Classic Cartoons: THE JACKSON 5IVE

If you are not familiar with the music group THE JACKSON 5IVE they were the a young Michael Jackson and his four brothers, Marlon, Jermain, Tito and Jackie. In 1971, ABC ordered a cartoon series based on the group, from Rankin/Bass and Motown Productions. You may be familiar with Rankin/Bass today as they were the creators of many classic claymation and animated holiday specials, like RUDOLF THE RED NOSED REINDEER and FROSTY THE SNOW MAN.

The series premiered on September 11, 1971 and ended on September 1, 1973. Just 23 episodes were created, most aired during that first season.

Like THE BEATLES cartoon, the animated characters were not voiced by the actual members of the band. The only time you would actually hear their voices were during the songs played in each episode. However, Diana Ross did voice her character on the series.


BROADCAST HISTORY:

Season 1: ABC - 9:30 a.m. (1971-72)
Season 2: ABC - 8:30 a.m. (1972-73)

About THE JACKSON 5IVE:

The premise of the cartoon series was kept simple. The band would have adventures of them trying to get one or all of them out of a jam. Some stories would have the brothers work on a farm, then play a concert, Or perform for the President of the United States.

Like most cartoons of the time, an animal/pet would be added. For THE JACKSON 5IVE, the main animal was Michael's  pet snake, Rosie, and his pet rats, Ray and Charles.

If you are a big Michael Jackson fan, or just love the classic cartoons, Classic Media released the Blu-Ray of all 23 episodes. It includes 46 remastered songs from both THE JACKS 5IVE and early solo material from Michael Jackson.

VOCAL CAST:

Paul Frees ........................ J5's Producer/Other voices
Donald Fullilove ................ Michael
Edmund Sylvers ................ Marlon
Joel Cooper ...................... Jermaine
Mike Martinez .................. Tito
Craig Grandy .................... Jackie
Diana Ross ....................... Herself