Once a band inmusicis known under one title, it’s hard for them to start referring to themselves as something else. The public tends to grow attached to the name they were introduced under. However,artists, unfortunately, don’t always have creative controlonce they’re engulfed in the business side of things.
In many cases, bands have changed names before fame. Black Sabbath originally had several names, including Earth, but settled on the title of an old Italian horror movie. U2 also went through a couple of names before choosing their now-famous title. However,a legendary band from the ’60s and ’70s didn’t have much of a sayin their name change.
The Name Change Was Due To Legal Disputes
After making a name for themselves asThe Jackson 5 and becoming one of the most famous boy bands in musichistory, the group had to change their name to The Jacksons.Michael Jackson and his brothershad used the name The Jackson 5 since 1965, when local talent agent and friend Evelyn LaHaie suggested the title.
In 1968, Berry Gordy signed them to Motown Records for a year, and in 1969, re-signed them with a seven-year contract with the label. When the seven years were up,the band decided to part ways with Motownover creative and financial disputes.
Unfortunately, they did not have an amicable split, and Motown ended up taking The Jackson 5 to court over a breach in their contract. Luckily, the group, whichlaunched Michael Jackson’s career, got their way, as they were allowed to leave Motown, butthey were not allowed to take their name with them.
Motown owned the rights to The Jackson 5, so when the band eventually signed with Epic Records, they had to change their name to The Jacksons. An additional change wasthe replacement of Jermaine Jacksonwith the youngest brother, Randy Jackson.
Jermaine Jackson was married to Berry Gordy’s daughter, Hazel Gordy, so he stayed with Motown and got to work on his solo career instead. While it may seem likea mid-career name change would be damaging to their legacy, the band still saw success after becoming The Jacksons.
How The Name Change Impacted The Band’s Legacy
The Jacksons Saw Renewed Success Under Their New Name
The Jackson 5 had seen massive success throughout the ’60s and early ’70s, but by 1972 their music was already falling from the charts. The group initially struggled at Epic to garner the same sales and success they had at Motown; however, aftergaining full creative control over their 1978 album,Destiny,The Jacksons' sales skyrocketed again.
Destinysold over one million copies, and its track"Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)" became their best-sellingEpic single. Their follow-up album,Triumph,saw equal levels of success.
WhileMichael Jackson had been releasing solo albumssince 1972, his solo career reached new heights with his 1979 releaseOff The Walland his 1982 releaseThriller. Luckily, his solo success only increased the success of The Jacksons, as their 1984 albumVictorybecame their highest-selling record of all time.
Unfortunately, after the tour,Michael and Randy Jackson announced their departurefrom The Jacksons, and the remaining members released their final album, 2300 Jackson Street, in 1989. While they made a name for themselves asThe Jackson 5, signing with Epic and becoming The Jacksons didn’t hurt their career - it gave them a fresh start to win over the public again.
