )

• August 10:

Concert in Tampa ( Florida )

• August 11:

Concert in Birmingham ( Alabama )

• August 13:

Concert in Kansas City ( Missouri )

• August 14:

Concert in Saint Louis ( Missouri )

• August 15:

Concert in Memphis ( Tennessee )

• August 17:

Concert in Montgomery ( Alabama )

• August 18:

Concert in Tulsa ( Oklahoma )

• August 20:

Concert in Denver ( Colorado )

• August 22:

Concert at the Hollywood Bowl of Los Angeles.

• August 28:

Concert in Colombus ( Ohio )

• August 29:

Concert in Des Moines (Lowa) Michael turns 13.

• August 31:

Concert in Toronto ( Ontario )

• September :

The Jackson 5 are on the covers of Life, Ebony & Creem magazines.

• September 7:

The album Goin’ Back To Indiana is released by Motown.

• September 9:

Concert in Detroit Michigan

• 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 12:

Last concert of the summer tour at Honolulu ( Hawaii )

• September 19:

Goin’ Back To Indiana, the Jackson 5 first TV Special is aired on ABC. The special includes the group performing theit 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.

• October:

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

• October 7:

Motown releases Michael’s first solo single Got To Be There.

• October 15:

Concert in Chicago ( Illinois )

• November:

The single Sugar Daddy is released by Motown (number 10 on the Hot 100 Billboard)

• November 4:

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.

• December 9:

Motown releases the first greatest hits of the Jackson 5.

• December:

The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Right On!
Motown releases J5 new singles "Little Bitty Pretty One " (number 13 on the Hot 100 Billboard) and "Lookin' Through the Windows (number 16 on the Hot 100 Billboard)

• December 27:

Concert in Houston ( Texas )

• December 28:

Concert in Dallas ( Texas )

• December 29:

Concert in Norfolk ( Virginia )

• December 30:

Concert in Richmond ( Virginia )

1972

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

• January:

For the third consecutive year, The Jackson 5 receive the NAACP’s Image Award for Male Group Of The Year.

• January 1:

Concert in Nashville ( Tennessee )

• January 2:

Concert in Greenville ( South Carolina )

• January 12:

The Jackson 5 headline the first annual Martin Luther King Birthday Commemoration Concert in Atlanta ( Georgia )

• January 24:

The album Got To Be There is released by Motown.

• February:

The single Rockin Robin is released by Motown.

• February 12:

Concert in Saint Louis ( Missouri )

• 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:

Concert in Shreveport ( Louisiana )

• March 27:

Concert in New Orleans ( Louisiana )

• March 29:

Concert in Tampa ( Florida )

• March 31:

Concert in Jackson (Mississipi)

• April 1:

Concert in Memphis ( Tennessee )

• April :

The single Little Bitty Pretty One is released by Motown.

• May:

The single I Wanna Be Where You Are is released by Motown.

• May 17:

The album Lookin’ Through The Windows is released by Motown.

• June:

The single Lookin’ Through The Windows is released by Motown.

• June 3:

Concert at the Madison Square Garden of New York .

• June 5:

Michael appears as the bachelor at The Dating Game TV show and chooses Latanya Simmons as bachelorette.

• June 17:

Michael attends the wedding of Tito & Delores Martes in LA.

• July:

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 1:

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

• July 2:

Concert in Norfolk ( Virginia )

• July 7:

Concert inI Richmond ( Virginia )

• July 8:

Concert in Charlotte ( North Carolina )

• July 9:

Concert in Greensboro ( North Carolina )

• July 14:

Concert in Cincinnati ( Ohio )

• July 15:

Concert in Pittsburg ( Pennsylvania )

• July 16:

Concert in Cleveland ( Ohio )

• July 18:

Concert in Chicago ( Illinois )

• July 20:

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

• July 21:

Concert in Tulsa ( Oklahoma )

• July 22:

Concert in Dallas ( Texas )

• July 23:

Concert in Houston ( Texas )

• July 24:

Concert in New Orleans ( Louisiana )

• July 29-30:

Concerts in Chicago ( Illinois )

• August 4:

The album Ben is released by Motown.
Concert in Columbia ( North Carolina)

• August 5:

Concert in Atlanta ( Georgia )

• August 6:

Concert in Nashville ( Tennessee )

• August 11:

Concert in Savannah ( Georgia )

• August 12:

Concert in Washington D.C

• August 13:

Concert in Charleston ( West Virginia )

• August 17:

Concert in Louisville ( Kentucky )

• August 18:

Concert in Kansas City ( Missouri )

• August 19:

Concert in Saint Louis ( Missouri )

• August 20:

Concert in Indianapolis ( Indiana )

• August 22:

Concert in Sedalia ( Missouri )

• August 25:

Concert in San Francisco ( Missouri )

• August 26:

Concert in Los Angeles

• August 27:

Concert in San Diego ( California )

• August 29:

Concert in Honolulu (Awaii). Michael turns 14.

• August 31:

Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine.

• September 15:

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

• October:

The single Corner Of The Sky is released by Motown.

• October 5:

Concert in Chicago ( Illinois )

• October 26:

The Jackson 5 perform Ain’t Nothin’ Like The Real Thing and Jermaine performs That’s How Love Goes at the Flip Wilson Show.

• November 1:

The Jackson 5 arrive in London for their first ever tour of Europe .

• November 2:

Concert in Amsterdam (Netherlands)

• November 4:

The Jackson 5 are special guests on the Soul Train Show 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
Concert in Munich ( Germany )

• November 5:

Concert in Frankfurt ( Germany ). The Jackson 5 appear on the Royal Variety Performance.

• November 6:

Concert in Paris ( France ) at the Olympia . While in Paris , the group visits the Eiffel Tower & makes some shopping with Bill Bray.

• November 9:

Concert in Birmingham ( England ). The Jackson 5 perform Lookin’ Through The Windows & Rockin Robin an british TV show Top Of The Pops.

• November 10:

Concert in Manchester ( England )

• November 11:

Concert in Liverpool ( England )

• November 12:

Concert in London ( England ) at Wembley.

• November 13:

The Jackson 5 fly home.

• November 18:

The Jackson 5 perform at an NAACP fund-raising dinner in Hollywood

• December 23:

Michael Jackson appears at the Watts Christmas parade in Los Angeles

1973

• January:

Michael receives a Golden Globe Award for Ben.

• January 10:

The Jackson 5 appear on the Dick Cavett Show.

• February:

The single Hallelujah Day is released by Motown.

• March 2:

Concert in Oklahoma City ( Oklahoma )

• March 3:

Concert in Monroe ( Louisiana )

• March 4:

Concert in Houston ( Texas )

• March 9 :

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

• March 27:

Michael performs Ben at the Academy Awards (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 and the single With A Child’s Heart are released by Motown.

• April 22:

The Jackson 5 arrive in Tokyo . While in Japon, they take time to visit Buddhist temples, art museumsand the Oriental Gardens of the Takanawa Prince Hotel.

