LIFE - Michael Jackson: The Early Years

The Jackson Family on the Cover of LIFE

Fri, 24 Sep 1971 03:00:00 EDT

Michael Jackson (top) poses on the stairs of his family home in Encino, Calif., in 1971, with his brothers Marlon, Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie, and their parents Joe and Katherine.

The Jackson 5's Heyday

Fri, 01 Jan 1971 03:00:00 EST

Jermaine, Michael, Jackie, Tito, and Marlon show off their motorbikes at their huge Encino, Calif., home.

The Jackson 5 on 'Ed Sullivan'

Sun, 14 Dec 1969 03:00:00 EST

Michael Jackson shakes hands with Ed Sullivan during the brothers' appearance on the variety show, Dec. 14, 1969.

Tiny Powerhouses

Sun, 10 May 1970 03:00:00 EDT

Dynamo Michael Jackson leads the Jackson 5 during a typically energetic performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," May 10, 1970.

The Little Dynamo Out Front

Tue, 01 Jan 1974 03:00:00 EST

Michael Jackson fronts his brothers, circa 1974.

Feeling the Beat in 1974

Tue, 01 Jan 1974 03:00:00 EST

The Jackson Family, 1977

Sat, 01 Jan 1977 03:00:00 EST

A portrait of the Jackson family. Clockwise from lower row, left: Janet, Randy, Jackie, Michael, Tito, Marlon, LaToya and Rebbie.

Janet Looks Up to Her Big Brother

Mon, 31 Jan 1977 03:00:00 EST

The siblings are pictured at the 1977 American Music Awards. Michael would become a solo superstar by the early '80s, and Janet soon followed.

At Studio 54, 1977

Tue, 31 May 1977 03:00:00 EDT

Jackson parties with Studio 54 co-owner Steve Rubell, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, and Cherrie Currie.

With Muhammad Ali and His Wife, 1977

Fri, 26 Aug 1977 03:00:00 EDT

At a Press Conference for 'The Wiz'

Wed, 28 Sep 1977 03:00:00 EDT

Michael Jackson promotes the musical remake of "The Wizard of Oz," with costars Ted Ross (far left), Diana Ross, and Nipsey Russell.

With Another Teen Idol, Leif Garrett

Sun, 01 Jan 1978 03:00:00 EST

At Home in Los Angeles, 1978

Thu, 17 Aug 1978 03:00:00 EDT

With Lionel Richie, 1980

Tue, 01 Jan 1980 03:00:00 EST

With Brooke Shields, 1980

Tue, 01 Jan 1980 03:00:00 EST

The pop star, entering his "Thriller" phase (note the white sparkly glove), takes out Brooke Shields in New York.

With His Good Friend Elizabeth Taylor, 1980

Tue, 01 Jan 1980 03:00:00 EST

The Jackson 5 in Concert, 1981

Wed, 19 Aug 1981 03:00:00 EDT

Celebrating the Success of 'Thriller' With Jane Fonda

Fri, 25 Feb 1983 03:00:00 EST

The Classic Red-Studded Jacket

Tue, 01 Mar 1983 03:00:00 EST

Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones at the Grammys

Tue, 28 Feb 1984 03:00:00 EST

Want more Jackson? Pre-order LIFE Books' "Remembering Michael."