Remembering Little Michael

[Edie Antoinette]

The song "Big Boy" was the first single ever released by The Jackson 5, in January 1968, through Steeltown Records. The group produced and played instruments on many of their Steeltown compositions, including "Big Boy". The song was neither a critical or commercial success, but the Jackson family were delighted with the outcome nonetheless.

The Jackson 5 would release a second single with Steeltown Records before moving to Motown Records. The groups recordings at Steeltown Records were thought to be lost, but they were rediscovered more than 25 years later in a pantry. They were remastered and reissued in 1995, with "Big Boy" as the promotional lead single. *This is not a re-issue playing however. It is original and I bought it from OOTP Records ..(but of course!!! smile)
The Jackson 5 began their career performing at, and winning, talent contests. During a performance at Beckman Junior High the group were brought to the attention of Gordon Keith—the owner of Steeltown Records, a company based in the group's hometown of Gary, Indiana. He signed the children to a limited record deal. The group would record with their instruments and a backing group on the weekends. Michael Jackson sang lead vocals on the majority of tracks and the group produced much of the material themselves, including the track "Big Boy", which took a few hours to record and was written by Ed Silver. The group were paid three cents for each record sold, which was split equally amongst the five members. The group released their first single "Big Boy" backed with the B-side "You've Changed", performing the single at strip clubs.

Journalist, J. Randy Taraborrelli said of the groups two singles released through Steeltown Records, "Both were mediocre numbers that don't really hint at Michael Jackson's potential as a vocalist, but the boys were thrilled with them just the same. After all, these were their first records". The Jackson family gathered around a radio to hear the song broadcast for the first time. Michael Jackson—who was 10 years old at the time—said of the period, "[the family] all laughed and hugged one another. We felt we had arrived". "Big Boy" did not appear on any Billboard charts of the period but sold in excess of 10,000 copies.

I had the 45, and me and some of my school cronies tried our best to sing it like The Jackson 5. My mother got so tired of us practicing in my living room...till she sent my tone-deaf friends packing..lol! I will never forget that year-1968.--edie

[MsValerie]

I never heard this song before! This is a beautiful tribute Edie! Love it!!

[Edie Antoinette]

Thanks Dear Sole...(with his cute little self) It's how I remember him the most.

[Shelley "SoleMann" King]

WOW....This blog is tight and i'm truly digging that graphic up there

[Edie Antoinette]

Thanks Sherry!

I instantly fell in love with the Little Michael the minute I heard Big Boy..and every kid in Chicago tried to emulate the record..whether they could sing or not ..*smh with the fondest of memories*

He was so cute and talented beyond his years. Talkin' bout he was a "big boy now..." We saw them perform with Little Stevie Wonder at the Capital Theater on Ashland?? I can't remember but they were not even famous yet back in the 60's...and even though I thought 'Little Michael' was a gumdrop, I was in love with Tito..lol!!! Something about bass players that always has pulled me right in...

Remember the Jackson 5 cartoon show on Saturday Mornings?