• April 27:

Concert at Tokyo ’ Annual Music Festival at the Imperial Palace .

• April 28:

Concert in Hiroshima .

• April 30:

Concert on Osaka .

• May 2:

Concert in Tokyo

• May 3:

The Jacksons 5 fly home.

• May 5:

Concert in Portland ( Oregon )

• May 6:

Concert in Seattle ( Washington )

• May 18:

Concert in Philadelphia (Pensylvania)

• May 19:

Concert in Dayton ( Ohio )

• May 20:

Concert in Colombus ( Ohio )

• June 22:

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

• June 23:

Concert in Brisbane .

• June 26:

Concert in Melbourne

• June 29:

Concert in Perth

• June 30:

Concert in Adelaide

• July 2:

Concert in Sydney

• July 3:

The Jackson 5 go to New Zealand.

• July 4:

Concert in Chirstchurch.

• July 5:

Concert in Wellington

• July 13:

Concert in Boston (Massachussetts)

• July 14:

Concert in New Haven ( Connecticut )

• July 15:

Concert in Providence ( Rhode Island )

• July 17:

Concert in San Juan ( Puerto Rico )

• July 20:

Concert in Pittsburg ( Pennsylvania )

• July 21:

Concert in Long Pond ( Pennsylvania )

• July 22:

Concert at the Madison Square Garden of New York City .

• July 24/25:

Concert in Chicago ( Illinois )

• July 27:

Concert in Cleveland ( Ohio )

• July 28:

Concert in Detroit ( Michigan )

• July 29:

Concert in Saratoga ( New York)

• August:

The single Get It Together is released by Motown.

• August 3:

Concert in Richmond ( Virginia )

• August 4:

Concert in Hampton ( Virginia )
Dee Dee gives birth to Toriano Jackson 2 (Taj)

• August 5:

Concert in Baltimore ( Virginia )

• August 6:

The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Soul Magazine.

• August 7:

Concert in Greensboro ( North Carolina )

• August 8:

Concert in Nashville ( Tennessee )

• August 10:

Concert in ( South Carolina )

• August 11:

Concert in Atlanta ( Georgia )

• August 12:

Concert in Miami ( Florida )

• August 17:

Concert in Memphis ( Tennessee )

• August 18:

Concert in St Louis ( Missouri )

• August 19:

Concert in Indianaolis (Indiana)

• August 21:

Concert in New Orleans ( Louisiana )

• August 22:

Concert in Dallas ( Texas )

• August 24:

Concert in San Francisco (Calfornia)

• August 25:

Concert in Fresno ( California )

• August 26:

Concert at the Forum of Los Angeles .

• August 28:

Concert in Boston (Massachussetetts)

• August 29:

Concert in Montreal ( Quebec ) Michael turns 15.

• August 31:

Concert in Colombus ( Ohio )

• September 2:

Concert in Honolulu ( Hawaii )

• September 12:

The album Get It Together is released by Motown.

• October 4:

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

• November 17:

The Jackson 5 are special guests at the Soull Train Show where they perform Dancing Machine, You’re in Good Hands (by Jermaine), With A child’s Heart (by Michael) & Don’t Say Goodbye Again.

• December:

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

• December 15:

Michael attends the wedding of Jermaine & Hazel Gordy on Los Angeles .

• December 18:

Jermaine & Hazel are on the cover of Jet Magazine

1974

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

• 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)

• January 29:

The Jackson 5 arrive in Dakar ( Senegal ) for their first African tour. They hold a press conference with Senegalise radio
During their stay, they receive an award for the Organisation for African Unity and they visit Goree Island and they shoot a film called Isomin Cross And Son which tells of a family crossing the in 1860 and the problems they encounter.

• February 1/2/3:

Concerts in Dakar.

• February 4:

The Jackson 5 fly home.

• February 22:

Concert in Houston ( Texas )

• January 30:

The Jackson 5 perform Dancing Machine at the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.

• 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.

• 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 at the Grammy Awards.

• March 7:

The Jackson 5 are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

• March 11:

Michael sings When I Grow Up with Roberta Flack at the Free To Be… You and Me TV show.

• March 16:

The Jackson 5 perform Dancing Machine & This Old Man/ABC at the Carol Burnett Show.

• April :

The Jackson 5 perform It’s Too Late To Change the Time & Dancing Machine at the Mike Douglas Show.

• April 4:

The Jackson 5 perform Let It Be, Never Can Say Goodbye & Dancinf Machine at the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

• April 9:

The Jackson 5 perform It’s Too Late To Change The Time & Dancing Machine at the Merv Griffin Show.

• April 9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23 :

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 10:

The Jackson 5 perform I Want You Back/ABC at the Sandy in Disneyland TV special.

• April 26/27/28:

The Jackson family moves her cabaret set to the Sahara Tahoe Hotel in Lake Tahoe ( Nevada )

• May 13:

Concert in Washington D.C.

• June 22:

Concert at the Forum of Los Angeles .

• June 24/25/26/27/28/29/30:

Concerts in Chicago ( Illinois )

• July 8/9/10/11/12/13/14:

Concerts in San Carlos ( California )

• July 19:

Concert in Pittsburg (Pensylvania)

• July 20:

Concert in Trenton ( New Jersey )

• July 21:

Concert in Richmond ( Virginia )

• July 26:

Concert in Buffalo ( New York )

• July 27:

Concerts at the Madison Square Garden of New York .

• July 29/30/31/August 1/2/3/4:

Concerts in Cleveland ( Ohio )

• August 1:

The Jackson family in on the cover of Jet Magazine.

• August 6:

Concert in Huntsville ( Alabama )

• August 7:

Concert in New Orleans ( Louisiana )

• August 10:

Concert in St Louis ( Missouri )

• August 11:

Concert in Kansas City ( Missouri )

• August 16:

Concert in St Paul ( Minnesota )

• August 17:

The Jackson 5 perform at the World Expo in Spokane ( Washington )

• 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 at the Tonight Show with Bill Cosby.

• 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.

• August 30:

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

• September:

The Jackson 5 appear at the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

• September 3:

The Jackson 5 perform Dancing Machine at the Merv Griffin Show and Janet makes her TV debut playing her Las Vegas act with Randy.

• September 5:

The album Dancing Machine is released by Motown.

• September 5-October 1:

The Jackson 5 tour South America with concerts in , & .

• September 22:

The Jackson 5 perform Life Of The Party at the Sonny Comedy Revue.

• October:

The single Whatever You Got I Want is released by Motown.

• October 4/5/6:

New series of family shows in Sahara Tahoe ( Nevada )

• October 7-November 1:

The Jackson 5 tours the Far East with concerts in Japon, Hong Kong, , & .

• October 19:

Michael performs Whatever You Got I Want, What You Don’t Know & If I Don’t Love You This Way at the Soul Train Show.

• November 3:

Concert in Oakland ( California )

• November 15:

The Jackson 5 perform Dancing Machine & It’s Too Late To Change The World at the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

• 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 marries Enid Spann in Las Vegas .

