Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five’s First Publication Covers — Ever
August 10, 2022, 2:05 PM PST
“After singing for four years and not becoming a star, I thought I would never be discovered ... that is until Miss Ross came along to save my career.”
SOUL Publications Archives. Photo by Roland Charles
SOUL Publisher Ken Jones with the Jackson 5. SOUL Publications Archives.
Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five were first introduced to the world by Diana Ross August 11, 1969 at a Hollywood style press conference at The Daisy in Beverly Hills. After gaining momentum from perfomances at the Apollo, contests, talent shows and local benefits, they now had found massive support from Miss Ross, Berry Gordy and Motown seeing their undeniable potential and talent.
Almost exactly a year later on August 10, 1970, SOUL Newspaper, the preeminent source for soul music news would feature a young Michael Jackson on its cover making it the publication's all time best selling issue. Today is the 52nd Anniversary of that issue and I thought it fitting to dive a little deeper in to the history of these iconic pieces of publication history.
Diana Ross was introduced to the group after attending a benefit concert for Mayoral candidate Richard Hatcher of Gary, Indiana. The Jackson Five had previously preformed at another rally for the front runner and he was so impressed with the boys he took Diana to see them perform at a local talent show. Ross, also impressed, called Berry Gordy from Motown Records who flew them to Detroit for an audition that was of course successful. They were then whisked away to Los Angeles, California where Miss Ross had set up a press conference/performance at The Daisy, an exclusive Beverly Hills discotheque. Championing their rise, she included them in several Supremes concerts and television specials.
Clipping from SOUL Newspaper Article on Jackson Five performance at The Daisy in Beverly Hills. SOUL Publications Archives.
Ross wished to pass forward the opportunity Berry Gordy had given her years before. By the spring of 1970, The Jackson Five had become the fastest selling group in the history of Motown with two hit records selling over two million copies and a debut album (Diana Ross Presents: The Jackson 5) garnering close to half a million copies. They were already running the Beatles out of number one spots on national record charts and their popularity was growing by the second.
SOUL ran an article covering Diana Ross' August event at The Daisy introducing the Jackson Five in its September 8, 1969 issue billing them as "Diana Ross' New Group". After the October 6, 1969 release of their first single "I Want You Back and before the release of their first studio album the SOUL offices were being flooded with thousands of letters asking about this newest sensation.
Since it's inception, Publishers Ken and Regina Jones SOUL pioneered SOUL as a definitive source for in-depth information on soul music artists that were often ignored by other publications, White and Black alike. They were tapped directly into the pulse of new soul music happenings by engaging with the actual fans and staffing young music lovers, writers and photographers and their readership was diverse in age, gender and race. This combination gave them unique insight into the momentum brewing over lesser known artists months ahead of other sources.
Covering soul music artists had simply not been done like this before SOUL even though other artists in the genre like James Brown, Martha and the Vandellas and the Supremes had an international fanbases. White PR firms actively hid the color of their Black artists and thought there was no money in advertising to Black people. By 1970 other publications were beginning to catch on to the lead SOUL had taken but they were running three years behind. Many of them had only SOUL itself as their source of information. If other outlets did run a story on one of these artists, it was often bland, devoid of any real substance and well -- lacking soul.
SOUL began its interviews of the Jackson Five in March of 1970 and on June 1, 1970 SOUL Newspaper became the first publication to put The Jackson Five on its cover. Given the commotion over the group it seemed only fitting to have them be the face of their 6th Anniversary issue. The extensive 7 page feature was just the beginning of a six-part series on the Jacksons featuring each of the members on solo covers.
Michael Jackson on the cover of SOUL Newspaper. Photo by Roland Charles.
This first Jackson five issue of SOUL featured dynamic, never before seen photos, in-depth interviews and heavily researched information. Managing Editor Judy Spiegelman sat with Joe, Katherine and each of the Jackson Five to truly give readers a first look into who these rising stars were. The fans were not disappointed, grabbing up issues and writing in even more letters.
