Jackson 5ive 

The animated musical adventures of the Jackson brothers.

Stars:

Joel Cooper, Donald Fullilove, Mike Martinez

Cast

Series cast summary:
Joel Cooper	...	Jermaine Jackson 8 episodes, 1971
Donald Fullilove	...	Michael Jackson 8 episodes, 1971
Mike Martinez	...	Tito Jackson 8 episodes, 1971
Edmund Sylvers	...	Marlon Jackson 8 episodes, 1971
Craig Grandy	...	Jackie Jackson 7 episodes, 1971
Paul Frees	...	Various Characters / ... 6 episodes, 1971

Storyline

The animated musical adventures of the Jackson brothers.

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Plot Keywords:

laugh track | mixed alpha numeric title | intentionally misspelled title | african american | musician | 

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Genres:

Animation | Family | Music

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Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 September 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jackson Five

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rankin/Bass Productions,Motown Productions,Halas and Batchelor Cartoon Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Because it was the first animated series to depict an African-American family or ensemble, producers made a conscious effort to keep the show free of violence and other negative content.

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Connections

Featured in Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall (2016)

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Soundtracks

ABC/I Want You Back/The Love You Save/Mama's Pearl (Medley)
Written by Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Fonce Mizell (as Alphonzo Mizell), Deke Richards
Performed by The Jackson 5

User Reviews

dawn of a legend

This is a fictionalized animated series based on the lives of the Jackson 5ive. The brothers Jermaine, Michael, Tito, Marlon, and Jackie Jackson try to make their way in the music industry. They have wacky outlandish adventures. As in real life, Michael is the star. He has his mice, Ray & Charles, and his snake Rosie. The other brothers don't have as much mention and Michael is usually the subject of the stories.

There is plenty of Jackson 5ive music especially ABC. It is noticeable that Michael is the central character. It would help to have the brothers' names in the opening credits because in most episodes, their names aren't even mentioned in the script. The older brothers don't get individual personalities. It's also noticeable that the boys aren't contributing their voices. That's more understandable since they were way too busy at that time. This is a jive, psychedelic, fantasy, children's cartoon. It's white bread and harmless. Most of the episodes have a light meaningless quality although Michael in Wonderland is foreshadowing. The show needs a goal, a journey, or possibly a villain. It is interesting for Michael fans to see one aspect of his beginning. This probably sold the family quite well to the public. I don't remember watching this as a kid but I do recall something, possibly from the reruns.