• December:

The single I Am Love is released by Motown. The whole Jackson family is on the cover of Ebony magazine

1975

January:
Michael accept 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.
The Jackson 5 tour the West Indies .

• January 16:

The album Forever Michael & the single We’re Almost There are released by Motown.

• February 7:

The Jackson 5 perform at the Radio City Music Hall of New York.

• January 25:

The Jackson 5 perform Life Of The Party at the Carol Burnett Show.

• Mid-February:

The Jackson return to for a concert tour supported by the group The Real Thing.

• February 17:

Jackie & Enid are on the cover of Jet Magazine

• March 8:

The Jackson 5 share the stage with Bob Marley & the Wailers at the National Stadium in Kingston ( Jamaica )

• March 16:

The Jackson 5 appear on the Cher TV show.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.

• April:

The single Just A Little Bit Of You is released by Motown.

• May 14 :

Michael and Bery Gordy have a private meeting at Berry's Bel Air estate.

• May 15:

Moving Violation is the last album of the Jackson 5 released by Motown. The group complains about royalty payments and lack of artistic control. They decide not to renew their contract and Joe negociates with CBS Epic Records to sign a new recording contract but Jermaine disagrees…

• June:

Forever Came Today is the last single of the Jackson 5 released by Motown.

• June 11:

Concert in Chicago ( Illinois )

• June 16:

The Jackson 5 performs Moving Violation at the Dinah Show (they are introduced by Janet)

• June 28:

The Jackson 5 perform Dancing Machine, Moving Violation & Just A Little Bit Of You (by Michael) at American Bandstand.

• June 30:

Joe Jackson calls a press conference at the Rainbow Grill in Manhattan with the whole family but Jermaine to announce that the Jackson are leaving Motown for CBS Epic Records. Jermaine is officially replaced by Randy and the group is renamed The Jacksons because Motown owns the Jackson 5 name.

• July :

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

• July 3:

Randy & Janet are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

• July 6:

The Jackson 5 perform at the Music Fair in Westbury ( Long Island )

• August 8:

Dee Dee gives birth to Taryll Jackson.

• August 16:

Marlon marries Carol Ann Parker.

• August 28:

The Best Of Michael Jackson is released by Motown.

• September:

The promotion of Moving Violation is officially over when the single Body Language is cancelled.

• September 1:

Concert in Mount Vernon ( New York )October 5 : The J5 perform Forever Came Today, All I Do Is Think Of You, One Day In Your Life, Just A Little Bit Of You & We've Got Forever at the Soul Train Show

• November 20:

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

• December: Concerts in Manila ( Philippines ) & Mexico City ( Mexico )

1976

Motown begins court procedure over The Jackson 5 departure to CBS seeking $ 20 millions damages.

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

Carol Ann gives birth to Valencia Jackson.

• January:

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

• February 16:

The Jacksons perform Forever Came Today at the Rich Little Show.

• March 10:

The CBS contract with The Jacksons is effective.

• June 15:

Motown releases The Jackson 5 Anthology.

• June 16:

Premiere of The Jacksons Variety Show on CBS. The show based on their Las Vegas set features The Jacksons + The Jackson Sisters (Rebbie, LaToya & Janet) singing, dancing & acting with guest stars such as Mohamed Ali, Sonny, Redd Fox or Linda Carter. Each week during the summer, the series is a big hit even though Michael hates to do it because of lack of time to rehearse.

• June 24:

The Jacksons are on the cover of Jet Magazine.
July : The Jacksons are guest on The Tonight Show where they give an interview and perform 2 songs.

• October:

The Jacksons ’ first single for Epic is released and a big hit for the group.

• November:

The Jacksons ’ first album for Epic titled The Jacksons is released. Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia , the album is produced by Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff featuring for the first time two songs produced by The Jacksons : Style Of Life & Blues Away (written by Michael)
The Jacksons are on the cover of Rock & Soul Magazine.

• December:

The Jacksons are on the cover of Jet & Soul Magazine

1977

Joe Jackson hires the management team of Freddy DeMann & Ron Weisner as partners in managing The Jacksons.

Rebbie gives birth to Yashi Jackson.

• January:

The Jacksons begin a second series of their Variety Show on CBS performing their latest songs from The Jacksons album.

• January 31:

The Jacksons perform Good Times at The American Music Awards.

• February:

Concerts in .

• February 19:

The Jacksons present an award to Nathalie Cole at the Grammy Awards.

• March:

Michael is on the cover of Rock & Soul Magazine. The single Show You The Way To Go is released by Epic.

• May:

The Jacksons tour Europe with concerts in London , Paris, Bremen , Amsterdam and Glasgow (at the Royal Command Performance at King’s Hall as part of Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee celebrations where the group gets to meet the Queen!) While in Paris , The Jacksons perform Keep On Dancing at Top à Joe Dassin. They also perform at Top Of The Pops in London .

• June 20:

Michael attends a Studio 54 party for the stage show Beatlesmania.

• June 27:

Enid gives birth to Sigmund Jackson (Siggy)

• July 4:

During an outing to Coney Island while visiting Jermaine’s home, Michael suffers an attack of pneumothorax and is rushed to the hospital.

• Early July:

Michael and LaToya move to 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 16:

On the first day of rehearsal, 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 & Janet. He meets a lot of people like Liza Minelli, Stephanie Mills, Tatum O’Neil or Andy Warhol.

• August 16:

Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine.

• August 24:

Michael attends the Carter Burden party hosted by Woody Allen.

• August 26:

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

• September:

Michael is on the cover of Soul Magazine.

• September 28:

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

• October 3-December 30 :

Filming of The Wiz at the Astoria Studios and on location in New York .

• October:

Epic releases the album & single Goin Places (produced once again by Gamble & Huff)

• October 25:

The cast of The Wiz hold a party in Michael’s honour at the Studio 54.

• November:

Michael is on the cover of Rock & Soul Magazine.

• November 4:

Michael attends Andre Mc Andrie ‘s birthday party.

• 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.

• December 31:

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

1978

Michael becomes friend with Paul Mac Cartney & Gregory Peck.

Carol gives birth to Brittany Jackson and Hazel gives birth to Autumn.

• Early January :

Michael & LaToya leave NYC and go back to Hayvenhurst

• January 18:

Hazel gives birth to Jermaine Jackson Jr.

• January 22:

The Jacksons begin a world tour I US & Europe to promote the Goin Places album.

• February:

The single Find Me a Girl is released by Epic.

• March 3:

Concert in Oakland ( California )

• March 10:

The Jacksons attend the First Annual Rock ‘n Roll Sports Classic.

• May 13:

Concert at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles (later released as a picture disc)

• May 18:

Concert in Nashville ( Tennessee )

• May 24:

Concert in London (). The Jacksons perform at Top Of The Pops.

• July 16:

Dee Dee gives birth to Tito Jackson Jr (TJ)

• Summer:

The Jacksons record the album Destiny in Los Angeles .

• August:

Epic releases the first single from Destiny titled Blame It On The Boogie. For the first time, there is a video to accompany the single.