The next issue was featured the one and only Michael Jackson on August 10, 1970. SOUL had done it again, following up the previous issue the demand for this one was even higher. People wanted to know more about Michael. The five packed pages of content contained even more photos, information and a one-on-one interview with Michael himself. The highly anticipated issue not only sold out quickly but became SOUL's biggest selling issue of all time.
Putting Michael on the cover was a huge draw but also garnering attention were the honest, in-depth interviews and well written articles. The writer, Judy Spiegelman, began her career as a teacher. She joined the SOUL staff wearing many hats including writer, photographer and Managing editor. It could be said that her experience working with youth contributed to her ability to engage with the then teenage Jacksons in a way that would make for dynamic articles. She would interview Joe, Katherine, each of the Jacksons, and write the cover stories for the entirety of the six-issue run.
The article itself showcases Spiegelman's mastery of music journalism. Accompanied by dynamic photography by the legendary Roland Charles, Chris Clark and Paul Robinson, shining a nuanced light on the soon to be King of Pop. He opens up about his brothers and his role in the group and family, collecting pets, shares about his musical inspirations, girls, moving to California, performing and more. I do not believe there is an earlier interview with Michael that provides this much insight into the King of Pop to be. Judy was able to get deep professional answers about his touring life while maintaining his voice as one of a child.
The following four issues profiled the rest of the members of the group, Jermaine, Marlon, Jackie and Tito. The fans again rushed out to get copies. Every interview offered the same unique insight into each of the boys highlighting their differences and personal takes on their roles and relationships.
The success of these issues came with even more letters to the editor and fan mail to the SOUL offices requesting more on the five. When it came to wanting information about the group, the fans and industry knew that SOUL was the source. Ebony and Jet Magazines would make attempts at featuring the boys on their covers months later but neither article truly did the young stars the justice that SOUL did. Names on the cover were even misspelled or even attributed to the wrong Jackson. It was the authenticity, honesty and care for the artists as well as their fans that made SOUL truly stand out amongst the competition.
Michael Jackson enjoying the pool in California. Photo by Chris Clark.
The following is an excerpt from the article "What It's Like to be Michael Jackson" by Judy Spiegelman published in SOUL Newspaper August 10, 1970.
Michael admire's many other performers, but chief among them are Johnny Mathis ---"I don't sing like him --that's not usually my style, but I like the way he does it." and James Brown- "He's good. I like his records -- the funky ones and the jazzy stuff.
"When we went to see a show of his, he taught me a few things he does on stage, you know, drop the mike and catch it. It only took me about thirty minutes to learn that Yeah, it looks hard, but it's easy.
Michael reacts unexpectedly to hearing Jackson Five recordings on the radio. "Ive been asked about that a lot of times, I don't feel any different, I just listen to it. I don't tell people. 'Hey, that's me.' I would feel funny if I said that, you know, because there are some people I know who are jealous, and I don't like to make them be that way.
In his spare time, Michael goes to parties, birthdays and other special celebrations. Most of these are family or Motown family affairs. There is dancing, food, other kids and lots of music. Michael's favorite dance is the funky chicken and he is in the highly enviable position of being able to claim his favorite partner, Diana Ross, quite often.
His favorite sport is soccer and he plays the very well. Another favorite spot, is one of the reasons he has a liking for California -- "I can swim a lot more here. We used to swim at Diana's most of the time, but our new house has a pool now so we can swim right at home. I love swimming"
SOUL maintained a relationship with the group throughout its 16 year run. They would feature the boys again on a special spread of covers in 1973, report on their move from Motown to Epic, host them at several SOUL sponsored events and even provide coverage at the Jermaine Jackson and Hazel Gordy wedding to name a few. The bond was so special that decades after SOUL ceased publication, Michael gave only three journalists special interview access in 2001: Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Walters and SOUL's Publisher Regina Jones.
The August 10, 1970 issue of SOUL Newspaper is still one of the most asked about issues in the publication history. It marks an interesting time in both SOUL Newspaper and Jackson Five history. SOUL would solidify itself as a definitive source for new and exciting music news and the Jackson Five would go on to become one of the biggest groups in music history. The impact of the group on the world is immeasurable and SOUL was happy to provide its audience with an honest look into their lives.
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