ABC Is Released

In April 1970, the Jackson 5 release their second studio album, ABC, on Motown Records. Arriving just three months after their debut, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, the album capitalizes on the group’s rapidly growing popularity. The title track, “ABC,” is released as a single on February 24, 1970, and becomes a smash hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 25, dethroning The Beatles’ “Let It Be.” It also tops the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and cements the Jackson 5 as a dominant force in pop and R&B.

Written and produced by Motown’s in-house team, The Corporation (Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Deke Richards, and Alphonzo Mizell), ABC follows the infectious formula of the group’s debut, blending upbeat bubblegum soul with polished production. The album features another major hit, “The Love You Save,” released in May 1970, which also reaches No. 1 on the Hot 100 and the soul charts, making it the group’s third consecutive chart-topping single.

Other standout tracks include “One More Chance,” “2-4-6-8,” and a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t Know Why I Love You.” Michael, still only 11 years old at the time of recording, continues to impress with his dynamic and emotive vocals, while Jermaine delivers smooth leads on several songs. The album quickly becomes a commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top Soul Albums chart.

ABC solidifies the Jackson 5’s status as Motown’s hottest young act and showcases their ability to dominate both pop and R&B charts. The album’s title track remains one of their signature songs, later earning a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame. The overwhelming success of ABC paves the way for more hit albums and a relentless schedule of recordings, tours, and television appearances throughout the early 1970s.