• August 17:

Janet & The Jacksons make a publicity photo session

• August 22 :

Michael gives an interview to Randy Tarraborelli at Hayvenhurst.

• August 25:

Michael attends a reception for the Robert Kennedy Tennis Tournament at the NBC Building in New York City .

• August 29:

Michael purchases his first Rolls Royce for his 20th birthday.

• September:

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

• October:

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

• October 23:

Michael visits the famous toy store F.A.O Schwartz in Manhattan .

• October 24:

Michael attends the premiere & opening night party of the movie The Wiz at the Pitt’s Century Plaza Theater in Century City (Los Angeles) with the Jackson family & Diana Ross among others.

• December:

Epic releases Destiny, the first album for which The Jacksons have total creative control.
The group launches their first productions company named Peacock Productions.
The single Shake Your Body is released by Epic and becomes a huge success (N°1)

• December 4 :

Michael starts recording the album Off The Wall with producer Quincy Jones and sound engineer Bruce Swedien at Cherokee Studio 3.
At Hayvenhurst, he records song demos Workin’ Day & Night & Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough with Randy & Janet as percussionists!

• December 16:

The Jacksons perform Shake Your Body, Destiny & Things I Do For You at American Bandstand.

1979

• January:

Michael is on the cover of Rock & Soul Magazine.
The Jacksons rehearse for The Destiny Tour.
Motown releases Boogie, a collection of unreleased songs from the Jackson 5.
MCA releases the single You Can’t Win from the soundtrack of The Wiz.
The Jacksons perform Shake Your Body, Things I Do For You & Push Me Away on Soul Train

• January 22/24/26:

The Jacksons kick off the European leg of the Destiny World Tour in Germany with 3 concerts in Bremen

• January 27:

Concert in Frankfurt

• January 28/29/30:

Concert in Madrid

• February 1/2:

Concert in Amsterdam. The Jacksons are on the cover of Jet Magazine.

• February 6/7/8/9:

Concerts in London;The Jacksons perform Shake Your Body, Blame It On The Boogie & Destiny at Top Of The Pops.The Jacksons perform Shake Your Body, Things I Do For You & Destiny on Midnight Special. Jermaine joins them on stage for the last song.

• February 10:

Concert in BrightonFebruary 11: Concert in Preston

• February 12:

Concert in Wakefield

• February 13:

Concert in Sheffield

• February 14/15:

Concerts in Geneva

• February 15:

The Jacksons perform Shake Your Body & Blame It On The Boogie for an Abba Special.

• February 16:

Concert in Glasglow

• February 17/18:

Concerts in Manchester

• February 19/20:

Concerts in Leeds

• February 23/24:

Concerts in London

• February 26:

Concert in Bournemouth ( London )

• February 27:

Concert in Amsterdam

• February 29:

Concert in Avignon

• March 2:

Last European concert in Europe in Paris ( at the Palace )

• March 6/7/8/9/10:

Concerts in Johannesburg ( South Africa)

• March 12/13/14/15:

Concerts in Dakar ( Senegal )

• March 19/20/21:

Concerts in Johannesburg

• March 22:

The Jacksons fly home and Michael resumes the recording of the album Off The Wall with Quincy Jones.

• April 14/15:

The Jacksons kick off the US Tour in Cleveland ( Ohio )

• April 19/22:

Concerts at the Valley Forge Music Fair (Pensylvania)

• April 25/29:

Concerts in Chicago ( Illinois )

• May 3:

Concert in St Petersburg ( Florida )

• May 6:

Concert in Jacksonville ( Florida )

• May 10/12:

Concerts in Houston ( Texas )

• May 13:

Concert in Baton Rouge ( Louisiana )

• May 16:

Concert in Birmingham ( Alabama )

• May 17 :

Concert in Colombus (Georgia)

• May 18:

Concert in Nashville ( Tennessee )

• May 19:

Concert in Atlanta

• May 20:

Concert in Memphis ( Tennessee )

• May 24:

Concert in Pine Bluff ( Arkansas )

• May 26:

Concert in Kansas City ( Missouri )

• May 27:

Concert in Oklahoma City ( Oklahoma )

• May 30:

Concert in Shreveport ( Louisiana

• June 1:

Concert in Norfolk ( Virginia )

• June 3:

Concert in Columbia ( South Carolina )
Michael, Quincy & Bruce complete the recording & mixing of the album Off The Wall at the Westlake Studios in Los Angeles.

• June 8:

Concert in Charlotte ( North Carolina )

• June 9:

Concert in Washington D.C

• June 10:

The Jacksons make a break.

• Late june:

The Jacksons start recording the Triumph Album.

• July 1:

Mayor Tom Bradley declares “Jackson Day” in Los Angeles in honour of the group achievements. Some 300 guests attend a party in the City National Bank Vault in Beverly Hills . The Jacksons receive a Platinum Record for Destiny. Michael’s date for the night is actress Tatum’ O Neal.

• July 28:

The single Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough is released. Michael shoots a video for the song with a new short hair.

• August 10 :

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

• August 16:

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

• August 20:

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

• August 29:

Michael and his brothers make a photoshoot with photographer Mathew Roltson.
Michael celebrates his 21st birthday at the Studio 54 club in New York City . Michael’s contract with Joe Jackson expires and he now takes control of his own career.

• September:

The Jacksons are on the cover of Ebony Magazine.

• October 2/3:

The Jacksons resumes the Destiny Tour in New Orleans . The New concert features Michael new solo hits Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough & Rock With You.

• October 4:

Concert in Shreveport ( Louisville )

• October 5:

Concert in Mobile ( Alabama )

• October 6:

Concert in Huntsville ( Alabama )

• October 7:

Concert in Louisville ( Kentucky )

• October 12:

Concert in Phildalelhia ( Pennsylvania )

• October 13:

Concert in Rochester ( New York )

• October 14:

Concert in Pittsburg ( Pennsylvania )

• October 15:

Concert in Saginaw ( Michigan )

• October 19:

Concert in Indianapolis ( Indiana )

• October 20:

Concert in St Louis ( Missouri )

• October 21:

Concert in Dayton ( Ohio )

• October 25:

Concert in Colombus ( Ohio )

• October 26:

Concert in Syracuse ( New York )

• October 27:

Concert in Buffalo ( New York )

• October 28:

Concert in Springfield (Massachussetts)

• October 31:

Michael attends his friend Jane Fonda’s Halloween Disco Party at The Hollywood Palace.

