On this day in music history: October 10, 1970 - Ill Be There by The Jackson 5 hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 6 weeks, also topping the Hot 100 for 5 weeks on October 17, 1970. Written by Bob West, Willie Hutch, Hal Davis and Berry Gordy, Jr., it will become the most successful single for the family vocal group from Gary, IN. In the Spring of 1970, while searching for more material for The Jackson 5 to record, producer Hal Davis will receive a song from his friend musician Bob West titled Ill Be There. The song is initially rejected by Motowns A&R department, when they feel the song isnt right for the young group. Davis will disagree, and re-write parts of the song with West and songwriter Willie Hutch. Davis will play the song for Berry Gordy, Jr. who likes it immediately and will make some suggestions and contribute some lyrics to the composition. Recorded at Motowns Hitsville West Studios in June of 1970, it will be chosen as the fourth Jackson 5 single over the song Mamas Pearl (which is revamped and issued as the follow up in January of 1971). After releasing three uptempo singles in a row, the shift in musical direction will prove to be a brilliant move. Released on August 28, 1970, Ill Be There will be an immediate smash, taking only four and five weeks respectively to reach the top of the pop and R&B singles charts. The Jackson 5 will become the first group in history to have their first four singles go to number one on both the Pop and R&B singles charts. Ill Be There will sell over four million copies in the US alone, becoming Motown Records biggest selling single until 1981 when it is surpassed by Diana Ross & Lionel Richies Endless Love.
Posted on: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 23:00:06 +0000
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