The Jacksons: An American Dream
Encyclopedia
The Jacksons: An American Dream is a five-hour American miniseries
broadcast in two halves on ABC
and originally broadcast on November 15 through November 18, 1992. It is based upon the history of the Jackson family, one of the most successful musical families in show business, and the early and successful years of the popular Motown
group The Jackson 5
.
The miniseries was executive produced by Suzanne de Passe
and Stan Marguiles, produced by Joyce Eliason, Jermaine Jackson
and Margaret Maldonado and directed by Karen Arthur
. It was filmed on location in Pittsburgh, PA, where director Arthur had previously filmed her feature film Lady Beware
. The Jacksons: An American Dream
is based on Katherine Jackson
's My Family autobiography.
as the Jacksons' patriarch Joseph Jackson, Angela Bassett
as the family matriarch Katherine Jackson
, Jason Weaver
and Wylie Draper played Michael Jackson
in different eras, while Bumper Robinson
and Terrence Howard
played Jackie Jackson
in different eras, Angel Vargas played Tito Jackson
, Margaret Avery
as Katherine's mother Martha Scruse, Holly Robinson Peete as Diana Ross
, Billy Dee Williams
as Berry Gordy
and Vanessa L. Williams
as Suzanne de Passe
. The opening titles of the film shows footage of the real Jacksons rehearsing, performing on stage, a few clips from the "Can You Feel It
" music video, cover albums and pictures of the family.
The film is mostly based on the autobiography written by Katherine Jackson, who issued the 1990 autobiography, My Family. Part one of the film was based on how Joseph and Katherine managed to raise their children, first in Gary, Indiana
, then later dealing with The Jackson 5's early fame and its consequences. Part two of the film is based on the struggles of young Michael Jackson
as he deals with his brothers marrying early into The Jackson 5 success, his problems with acne
as a teenager, his eventual solo superstardom based on the success of his albums Off the Wall
and Thriller
and his legendary Motown 25 performance of "Billie Jean
" as well as his difficult relationship with his father.
Michael Jackson’s voice is heard on: “Beat It
,” “Human Nature
,” “Billie Jean
,” “I Want You Back
,” "I Wanna Be Where You Are
," “I'll Be There,” “Rockin' Robin
,” “ABC
,” and “Dancing Machine
.” On all other songs, the Michael Jackson vocal part is performed by Alex Burrall, Jason Weaver
or Kipp Lennon
.
. He was 24 years old.
The film aired shortly after Joe Jackson's mother died. Chrystal Jackson died on November 4 that year
The series won an Emmy Award
for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography, and was also nominated for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Hairstyling for a Miniseries or a Special, Outstanding Miniseries, and Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Miniseries or a Special.
Bumper Robinson won a Young Artist Award
for Best Young Actor in a Television Movie, and Alex Burrall and Jason Weaver both won a special award for Outstanding Young Performers Starring in a Mini-Series. The miniseries was later rebroadcast on VH1
and released to VHS
and DVD
. The DVD version of the miniseries was released as a two-disc set. The first disc was named "The Early Years" and the second disc was named "The Success Years". In 2004, VH1
would produce Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story
, which picked up Michael's life from the end of The Jacksons to the present, which at the time included him standing trial on charges of child molestation.
The miniseries aired frequently after the death of Michael Jackson
. It has been shown on TV One, BET
, Centric and VH1
. It is followed by Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story
.
Track 1 (Who's Lovin' You (Live) & Track 5 (Medley:) - Walk On / The Love You Save (Live):
- Recorded live in Gary, Indiana, May 29, 1971.
Track 9 ((Medley:) - I Want You Back / ABC (Live):
- Recorded live at the Forum, Los Angeles, CA. August 26, 1972
Miniseries
A miniseries , in a serial storytelling medium, is a television show production which tells a story in a limited number of episodes. The exact number is open to interpretation; however, they are usually limited to fewer than a whole season. The term "miniseries" is generally a North American term...
broadcast in two halves on ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
and originally broadcast on November 15 through November 18, 1992. It is based upon the history of the Jackson family, one of the most successful musical families in show business, and the early and successful years of the popular Motown
Motown Records
Motown is a record label originally founded by Berry Gordy, Jr. and incorporated as Motown Record Corporation in Detroit, Michigan, United States, on April 14, 1960. The name, a portmanteau of motor and town, is also a nickname for Detroit...
group The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 , later known as The Jacksons, were an American popular music family group from Gary, Indiana...