• November:

Epic releases the single Rock With You (N°1) and Michael shoots a video for the song directed by Bruce Gowers.
Rolling Stone Magazine refuses to put Michael on their cover

• November 1:

Concert in Kalamazoo ( Michigan )

• November 2:

Concert in Chicago ( Illinois )

• November 3:

Concert in Cleveland ( Ohio )

• November 4/5:

Concerts in Detroit ( Michigan )

• November 7:

Concert in Baltimore ( Maryland )

• November 8:

Concert in Richmond ( Virginia )

• November 9/10:

Concert in Hampton ( Virginia )

• November 11:

Concert in Fayetteville (Nort Carolina)

• November 14:

Concert in Forth Worth ( Texas )

• November 15:

Concert in Baton Rouge ( Louisiana )

• November 16:

Concert in Jackson ( Mississippi )

• November 17:

Concert in Lake Charles ( Louisiana )

• November 18:

Concert in Houston ( Texas )

• November 20:

Concert in Columbus ( Georgia )

• November 21:

Concert in Greenville ( South Carolina )

• November 22:

Concert in Savannah

• November 23:

Concert in Macon

• November 24:

Concert in Nashville ( Tennessee )

• November 25:

Concert in Atlanta ( Georgia )

• November 29:

Concert in Albuquerque ( New Mexico )

• November 30:

Concert in Denver ( Colorado )

• December 2 :

Concert in Honolulu, Hawaii

• December 6 :

Concert in Portland, Oregon

• December 8 :

Concert in Seattle, Washington

• December 9 :

Concert in Vancouver, British Columbia

• December 13 :

Concert in San Bernadino, California

• December 14 :

Concert in Phoenix, Arizona

• December 15 :

Concert in San Diego, California

• December 16 :

Concert in Oakland, California

• December 18 :

Last concert of the Destiny World Tour at the Forum in Englewood.
The whole Jackson family attends the concert and Michael is presented with platinum records for Off The Wall

1980

Michael spends several weeks in New Hampshire on the set of On Golden Pond visiting his friend Jane Fonda and while there he forms friendships with the movie’s other stars Henry Fonda & Katherine Hepburn.

Bill Bray hires a new bodyguard names Wayne Nagin who will go on working for Michael until 2000!

John Branca becomes Michael’s attorney.

Michael performs Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough at a UNICEF benefit concert.

Randy leaves Hayvenhurst and moves in with his girlfriend Julie Mijares. He has a serious car accident and almost looses a leg but after 6 months and 7 operations, he finally manages to stand up.

• January:

Michael does an interview with Sylvia Chase for ABC’s 20/20 programme.
Michael performs When You Wish Upon A Star and Ease On Down The Road in Disneyland for a Disney Channel Special celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Magic Kingdom

• January 18:

Michael attends The American Music Awards where he receives three awards for Off The Wall and he presents one to the Bee Gees.

• January 27:

Michael attends the NAACP Awards where The Jacksons receive the Image Award for best singing group of the year.

• February:

Epic releases the single Off The Wall (n°10)

• February 27:

Michael boycotts the Grammy Awards because Off The Wall was not nominated for best album of the year. He watches the ceremony at home with Katherine, Janet & LaToya. He wins his first Grammy but vows that his next album won’t be ignored…

• March:

Michael is on the cover of Melody Maker with an exclusive interview.

• April:

Epic releases the 4th single from Off The Wall titled She’s Out Of My Life (n°10). Michael shoots a video for the song directed by Bruce Gowers.
Michael becomes the first solo artist in to chart four top 10 singles from the same album!

• May:

Dave Mason’s album including the song Save Me featuring Michael on backing vocals is released.

• July:

Epic releases the single Girlfriend (written by Paul Mac Cartney) only in .

• July 31:

Michael is on the cover of Jet magazine with sister LaToya.

• August:

Love Lives Forever by Minnie Riperton featuring I’m In Love Again in duet with Michael is released.

• September:

Night Time Lover by LaToya Jackson is released on Polydor. The song was written, composed and produced by Michael who also sings the background vocals.
Epic releases Triumph, the new album of The Jacksons and Lovely One, their new single.

• September 3:

In recognition of their contribution to music , The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honour The Jacksons with a Star on Hollywood Boulevard’s “Walk Of Fame”

• September 18/19/25/26:

The Jacksons perform at The Forum of Los Angeles.

• October:

Michael appears in Gentleman’s Quaterly with a minor interview.
Hotter Than July by Stevie Wonder featuring the song All I Do with backing vocals by Michael is released on Motown.

• October 16 :

Katherine, Randy & Janet attack Gina Sprague, Joe's personal assistant at Joe Jackson Productions.

• December:

Epic releases the single Heartbreak Hotel from the Triumph Album.

1981

Michael passes his driving licence. One day he’s arrested by a cop thinking he has stlolen his Rolls Royce and he is put in jail but a few hours later, Bill Bray comes to his rescue and Michael is released!

Michael consults the dermatologist Arnold Klein because he has a skin disesase called Vitiligo which depigmentates the color of his skin. He meets the nurse Debbie Rowe.

Michael appears in media adverts for Suzuki in Japon using Don’t Sop Til You Get Enough.

Michael does backing vocals on the song Going Back To Alabama by Kenny Rogers and on “The Dude”, an album by Quincy Jones.

• January:

The Jacksons receive the NAACP’s Image Award for best singing group of the year.

• January 30:

Michael attends the American Music Awards where he receives three awards for Off The Wall (one of them is presented by sister LaToya) and he also pays tribute to Chuck Berry. Diana Ross is his date for the evening.

• February :

Michael buys a condominium in Encino.

• February 5 :

During a Diana Ross concert in Los Angeles, Michael gets on stage to sing Upside Down with her!

• March:

Epic releases the single Can You Feel It. To accompany the song, a promotional short film called The Triumph is released. It’s conceived, written & produced by Michael and contains amazing special effects.
Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine.

• March 2 :

CBS airs a Diana Ross’s TV Special featuring Michael.
Together, they perform Rock With You & Ease On Down The Road (with Quincy Jones on the piano)

• March 25:

Motown releases the album & the single One Day In Your Life (with old material by Michael)

• March 31:

Michael attend the Academy Awards with Diana Ross and then they go to an after party where he meets and befriends actress Brooke Schields.

• April:

Michael does backing vocals on Carole Bayer Sager’s song Just Friends produced by Burt Bacharach & Michael.

• April 4:

Michael appears on the cover of ’s NME which included an exclusive interview given to Danny Baker in Los Angeles .

• June:

Epic releases the fourth and last single from The Triumph album titled Walk Right Now.
The Jacksons start rehearsing for The Triumph Tour.

• July 9:

The Jacksons kick of the Triumph Tour in Memphis ( Tennessee )

• July 13:

Concert in Buffalo ( New York )

• July 22:

Concert in Atlanta . All the benefits go to the Atlanta Children’s Foundation.

• July 31 + August 1:

Concerts in Washington DC .

• August 2:

Concert in Buffalo ( New York )

• August 5:

Concert in Toronto

• August 12:

Concert in Atlanta

• August 15:

Concert in Philadelphia ( Pennsylvania )

• August 19:

Concert at the Madison Square Garden of New York City .

• Early September:

Michael visits Katherine Hepburn in her Manhattan home and she attends a Jacksons concert at the Madison Square Garden .

• September 8:

Concert in Kansas City ( Missouri )

• September 10:

Concert in Denver ( Colorado )

• September 12/13/19 :

Last Concerts of The Triumph Tour at The Forum of Los Angeles .

