In July 1968, The Jackson Five performed at Chicago’s High Chaparral Club as an opening act for a group called Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers. After watching their performance, Bobby Taylor called Ralph Seltzer, head of Motown’s creative department, to suggest The Jackson Five audition for Motown.
Doubtful because of their young age, Seltzer was initially reluctant to see the boys perform. Taylor managed to convince him and Seltzer finally agreed to have the group visit Motown’s Detroit headquarters.
Taylor arranged to film their performance. If they were impressive, Seltzer would then forward the film to Motown’s boss, Berry Gordy, for approval.
So on the morning of 23 July 1968, The Jackson Five arrived at 2648 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit.
Commencing with a cover of James Brown’s song I Got The Feelin’, the boys auditioned in front of Ralph Seltzer and Suzanne dePasse, Gordy’s creative assistant.
The rest, is history…
Source: Michael Jackson, The Magic & the Madness, J.Randy Taraborrelli
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