.
The miniseries was executive produced by Suzanne de Passe
Suzanne de Passe
Suzanne de Passe is an American television, music and film producer. As well as the Co-Chairman of de Passe Jones Entertainment Group-Career:Suzanne began her career at Motown as Creative Assistant to company founder, Berry Gordy...
and Stan Marguiles, produced by Joyce Eliason, Jermaine Jackson
Jermaine Jackson
Jermaine La Jaune Jackson is an American singer, bassist, composer, a member of The Jackson 5, older brother of American pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson and occasional film director...
and Margaret Maldonado and directed by Karen Arthur
Karen Arthur
Karen Arthur is an American film director, producer, and actress. She has directed two feature films, Lady Beware and The Mafu Cage , but the majority of her work has been in television, where she has had a long and prolific career directing television movies and series...
. It was filmed on location in Pittsburgh, PA, where director Arthur had previously filmed her feature film Lady Beware
Lady Beware
Lady Beware is a 1987 American thriller film, directed by Karen Arthur. It stars Diane Lane, Michael Woods, and Cotter Smith. The film is marketed with the tagline "When fantasy leads to terror." It was filmed on location in and around Pittsburgh....
. The Jacksons: An American Dream
American Dream
The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States in which freedom includes a promise of the possibility of prosperity and success. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each...
is based on Katherine Jackson
Katherine Jackson
Katherine Esther Jackson is the matriarch of the Jackson musical family.-Early life:...
's My Family autobiography.
Plot
The miniseries stars Lawrence Hilton-JacobsLawrence Hilton-Jacobs
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs is an American actor and singer. He has appeared in a number of films and television programs, including Claudine , Cooley High , Roots , Welcome Back, Kotter , Bangers and Mash , and The Jacksons: An American Dream .Lawrence's name, at least as shown in the credits of Welcome...
as the Jacksons' patriarch Joseph Jackson, Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett
Angela Evelyn Bassett is an American actress. She has become well known for her biographical film roles portraying real life women in African American culture, including singer Tina Turner in the motion picture What's Love Got to Do with It, as well as Betty Shabazz in the films Malcolm X and...
as the family matriarch Katherine Jackson
Katherine Jackson
Katherine Esther Jackson is the matriarch of the Jackson musical family.-Early life:...
, Jason Weaver
Jason Weaver
Jason Michael Weaver also known by his stage name J-Weav, is an American actor and singer. He is perhaps best known for his television roles as a pre-teenage Michael Jackson in the Emmy Award-winning 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream, and as the older brother Marcus Henderson on the...
and Wylie Draper played Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
in different eras, while Bumper Robinson
Bumper Robinson
Bumper Robinson is an American actor and voice artist. Robinson got his nickname because he repeatedly bumped into things while running through his home as a young child.- Life and career :...
and Terrence Howard
Terrence Howard
Terrence Dashon Howard is an American actor. Having his first major role in the 1995 film Mr. Holland's Opus, which subsequently led to a number of roles in films and high visibility among African American audiences. Howard broke into the mainstream with a succession of well-reviewed television...
played Jackie Jackson
Jackie Jackson
Sigmund Esco "Jackie" Jackson is an American singer and musician, a member of The Jackson 5, and the second child in the Jackson family.-Life and career:...
in different eras, Angel Vargas played Tito Jackson
Tito Jackson
Toriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson is an American singer and lead guitarist and original member of The Jackson 5. He is the older brother of American pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.-Early life and rise to stardom:...
, Margaret Avery
Margaret Avery
Margaret Avery is an American actress and singer. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance as Shug in The Color Purple .-Early life:...
as Katherine's mother Martha Scruse, Holly Robinson Peete as Diana Ross
Diana Ross
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, record producer, and actress. Ross was lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway...
, Billy Dee Williams
Billy Dee Williams
William December "Billy Dee" Williams, Jr. is an American actor, artist, singer, and writer.-Early life:Williams was born in New York City, New York, the son of Loretta...
as Berry Gordy
Berry Gordy
Berry Gordy, Jr. is an American record producer, and the founder of the Motown record label, as well as its many subsidiaries.-Early years:...
and Vanessa L. Williams
Vanessa L. Williams
Vanessa Lynn Williams is an American pop-R&B recording artist, producer, dancer, model, actress and showgirl. In 1983, she became the first woman of African-American descent to be crowned Miss America, but a scandal generated by her having posed for nude photographs published in Penthouse magazine...
as Suzanne de Passe
Suzanne de Passe
Suzanne de Passe is an American television, music and film producer. As well as the Co-Chairman of de Passe Jones Entertainment Group-Career:Suzanne began her career at Motown as Creative Assistant to company founder, Berry Gordy...