• October:

The Jacksons are on the cover of Ebony magazine.

• October 3 :

Michael gives an interview to Randy Taraborrelli with Janet by his side

• October 16:

While at the Studio 55 in Los Angeles , Michael sings backing vocals on the song Don’t Let A Woman Make A Fool Out Of You by Joe Carrasco.

• November:

Epic releases The Jackson Live, the first live album the group recorded during the Triumph Tour at the Madison Square Garden .

• November 5:

Michael is on the cover of Jet Magazine in which he is voted most popular male entertainer.

1982

Michael becomes friend with Marlon Brando and Mark Lester.

Carol gives birth to Marlon Jackson Jr.

Michael does backing vocals for the song State Of Independence by Donna Summer.

• February 6:

Enid gives birth to Brandi Jackson.

• April 14:

Michael & Paul McCartney start recording the song The Girl Is Mine in Los Angeles.

• July 17 :

Michael attends a gala in honor of Quincy Jones at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

• August:

Michael, Quincy Jones & Bruce Swedien start the recording of The Thriller album at the Westlake Studios in Los Angeles.
Michael razes and rebuilds the Encino family Home. During the reconstruction, he moves into a condo that he owns with Katherine, Janet & LaToya.
During a photoshoot by Dick Zimmerman for the cover of ET Storybook, Michael meets Karen Faye and hires her as his personal make-up artist

• August 18 :

Katherine files for divorce for the second time but she withdraws her demand later on.

• August 20:

Michael gives an interview for the October’s issue of Interview magazine when Andy Warhol calls him to take part in the interview.

• September:

The single Muscles by Diana Ross is released. The song was written, composed and produced by Michael.
Steven Spielberg asks Quincy Jones and Michael to produce a storybook album for his movie ET. Even though, they are very busy working on the Thriller album but they accept and spend days & nights working in the Westlake Studio.
Michael gives an interview to Rolling Stone correspondant Gerri Hirshey from his rented condo in the San Fernando Valley.

• September 15 :

Michael attends the last Queen concert from their Hot Space US Tour at the Forum in Inglewood. Later Freddie Mercury and him record songs together including a duo titled State Of Shock.

• October 10:

Michael attends the wedding of Courtney Sale & Steve Ross with Quincy Jones & his wife Peggy.

• October 23:

The Girl Is Mine is released a a one-sided single by Epic.

• November:

ET Storybook is released by MCA Records. A legal battle immediately ensues over the release of the album. CBS Records claims that MCA violated their agreement by releasing their album before Thriller. A New York Supreme Court judge prohibits further sales of the album and of the single Someone In The Dark which are removed and destroyed!

• November 8 :

Michael, Quincy & Bruce complete the mixing of the Thriller album.

• November 30 :

The album Thriller is released on Epic. It will become the most successful album of all time with 7 hit singles, 107 millions copies sold worldwide, 3 legendaries videos , 8 American Music Awards & 7 Grammy Awards!!!

• December:

The family moves back to Hayvenhurst now equipped with a second story to the bedrooms, upstairs a den and a gym, downstairs a game room and a thirty-two-seat movie theatre and off the entry hall, a trophy room. Michael spends a lot of time at Hayvenhurst playing with his menagerie composed of Louis & Lola (the llamas), Prince & Princess (the deer), Winter & Spring (the peacocks), Jabbar (the giraffe) or Muscles (the snake)
Michael & ET are on the cover of Ebony Magazine.
Michael gives an interview to UK's magazine Smash Hits

1983

Michael is baptized a Jeovah Witness at the Kingdom Hall of Los Angeles.Michael hires Marlon Brando's son, Miko Bando

• Early January:

The single Billie Jean is released by Epic and Michael shoots a video for the song directed by Steve Barron.

• February:

Michael goes to London to work on songs with Paul Mac Cartney.
While in London , he attends the British Awards to accept an award on behalf of Barbara Streisand and he also visits his friend Mark Lester.

• February 8:

Michael & Paul Mac Cartney are on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine (as a picture)

• February 17:

Michael is on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine With exclusive photo and an interview by Gerri Hirchey.

• February 25:

At a CBS Records press conference, Jane Fonda presents Michael with a Platinum certification for Thriller.

• Late February:

The single Beat It is released by Epic.

• March:

The video of Billie Jean is added to MTV’s playlist which is seen as a major breakthrough for a black artist.
Michael is on the cover of Rock & Soul magazine.
The Jackson do not renew the managing contract of Weisner & DeMann.

• March 9:

On Skid Row, east of Hollywood , Michael begins filming the video of Beat It, directed by Bob Giraldi & choreographed by Michael Peters with 25 dancers and 50 actual Los Angeles gang members. The video costs $ 150 000!

• March 12 :

The co-managing contract between Joe Jackson, Weisner & De Mann expires.

• March 20:

Michael attends the opening night party of the stage show Dreamgirls with Latoya.

• March 25:

Michael & The Jacksons rehearse for Motown 25th Anniversary Show at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

• April:

Beat It is added to MTV’s playlist.

• April 6:

Michael attends a post concert party for Liza Minnelli at the New Universal Amphitheater, Hollywood with Quincy Jones & David Geffen.

• April 9:

All the Jackson brothers (including Jermaine) rehearse and tape their segment of the Motown 25th Special at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

• April 16:

Michael & Samir Kamoun don Charlie Chaplin outfits to pay tribute to him on his birthday.

• April 25:

Michael is on the cover of Jet magazine.

• May:

The single Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin is relased by Motown.

• May 16:

NBC broadcasts the two hour special Motown 25th: Yesterday, Today & Forever featuring for the first time since 1975, a performance of the six Jackson brothers for a medley of the Jackson 5 hits followed by a solo performance of Billie Jean during which Michael showcases his first ever public performance of the Moonwalk.
At the end of the show, Michael joins Diana Ross and all the Motown stars on stage to pay tribute to Berry Gordy

The show is watched by 47 millions Americans and Michaels dancing talents are finally recognised when legends such as Fred Astaire & Gene Kelly call him and congratulate his performance.

• June:

Michael is on the cover of Creem magazine.
Member if The Jacksons World Fan-Club receive an improvised and unreleased song from the group named The Surprise Song.

• June 22 :

Michael decides not to renew his managing contract with Joe, Weisner & DeMann.

• July:

Michael is rumoured to work with Steven Spielberg on a new adapatation of the children fairy tale Peter Pan.
The single Human Nature is released by Epic.

• July 9:

Michael appears on the cover of the teenage magazine Top.

• August 20 :

Pre-production begins on the Thriller short film directed by John Landis & choreographed by Michael Peters.

• September:

It is announced that The Jacksons will tour the in 1984.
Michael is on the cover of Black Beat magazine.

• September 6 :

Michael signs an agreement through his production company Optimum Productions, that will pay John Landis 50 per cent of net profits from both the Thriller video and the documentary.

• September 25:

Michael’s performance at the Motown 25th is shown at the Emmy Awards Ceremony where it is nominated but does not win

• September 30:

The Jacksons sign boxing tycoon, Don King, as promoter of their forthcoming tour.

