Reeling Through The Years
THE JACKSONS / OFF THE WALL ERA: 1976-1981
1976-1977
In 1977, the group came back with part two of their new sound on the album Goin' Places, with upbeat classics, including "Jump for Joy" and "Different Kind of Lady," and ballads rooted with deeper meaning, like "Man of War" and "Even Though Your Gone."
In addition to recording both albums, the group was equally busy filming their summer variety series, "The Jacksons Variety Show," that premiered on June 16, 1976. (The group opened with a performance of the Jackson 5's 1975 single, "Forever Came Today" that was released one year earlier on June 10, 1975).
The Sound of Philadelphia was alive and well in The Jacksons music, giving Michael the desire to not only achieve future goals, but to continuously enhance his artistic abilities, with a sincere focus on making every song unique.
According to Sigma Sound Studio's founding engineer Joe Tarsia, "I could tell that even back then, Michael was a perfectionist. After the group was done recording, he would stay behind in the studio with me, pushing to make sure every song was as good as it could be. He would say, 'Let's try this,' or 'What about this, Joe?' He was so serious about making sure every song was as perfect as it could be."
The Jacksons and Goin' Places are etched in history as the true launching pad for what was to come for The Jacksons and Michael's solo career. The work they did in 1976 and 1977 allowed them to showcase their hidden talents, proving that they were more than just artists. Thanks to Gamble and Huff and the entire team, they were fully credited songwriters and producers, and were just getting started.
In addition to recording both albums, the group was equally busy filming their summer variety series, "The Jacksons Variety Show," that premiered on June 16, 1976. (The group opened with a performance of the Jackson 5's 1975 single, "Forever Came Today" that was released one year earlier on June 10, 1975).
The Sound of Philadelphia was alive and well in The Jacksons music, giving Michael the desire to not only achieve future goals, but to continuously enhance his artistic abilities, with a sincere focus on making every song unique.
According to Sigma Sound Studio's founding engineer Joe Tarsia, "I could tell that even back then, Michael was a perfectionist. After the group was done recording, he would stay behind in the studio with me, pushing to make sure every song was as good as it could be. He would say, 'Let's try this,' or 'What about this, Joe?' He was so serious about making sure every song was as perfect as it could be."
The Jacksons and Goin' Places are etched in history as the true launching pad for what was to come for The Jacksons and Michael's solo career. The work they did in 1976 and 1977 allowed them to showcase their hidden talents, proving that they were more than just artists. Thanks to Gamble and Huff and the entire team, they were fully credited songwriters and producers, and were just getting started.
1978-1981
After the release of The Jacksons and Goin' Places, the group’s musicality grew, sparking their drive and creativity, and a desire to take their career to the next level. Michael and Randy, in particular, had been collaborating as songwriters for their upcoming album. The Jacksons 1978 album Destiny featured three songs written exclusively by Michael and Randy together: "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," "All Night Dancin'" and "That's What You Get (For Being Polite)".
Other album cuts written exclusively by The Jacksons include "Bless His Soul" and "Destiny". On Dec. 17, 1978, Destiny was released, becoming their most successful album at that time.
For Michael, 1978 was about more than music. Film played an exciting role in his life, giving him a chance to branch out and try something new as a credited actor.
In 1977, Michael moved to New York to play his first on-screen character in the movie "The Wiz," and on Oct. 24, 1978, that film saw its release. "The Wiz," featured a star-studded cast, including Michael as the Scarecrow, Diana Ross as Dorothy, Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man, Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion and Lena Horne as Glinda the Good Witch of the South. In addition, the making of "The Wiz" created a musical bond between Michael and Quincy Jones, giving them inspiration to explore musical history together.
That same year, Michael and Quincy created the album Off the Wall, bringing Michael's solo career to a new level. (Motown released four solo albums and one Greatest Hits package by Michael). Off the Wall packed a musical punch of funk, soul and pop in upbeat songs and smooth ballads. "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" was both the first song on the album and debut single.
