1. The Early Days & Motown Records

Michael Jackson’s talents were recognizable at such a young age. Michael recorded his first song, “Big Boy,” when he was only nine years old. It became a local success, and shortly after, his family band, The Jackson Five, were signed to the legendary Motown Record. Berry Gordy‘s powerhouse of a label produced some of the best music of the era, like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.

It wasn’t long before The Jackson Five began making instant classics, like “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “Blame It On The Boogie.” With the Jackson family’s extraordinary talent, Motown’s high-quality releases and very strict upbringing brought Michael Jackson to the top before he had even hit his twenties.