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 has released a never-before heard version of the Jackson 5 song, "Big Boy."


The song already has the distinction of being the Jacksons' first single, but that version was recorded by Steel Town Records with professional musicians playing backup. This newly-found recording is an earlier demo tape featuring an 8-year-old Michael Jackson, along with his brothers Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Marlon singing back-up and playing instruments. It's believed to be the earliest recording of the group.


That recording was made by the label One-derful!, a vital part of the 1960s Chicago soul scene known for its work producing and promoting black performers, including the Jacksons. 

Eric Leaner, the son and nephew of One-derful! founders Ernie and George Leaner, first heard that such a demo might exist 


"Until Jake Austen called me to explain that there was potentially a missing Jackson 5 demo tape, we had no idea we had it in our possession," 


The new "Big Boy" single is being made available as part of a subscription package for people who buy an upcoming, seven-album collection 


Eric Leaner and Secret Stash's Will Gilbert join The Daily Circuit to discuss the new track, which you'll also hear on Wednesday's show.

Arts and Culture

Tom Weber

Author

This newly-found recording features 8-year-old Michael Jackson, along with his brothers Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Marlon. It's believed to be the earliest recording of the group.

Long-lost Jackson 5 track released by Minneapolis label Secret Stash

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