Album Summary

Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 is the debut studio album from Gary, Indiana-based soul family band The Jackson 5, released on the Motown label on December 12, 1969. The Jackson 5's lead singer, a preadolescent Michael Jackson and his four older brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon, became pop successes within months of this album's release. Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5's only single, I Want You Back, became a number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 within weeks of the album's release. The album reached number 5 on the US Pop Albums chart, and spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the US R&B/Black Albums chart.

The album title suggested that Motown star Diana Ross had discovered the group, as do the Ross-penned liner notes on the back cover. Ross' supposed discovery of The Jackson 5 was in fact part of Motown's marketing and promotions plan for young music group, though in actuality it was Motown producer Bobby Taylor who discovered them. Joe Jackson, the father and manager of The Jackson 5, thanked Gladys Knight for extending a helping hand by calling Motown executives, encouraging them to meet the Jackson's. "She believed in us before others," Mr. Jackson proclaimed. Knight also said she brought The Jackson 5 to Motown's attention. Regardless, Ross embraced her assigned role and helped promote the group, especially grooming young Michael Jackson as a star.

Other songs recorded during the Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 sessions but failed to be included on the album are...

In 2001, Motown Records remastered all Jackson 5 albums in a Two Classic Albums / One CD series. Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 was paired up with ABC.