The Jacksons Is Released

In November 1976, The Jacksons release their self-titled album The Jacksons, marking their debut under CBS/Epic Records. It is their first album since leaving Motown and the first to feature their younger brother Randy as an official member, replacing Jermaine, who stays with Motown. The album is produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the pioneering duo behind the Philadelphia soul sound. Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, The Jacksons blends lush orchestration with funk-driven rhythms, signaling a new era for the group.

On November 6, 1976, “Enjoy Yourself” is released as the album’s lead single. Written by Gamble and Huff, the song combines upbeat instrumentation with a catchy chorus, showcasing a more mature yet still youthful energy from the group. The single peaks at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the R&B chart, becoming their biggest pop hit since “Dancing Machine” in 1974. It also reaches No. 25 in the UK, giving them their first Top 40 hit there since 1973. The track’s success is fueled by its polished production and an energetic vocal performance from Michael, who is beginning to take full control as the group’s lead singer.

The album is officially released on November 27, 1976. It debuts strongly on the charts, eventually peaking at No. 36 on the Billboard 200 and No. 6 on the R&B chart. Critics note the shift from Motown’s signature sound to the smoother, more sophisticated Philadelphia soul style. Songs like “Show You The Way To Go,” another Gamble and Huff composition, highlight the group’s evolution, with layered harmonies and rich instrumentation. The song is later released as the second single on February 25, 1977, and becomes The Jacksons’ first No. 1 hit in the UK. In the US, it reaches No. 28 on the Hot 100 and No. 6 on the R&B chart, further solidifying their successful transition to their new label.

Other standout tracks include “Good Times,” a song originally written for Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and “Dreamer,” which captures the hopeful spirit of the era. Michael co-writes and co-produces “Blues Away,” making it his first officially released original composition, offering a glimpse into his emerging solo artistry.

By mid-1977, The Jacksons achieves gold certification from the RIAA, selling over 500,000 copies in the US. The album’s success lays the foundation for the group’s future projects with CBS/Epic, giving them more creative control and setting the stage for their continued evolution. As the disco era gains momentum, The Jacksons position themselves at the forefront of the changing musical landscape, proving that they are more than just a Motown-era pop phenomenon.