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