- March 11 :
The Motown contract is fully excecuted. A dispute between Steeltown and Motown delayed its effect.
- July :
Motown headquarters movefrom Detroit to California and so do the J5!
Joe, Tito, Jack Richardson, drummer Johnny Jackson & keyboards players Ronny Rancifer drive to Los Angeles while Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon & Michael fly out a few days later.
The group is accommodated at the Motel Tropicana on Santa Monica Boulevard.
Katherine remains in Gary with LaToya, Randy and Janet.
- August 11:
Diana Ross invites the media to meet the Jackson 5 at a private showcase at Daisy’s Disco 326 Rodeo Drive, Bevery Hills. Michael meets Bob Jones, a Motown PR who will prove significant in his solo career…
- August 22 :
In their first nationally TV appearance, The Jackson 5 perform “It’s Your Thing” at the Miss Black America Pageant in Madison Square Garden in Nex York City.
The group stars recording its first album with help from Motown producers Freddie Perren, Deke Richards & Fonce Mizell known as “The Corporation”
Suzanne De Passe, a young Motown executive becomes the group’s PR.
- October:
I want You Back, the Jackson 5’s debut single is released by Motown and will reach the number 1 spot on Billbard hot 100 charts.
Michael moves to Diana Ross's home and the two of them spend a great deal of time together.
- October 18:
Diana Ross & The Supremes introduce the Jackson 5 on ABC’s Hollywwod Palace Special where they perform Sing A Simple Song, Can You Remember, I want You Back and There Was A Time (with Diana Ross & Sammy Davis Jr)
Katherine, LaToya, Randy & Janet watch it live at their home in Gary.
- November :
Katherine, LaToya, Janet & Randy join Joe and the Jackson 5 in California and the whole family moves into a house rented by Motown on 1601 Queen Roads in Los Angeles.
The family celebrates their new life by driving up to San Francisco .
- December 14:
The Jackson 5 appear on The Ed Sullivan Show where they perform Stand, Who’s Loving You and I Want You Back. Diana Ross is in the audience and she takes credit for discovering them.
Later, the group performs I Want You Back on the Joey Bishop Show.
- December 18:
Motown releases the Jackson 5 first album named “Diana Ross presents the Jackson 5” (N°1)
