 as The Jackson 5 appear in TV specials, have their own cartoon, and create their own J5 merchandise, including items such as stickers, posters and coloring books. The Jackson 5 return home to Gary, Indiana for the first time since moving to California, and Michael begins a spin-off solo career with Motown, releasing his first single, ‘Got To Be There.’  The Jackson 5 are interviewed on the Stephanie Edwards Show.  The Jackson 5 appear on Diana Ross’ 1st solo TV special, Diana!
 The Jackson 5 embark on their second tour consisting of 40 dates.  The Jackson 5 go back on tour with a new opening act, “The Commodores.” First stop is Madison Square Garden.  The Jackson 5 make the cover of Right On! Magazine and in the same month get a mention in Flip!  The Jackson 5 appear as guests on the Flip Wilson Show.  The Jackson 5 appear on the cover of September’s Ebony and Creme magazines. 
|
 The first book about the Jackson’s “The Jackson 5” by author Ellen Motoviloff is released.  The Jackson 5 perform at West Side High School in their hometown of Gary, Indiana – their first time home since moving to California.  ‘ABC’ is nominated for the Best Pop Song Grammy award.  The Jackson 5 performs for a crowd of 80,000 at the Lake Michigan Festival.  The Jackson 5 cartoon airs on ABC for the first time. Their voices aren’t used, but their music is. ‘Mama’s Pearl’ becomes the theme song for the show.  The Jackson 5’s TV special “Goin’ Back to Indiana,” based on their recent tour by the same name, airs on ABC. The show also features comedians Bill Cosby and Tommy Smothers.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
                |