. The opening titles of the film shows footage of the real Jacksons rehearsing, performing on stage, a few clips from the "Can You Feel It
Can You Feel It
"Can You Feel It" is a recording by funk and soul group The Jacksons, recorded in March 1980 and released on September 22, 1980 as the first track on their album Triumph....
" music video, cover albums and pictures of the family.
The film is mostly based on the autobiography written by Katherine Jackson, who issued the 1990 autobiography, My Family. Part one of the film was based on how Joseph and Katherine managed to raise their children, first in Gary, Indiana
Gary, Indiana
Gary is a city in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The city is in the southeastern portion of the Chicago metropolitan area and is 25 miles from downtown Chicago. The population is 80,294 at the 2010 census, making it the seventh-largest city in the state. It borders Lake Michigan and is known...
, then later dealing with The Jackson 5's early fame and its consequences. Part two of the film is based on the struggles of young Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
as he deals with his brothers marrying early into The Jackson 5 success, his problems with acne
Acne
Acne is a general term used for acneiform eruptions. It is usually used as a synonym for acne vulgaris, but may also refer to:*Acne aestivalis*Acne conglobata*Acne cosmetica*Acne fulminans*Acne keloidalis nuchae*Acne mechanica...
as a teenager, his eventual solo superstardom based on the success of his albums Off the Wall
Off the Wall (album)
Off the Wall is the fifth studio album by the American recording artist Michael Jackson, released August 10, 1979 on Epic Records, after Jackson's critically well received film performance in The Wiz. While working on that project, Jackson and Quincy Jones had become friends, and Jones agreed to...
and Thriller
Thriller (album)
Thriller is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was released on November 30, 1982, by Epic Records as the follow-up to Jackson's critically and commercially successful 1979 album Off the Wall...
and his legendary Motown 25 performance of "Billie Jean
Billie Jean
"Billie Jean" is a dance-pop/R&B song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was written, composed, and co-produced by Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones from the singer's sixth album, Thriller . Originally disliked by Jones, the track was almost removed from the album after he and...
" as well as his difficult relationship with his father.
Michael Jackson’s voice is heard on: “Beat It
Beat It
"Beat It" is a song written and performed by American recording artist Michael Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones . It is the third single from the singer's sixth solo album, Thriller . Eddie Van Halen was hired to add the song's distinctive overdriven guitar solo, but was prevented by his...
,” “Human Nature
Human Nature (Michael Jackson song)
"Human Nature" is a song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was written and composed by Steve Porcaro and John Bettis, and produced by Quincy Jones. It is the fifth single from the singer's sixth solo album, Thriller . Initially, Porcaro had recorded a rough demo of the song on a...
,” “Billie Jean
Billie Jean
"Billie Jean" is a dance-pop/R&B song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was written, composed, and co-produced by Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones from the singer's sixth album, Thriller . Originally disliked by Jones, the track was almost removed from the album after he and...
,” “I Want You Back
I Want You Back
"I Want You Back" was released in 1969 and in early 1970s became a number-one hit single recorded by The Jackson 5 for the Motown label. The song, along with a b-side cover of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles' "Who's Lovin' You", was the only single from the first Jackson 5 album, Diana Ross Presents...
,” "I Wanna Be Where You Are
I Wanna Be Where You Are
"I Wanna Be Where You Are" is a song written by Arthur "T-Boy" Ross and Leon Ware for Michael Jackson, who took the song to number sixteen on the U.S. pop singles chart and number two on the U.S. R&B singles chart in 1972...
," “I'll Be There,” “Rockin' Robin
Rockin' Robin (song)
This article is about the song. For the wrestler, see Rockin' Robin ."Rockin' Robin" is a song written by Leon René under the pseudonym Jimmie Thomas and recorded by Bobby Day in 1958. It was Day's only hit single, becoming a number-two hit on the Billboard Hot 100...
,” “ABC
ABC (song)
"ABC" is a 1970 number-one hit song by The Jackson 5. "ABC" was written with the same design as "I Want You Back", and was first heard on American Bandstand in February 1970. "ABC" knocked The Beatles song "Let It Be" out of the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970...