• October:

Michael is on the cover of People, Interview, Globe & Rock & Soul magazines.
The single P.Y.T (Pretty Young Things) is released by Epic and it features Janet & Latoya doing background vocals.

• October 4:

A new duet between Michael & Paul Mac Cartney named Say Say Say is released by Columbia Records and becomes a big success.
Michael & Paul shoot the video in Santa Ynez Valley ( California ) with cameo appearances by Latoya Jackson & Linda Mac Cartney!

• October 11-20:

Michael shoots the Thriller short film in Los Angeles.Jackie Kennedy Onassis visit him on the set and has dinner at Hayvenhurst.

• November:

Michael & Diana Ross are on the cover of Ebony.
Michael attends a James Brown’s concert at the Roxy and and one point, he comes on stage to sing and dance!
Michael & Quincy return to the Westlake studios to make an interview about Thriller.

• November 11:

A $5 million endorsement contract is signed between The Jacksons & Pepsi Cola involving sponsorship of the Victory Tour & two TV commercials.

• November 30:

Michael attends a press conference at New York ’s Tavern On The Green to announce plans for the Victory Tour. He is aaccompanied by his parents & sisters (in the audience) plus his brothers and a young boy named Emmanual Lewis (star of the TV show Webster).

• December 2:

The 14 minutes short film of Thriller is premiered on MTV

• December 8:

Michael leaves for New York to promote the Thriller video.

• December 14:

The Making Of Thriller is released on VHS and it will become the most biggest selling music video of all time

1984

Michael launches his own company MJJ PRODUCTIONS with Bill Bray & Miko Brando as first employees.

Michael befriends Dominic Cascio, a banquet manager at the Palace Hotel in New York. Dominic introduces Michael to his wife Connie and children Frank (3) and Eddie (2)

• January 10:

Michael visits the burn center at Brotman Memorial Center Hospital in Los Angeles .

• January 11:

At the first annual Black Gold Awards, produced by Dick Clark, Michael wins four awards.

• January 16:

Michael attends the American Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles with date Brooke Schields and Emmanuel Lewis. He wins an unprecedented eight awards including the special award of Merit presented by Diana Ross. The ceremony is watched by over sixty millions people.

• January 24:

Michael & The Jacksons shoot a Pepsi commercial named Street directed by Bob Giraldi and featuring the group dancing in the street with a bunch of kids (including Alfonso Ribeiro & Siggy Jackson) on a Pepsi version of Billie Jean.

• January 26:

Somebody’s Watching Me by Rockwell Gordy featuring Michael on the title track is released by Motown.

• January 27:

It is announced that Jackie Onassis will publish Michael’s autobiography.
During the filming of a second Pepsi commercial named Concert and directed by Bob Giraldi, a pyrotechnic failure causes an accident. Michael suffers second and third degree scalp burns but he is saved by Miko Brando and is rushed to to Cedar Sinai Medical Center where his arrival causes a media frenzy. All the Jackson family joins him at the hospital but Michael is moved to Brotman Memorial Hospital for treatment at the burn center.

• January 28:

Michael is released from the hospital and goes to Emmanuel Lewis’s home to recover from the accident

• February:

Thriller, the seventh and last single from the album is released by Epic.

• February 1:

Michael receives an official letter from US President Reagan wishing him a speedy recovery.

• Febryary 5:

Michael makes his first public appearance since his burn injury when he visits the Los Angeles zoo with Emmanuel Lewis.

• February 6:

Michael & Emmanuel Lewis are on the cover of Jet magazine.
Michael arrives in NYC and takes a suite at the Hemsley Palace.

• February 7:

Michael goes to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Natural History to receive awards from CBS & The Guineess Book Of World Records to celebrates Thriller as the largest-selling album of all time (25 millions at the time) Among the many guest are Michael’s date for the evening Brooke Schields, & the whole Jackson family.

• Fevruary 8 :

Michael attends the Tap Dance Kid musical at the Broadhurst Theatre in NYC with Sean Lennon.

• February 25:

Michael attends the premieres of Pepsi’s Jacksons commercial at a black-tie event for 1000 bottlers at New York City ’s Lincoln Center .

• February 27:

Michael & Brooke Schields are on the cover of Jet magazine
The Pepsi commercials are previewed on MTV.
After 3 weeks in NYC, Michael flies back to California.

• February 28:

In the company of Brooke Shields & Emmanuel Lewis, Michael attends the Grammy Awards ceremony broadcast live from the Shrine Auditorium of Los Angeles

He wins an unprecedented 8 awards. On stage he shares his triumph with producer Quincy Jones and even invites his sisters Janet, LaToya & Rebbie to joins him.
The Jacksons Pepsi commercials are aired during the telecast and become the most poupular ads ever!

• March:

Michael is on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Eat It, a parady of Beat It by “Weird Al” Yankovic is released.

• March 19:

Michael is o the cover of TIME magazine with a nine page article.

• March 20:

Michael hires Frank Dileo, Vice President of Promotions at Epic as his new manager.

• March 23:

Michael appears on the cover of Jet magazine.

• March 29:

The Jackson family selects Frank Russo to run the Victory Tour in association with Danny’O Donovan.

• April:

Liza Minnelli accompanies Michael to Swifty Lazar’s Oscar Night Party but after a short stay, they go on to visit Liza’s father director Vincente Minnelli.
Jermaine Jackson’s first album for Arista contains a new duet with Michael titled Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin but Epic does not give permission to Arista to release it as a single.

• April 9:

David Smithee, a terminally ill child is invited to visit Michael at the Encino family house thanks to the Make A Wish Foundation.

• April 14:

Michael attends a Martell foundation dinner.

• April 17:

Michael undergoes reconstructive scalp surgery at Brotman Memorial Hospital by his plastic surgeon Dr Steven Hoeffin

• Late April :

The rehearsals for the Jacksons ’ Victory Tour begins in Los Angeles .

• May:

Michael is on the cover of Ebony magazine.
Motown releases the album Farewell My Summer Love, a collection of old material.
Frank Russo files a $20 millions lawsuit against the Jacksons for going back on their verbal agreement to make him manager of the Victory Tour.

• May 5:

The Jackson family organises a surprise party to honour Katherine at the Bistro Garden . Michael offers her a Rolls Royce!

• May 8:

Michael attends a performance of Cats.

• May 11:

Michael attends a Kool and The Gang concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City accompanied by Tatum O’Neal heavily disguised in a beard and afro wig!

• May 12:

Michael visits Shirley Maclaine backstage after her performance in Broadway.

• May 14:

President Reagan presents a Special Achievement Award to Michael in a garden ceremony at the White House in Washington D.C.

• May 21:

The Jacksons are on the cover of Jet magazine.

• June:

Michael meets with other supporters of Camp Good Times in Malibu such as OJ Simpson, Dustin Hoffman, David Soul, Neil Diamond & Richard Chamberlain

• June 5:

The Victory Tour contract is signed by Don King, Chuck Sullivan and Joe & Katherine Jackson.

