Category 1: Childhood ( Entry 3)

The Jackson Five had big things in store for them, and Michael had success coming, he just didn’t know it yet. The Jackson Five was a big hit and Barry Gordy signed them in 1968. Their father became their manager once they were relocated to Los Angeles to work on perfecting their dancing and singing. Once in Los Angeles they lived with Gordy and Diana Ross. Michael loved Diana and always referred to her as his “first love”. He was ecstatic that he was given the privilege to meet all of these different people. Los Angeles, hotels, celebrities- it was a lot different than life was in small town Gary, Indiana. In August 1969, the Jackson 5 was introduced to the music industry at a special event, and later served as the opening act for the Supremes. (bio Michael Jackson) They were released to the public with the hit single called “I Want You Back”. The brothers sung back up, but it was Michael’s song. From the minute he opened his mouth the world knew he was a star. The song hit No.1 in January 1970. The song that followed was ABC, which beat out the Beatles for number one in April. Michael at the age of 12 was already a star beating out big time artists. (TIME Michael Jackson) It came with a price though, it was a lost childhood. Jackson said that there was a park across the street from Motown studios and he said “I’d just stare at them in wonder—I couldn’t imagine such freedom, such a carefree life—and I wish more than anything I had that kind of freedom, that I could walk away and be just like the.” (TIME Michael Jackson) Although Michael got major success at just the young age of 12 he still longed for a childhood, for a break, for the chance to just be a kid.