At the launch of Off The Wall on Aug. 10, 1979 - just 19 days before his 21st birthday, Michael had already created a time capsule of memories through film, television and music. On the day of its release, The Jacksons were on a break from the Destiny World Tour, that was set to continue on Oct. 2, 1979 in New Orleans, La.
On Sept. 26, 1980, The Jacksons completed their final show on the Destiny World Tour in Inglewood, Calif., on a celebratory note. That same day, their fourth album Triumph was released. The album was recorded while they were on tour, showcasing a new realm of talent, creativity, songwriting abilities and short film creations. The group flexed their creative juices beyond the studio through work on a video called "The Triumph," featuring an expanded short film of their song "Can you Feel It."
From July 12-Sept. 26, 1981, The Jacksons performed a collection of 14 classics on stage, during their Triumph Tour. That same year, the group gave fans one last musical memento: a live album showcasing their Triumph Tour. The Jacksons' album LIVE was released on Nov. 11, 1981, featuring a full concert recording from their show on Aug. 13, 1981 at Pittsburg Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa.
For The Jacksons and Michael combined, 1976-1981 contains a treasure trove of music, television and film, giving their fans a collection of incredible classics.
Other album cuts written exclusively by The Jacksons include "Bless His Soul" and "Destiny". On Dec. 17, 1978, Destiny was released, becoming their most successful album at that time.
For Michael, 1978 was about more than music. Film played an exciting role in his life, giving him a chance to branch out and try something new as a credited actor.
In 1977, Michael moved to New York to play his first on-screen character in the movie "The Wiz," and on Oct. 24, 1978, that film saw its release. "The Wiz," featured a star-studded cast, including Michael as the Scarecrow, Diana Ross as Dorothy, Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man, Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion and Lena Horne as Glinda the Good Witch of the South. In addition, the making of "The Wiz" created a musical bond between Michael and Quincy Jones, giving them inspiration to explore musical history together.
That same year, Michael and Quincy created the album Off the Wall, bringing Michael's solo career to a new level. (Motown released four solo albums and one Greatest Hits package by Michael). Off the Wall packed a musical punch of funk, soul and pop in upbeat songs and smooth ballads. "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" was both the first song on the album and debut single.
At the launch of Off The Wall on Aug. 10, 1979 - just 19 days before his 21st birthday, Michael had already created a time capsule of memories through film, television and music. On the day of its release, The Jacksons were on a break from the Destiny World Tour, that was set to continue on Oct. 2, 1979 in New Orleans, La.
On Sept. 26, 1980, The Jacksons completed their final show on the Destiny World Tour in Inglewood, Calif., on a celebratory note. That same day, their fourth album Triumph was released. The album was recorded while they were on tour, showcasing a new realm of talent, creativity, songwriting abilities and short film creations. The group flexed their creative juices beyond the studio through work on a video called "The Triumph," featuring an expanded short film of their song "Can you Feel It."
From July 12-Sept. 26, 1981, The Jacksons performed a collection of 14 classics on stage, during their Triumph Tour. That same year, the group gave fans one last musical memento: a live album showcasing their Triumph Tour. The Jacksons' album LIVE was released on Nov. 11, 1981, featuring a full concert recording from their show on Aug. 13, 1981 at Pittsburg Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa.
For The Jacksons and Michael combined, 1976-1981 contains a treasure trove of music, television and film, giving their fans a collection of incredible classics.
The essay above is a brief glimpse into Michael Jackson's career, from 1976-1981. It does not cover every detail, but is a glimpse in time.
Written by Christina Chaffin
For a more extensive history on Michael Jackson's career, check out "Michael Jackson: The Maestro" Volume I and Volume II by Chris Cadman.
Written by Christina Chaffin
For a more extensive history on Michael Jackson's career, check out "Michael Jackson: The Maestro" Volume I and Volume II by Chris Cadman.