From their humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana, to becoming one of the most iconic acts in music history, the Jackson 5, later known as the Jacksons, redefined pop music and broke racial barriers as one of the first African American groups to achieve massive crossover success. Formed in 1964 by brothers Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, and Michael Jackson, the group was managed by their father, Joe Jackson, who drove them relentlessly from talent shows and clubs on the Chitlin' Circuit to local recording studios. Their early career saw them signing with Steeltown Records in 1967, where they released their first two singles, but their true breakthrough came in 1968 when they signed with Motown Records. Under the guidance of Motown founder Berry Gordy, the Jackson 5 achieved an unprecedented feat, becoming the first group in history to debut with four consecutive number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100: "I Want You Back" (1969), "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There" (all 1970). These songs, powered by Michael's electrifying lead vocals and the siblings' tight harmonies and choreography, catapulted them to international stardom and yielded seventeen Top 40 singles and six number-one R&B hits over five years.

In 1976, the group left Motown for Epic Records, a move that prompted Jermaine to stay behind and be replaced by their youngest brother, Randy Jackson. Changing their name to the Jacksons, they released a string of successful albums, including Destiny (1978) and Triumph (1980), which produced hits like "Enjoy Yourself," "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," "This Place Hotel," and "Can You Feel It." While the group continued to evolve, Michael's solo career began to eclipse the band's collective fame, especially after the release of his groundbreaking album Thriller in 1982. The brothers reunited with Jermaine for the 1983 television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever and released the Victory album in 1984, followed by a massive tour that incorporated Michael's solo material. After the tour, Michael and Marlon departed, leaving the remaining members to release the poorly received 2300 Jackson Street in 1989, after which they were dropped by Epic. The group reunited again for Michael's 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2001, and following Michael's tragic death in 2009, the four eldest brothers embarked on the Unity Tour in 2012.

With over 150 million records sold worldwide, the Jackson 5 are among the best-selling artists of all time. They were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980 as the Jacksons and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Three of their recordings, "ABC," "I Want You Back," and "I'll Be There," have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and are recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Their influence extends far beyond their chart dominance, as they paved the way for countless pop and R&B acts, and their music continues to inspire new generations of fans around the world.