• June 9:

Michael attends the unveiling of a wax statue of himself at The Guinness Museum of World Records on The Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco. The historic figure is one of only two wax figures of Michael created from an actual life mask, and was sculpted by Oscar winning Hollywood makeup/special effects artist Rick Baker. As Michael climbed into the front window of the museum next to the wax figure, which was covered with a sheet of paper, crowds numbering more than 10,000 lined the streets; Jefferson Street was closed & helicopters flew overhead, marching bands were playing on the corner as he tore away the paper in front of the crowds.

• June 13:

The first single from the Victory album, State Of Shock, a duet between Michael & Mick Jagger, is premiered is premiered on radio stations. It’s an instant success even though no video is shot for the song.

• June 22:

Jackie cheats Enid with Paula Abdul who drives over him which causes a knee injury and prevents him for participating to the Victory Tour.

• June 26:

Michael and his brothers arrive in Birmingham for secret pre-tour rehearsals.

• June 29:

During Victory Tour rehearsals in Atlanta , Michael & his brothers greet a crowd of several thousands fans.

• July:

The single Centipede by Rebbie Jackson is released on Colombia Records. The song is written and produced by Michael who also sings backing vocals.
The album Victory is released by Epic. For the first time, the 6 brothers are reunited with the return of Jermaine.

• July 5:

After a controversy over the selling of tickets, Michael holds a major press conference with his brothers to announce a change in the tour’s organisation and also that the whole of his share of the proceeds from the Victory Tour will be donated to charity.

• July 6/7/8:

The Jacksons kick off the Victory Tour in Kansas City ( Missouri )
The whole Jackson family + Reverend Jesses Jackson attend the concerts.

• July 13/14/15 :

Concerts in Dallas ( Texas ) attended by Prince & Emmanuel Lewis among others. During the second concert in Dallas , Eddie Van Halen joins Michael on stage to play his solo guitar on Beat It

• July 16:

Michael is on the cover of Newsweek.

• July 20:

Publicity of the Michael Jackson doll begins.

• July 21/22/23:

Concerts in Jacksonville ( Florida )

• July 29/30/31:

Concerts in East Rutherford ( New Jersey ) attended by Katherine, Janet Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon & Bob Girladi among others.

• August:

The single Torture is released by Epic. It’s a duet between Michael & Jermaine but none of them participates to the video!

• August 4/5:

Concerts at the Madison Square Garden in New York City attended by many celebrities such as Andy Warhol, Mayor Koch, Cyndi Lauper, Brooke Schields, Bette Midler or Emmanuel Lewis. During his stay in New York , Michael has dinner with Katherine Hepburn at her city townhouse.

• August 7/8/9:

Concerts in Knoxville a huge success despite death threats against Michael and heavy rain.

• August 17/18/19:

Concert in Detroit ( Michigan )
Michael is staying with his friend, former child star Spanky McFarland of the Our Gang movies.
Michael films a home video at Pontiac City Hall, Michigan with a troop of police officers.

• August 20-24:

Michael vists Disneyworld with Emmanuel Lewis in Orlando ( Florida )

• August 25/26:

Concerts in Buffalo ( New York )

• September:

Michael is on the cover of Life magazine

• September 1/2 :

Concerts in Philadelphia ( Pennsylvania ) attended by Sly Stone & Bruce Spingsteen.

• September 5:

A press conference is held to dispel rumors about Michael. Although not present in person, Michael's two page, self-penned statement - to set the record straight 'once and for all' is read out by his personal manager, Frank Dileo.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For some time now, I have been searching my conscience as to whether or not I should publicly react to the many falsehoods that have been spread about me. I have decided to make this statement based on the injustice of these allegations and the far reaching trauma those who feel close to me are suffering.
I feel very fortunate to have been blessed with recognition for my efforts. This recognition also brings with it a responsibility to one’s admirers throughout the world. Performers should always serve as role models who set an example for young people. It saddens me that many actually believe the present flurry of false
accusations. To this end, and I do mean end:
No, I have never taken hormones to maintain my high voice!
No, I have never had my cheekbones altered in any way!
No, I have never had cosmetic surgery on my eyes!
Yes, one day in the future I plan to get married and have a family.
Any statements to the contrary are simply untrue.
I have advised my attorneys of my willingness to institute legal action and subsequently prosecute all guilty to the fullest extent of the law.
As noted earlier, I love children. We all know that kids are very impressionable and therefore susceptible to such stories. I am certain that some have already been hurt by this terrible slander.
In addition to their admiration, I would like to keep their respect.

Michael's Jackson statement read by manager, Frank Dileo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• September 7:

Janet secretly marries James DeBargein Grand Rapids ( Michigan ). Michael is very upset when he hears about it but the marriage is annulled 6 months later.

• September 7/8:

Concerts in Denver ( Colorado ). Michael visits Elton John.

• September 14:

Michael wins three awards at the first annual MTV Video Music Awards but does not attend the ceremony.

• September 15:

Michael goes shopping with Quincy Jones on Montreal ()

• September 16:

Michael attends Sunday service at the Kingdom Hall in Montreal .

• September 17/18:

Concerts in Montreal . During the last song, Jackie joins the brothers on stage for the first time during the tour.

• September 21/22:

Concerts in Washington D.C.
While in Washington , Michael visits the Kennedy Center Opera House to see Anthony Quinn and Lila Kedrova in the touring production of Zorba.

• September 28/29:

Concerts in Philadelphia ( Pennsylvania )

• October:

The single Body is released by Epic. Michael does not appear in the video

• October 5/6/7:

Concerts in Toronto ()

• October 12/13/14:

Concerts in Chicago ( Illinois )

• October 19/20:

Concerts in Cleveland ( Ohio )

• October 26/27:

Concerts in Atlanta ()

• November:

Michael is on the cover of People Extra.

• November 2/3:

Concerts in Miami ( Florida )

• November 9/10:

Concerts in Houston ( Texas )
Michael sits for Madame Tussauds sculptor Jim Mathieson.

• November 16/17/18:

Concerts in Vancouver ()

• November 18:

Michael is made an honorary member of the new West Minister Police Department while in British Colombia ()

• November 20:

5000 fans turn out to see Michael at the unveiling of his Hollywood Boulevard Star on the Walk Of Fame.

• November 30/December1/ 2 :

Concerts at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles .

• December:

Michael is on the cover of Ebony and magazines.He appears in the video LA is my lady produced by Quincy Jones for Frank Sinatra.

Michael visits Steven Spielbeg on the set of The Goonies movie and befriends the young actor Corey Feldman.

• December 6:

Michael is in Chicago to testify in court that he wrote The Girl Is Mine.

• December 7/8/9:

The Jacksons play their last Victory Tour concerts at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles . During the last song of the last concert, Janet, LaToya & Janet joins the group on stage with all the nieces and nephews to dance. Michael announces his split from The Jacksons.
During 55 concerts attended by over 2 million people, the tour grossed a record $75 million!