Ill be there3/25/2023 ![]() There was no clear leader of these bands. “I’ll Be There” was recorded in 1970, when bands like The Grateful Dead and The Band were democratizing music. The rest of the Jackson 5 echo “I’ll be there” in perfect harmony as the band comes back in. Though the song is being sung by an 11 year old, we have no trouble imagining a grown man singing to his wife or girlfriend. We hear Michael’s lone, high pitched voice. A single, sliding bass note brings us to the start of the first verse as the rest of the instrumentation dies away. The song begins with a stacatto organ melody, soon joined by a bass and drums. Berry Gordy, owner of the Motown label, wrote “I’ll Be There” with Hal Davis, Willie Hutch and Bob West. The songs often convey adult themes and feelings, and even though the voices singing these mature songs are clearly those of children and teenagers, they never come across as anything but sincere and believable. What makes so many of The Jackson 5 songs so remarkable is that they were not written for children. Their finest recording is perhaps “I’ll Be There,” recorded when Michael was 11 years old. The group would eventually sign with the Motown label, and release a consistent string of Top Ten 10 hits through the late 60’s and early 70’s. The world became aware of Michael Jackson when he recorded and performed as a child with his family as The Jackson 5, first singing with the group when he was only six years old. Whatever mistakes Michael Jackson may have made during his short life, whatever sins he may have committed, we should also remember his music, because his music was brilliant. Or do you think of his controversies? Do you think of how he built a secluded oasis for himself at the Neverland Ranch, his curious marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, or the various accusations of sexual improprieties with children? Do you think of the sad way he died, overdosing with a heavy anesthetic drug just so he could get a little sleep? What comes to mind when you think of Michael Jackson? Is it the single, sequined glove, or maybe it’s the famous Moonwalk dance, gliding effortlessly, backwards across the stage.
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