Rest in Peace (a musical tribute)

Michael Jackson died last Friday (Japan time). I was not a fan of his work but I did appreciate the Jackson Five, a pop group that was very popular with both children and adults due to Michael Jackson's uncanny singing ability. Their music changed America and was a sign of relaxing racial tensions and better relations between African-Americans and Anglo-Americans. Perhaps their music helped create the environment in which Barack Obama could be elected president.

This is the Jackson Five - I WantYou Back (probably 1968 - 1970). Michael is talented. As a child star, his future seemed promising.



Here is the same song performed a few years later in 1972 on Soul Train, a popular black music show. MJ was 13. Check out the fashions and dancing at that time!


I'll Be There was another one of the Jackson Five's great songs. This clip also has Diana Ross (it was her TV special) and Feelin' Alright.