,” and “Dancing Machine
Dancing Machine
"Dancing Machine" is a 1973 song recorded by The Jackson 5, released as a single in 1974. The group's first US Top Ten hit since 1971's "Sugar Daddy", "Dancing Machine" reached number two on the Billboard pop music charts in May 1974, and number one on the R&B charts...
.” On all other songs, the Michael Jackson vocal part is performed by Alex Burrall, Jason Weaver
Jason Weaver
Jason Michael Weaver also known by his stage name J-Weav, is an American actor and singer. He is perhaps best known for his television roles as a pre-teenage Michael Jackson in the Emmy Award-winning 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream, and as the older brother Marcus Henderson on the...
or Kipp Lennon
Kipp Lennon
Christopher "Kipp" Lennon is an American musician, and a founding member of the folk rock band Venice. His role in the band includes performing as a lead vocalist and guitarist.-Family:...
.
Cast
- Lawrence Hilton-JacobsLawrence Hilton-JacobsLawrence Hilton-Jacobs is an American actor and singer. He has appeared in a number of films and television programs, including Claudine , Cooley High , Roots , Welcome Back, Kotter , Bangers and Mash , and The Jacksons: An American Dream .Lawrence's name, at least as shown in the credits of Welcome...
- Joseph Jackson - Angela BassettAngela BassettAngela Evelyn Bassett is an American actress. She has become well known for her biographical film roles portraying real life women in African American culture, including singer Tina Turner in the motion picture What's Love Got to Do with It, as well as Betty Shabazz in the films Malcolm X and...
- Katherine JacksonKatherine JacksonKatherine Esther Jackson is the matriarch of the Jackson musical family.-Early life:... - Holly Robinson Peete - Diana RossDiana RossDiana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, record producer, and actress. Ross was lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway...
- Margaret AveryMargaret AveryMargaret Avery is an American actress and singer. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance as Shug in The Color Purple .-Early life:...
- Martha Scruse - Billy Dee WilliamsBilly Dee WilliamsWilliam December "Billy Dee" Williams, Jr. is an American actor, artist, singer, and writer.-Early life:Williams was born in New York City, New York, the son of Loretta...
- Berry GordyBerry GordyBerry Gordy, Jr. is an American record producer, and the founder of the Motown record label, as well as its many subsidiaries.-Early years:... - Vanessa WilliamsVanessa L. WilliamsVanessa Lynn Williams is an American pop-R&B recording artist, producer, dancer, model, actress and showgirl. In 1983, she became the first woman of African-American descent to be crowned Miss America, but a scandal generated by her having posed for nude photographs published in Penthouse magazine...
- Suzanne de PasseSuzanne de PasseSuzanne de Passe is an American television, music and film producer. As well as the Co-Chairman of de Passe Jones Entertainment Group-Career:Suzanne began her career at Motown as Creative Assistant to company founder, Berry Gordy... - Alex Burrall - Michael JacksonMichael JacksonMichael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
(ages 6–8) - Jason WeaverJason WeaverJason Michael Weaver also known by his stage name J-Weav, is an American actor and singer. He is perhaps best known for his television roles as a pre-teenage Michael Jackson in the Emmy Award-winning 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream, and as the older brother Marcus Henderson on the...
- Michael Jackson (ages 9–14) - Wylie Draper - Michael Jackson
- Jermaine Jackson II - Jermaine JacksonJermaine JacksonJermaine La Jaune Jackson is an American singer, bassist, composer, a member of The Jackson 5, older brother of American pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson and occasional film director...
(ages 10-17) - Colin SteeleColin Steele (singer)Colin Steele is a singer/music producer/actor.-Background:Colin Steele began recording and performing dance/house music with Dj International records at age 11 in Chicago Illinois.-Acting:...
- Jermaine JacksonJermaine JacksonJermaine La Jaune Jackson is an American singer, bassist, composer, a member of The Jackson 5, older brother of American pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson and occasional film director... - Bumper RobinsonBumper RobinsonBumper Robinson is an American actor and voice artist. Robinson got his nickname because he repeatedly bumped into things while running through his home as a young child.- Life and career :...
- Jackie JacksonJackie JacksonSigmund Esco "Jackie" Jackson is an American singer and musician, a member of The Jackson 5, and the second child in the Jackson family.-Life and career:...
(ages 12–16) - Terrence HowardTerrence HowardTerrence Dashon Howard is an American actor. Having his first major role in the 1995 film Mr. Holland's Opus, which subsequently led to a number of roles in films and high visibility among African American audiences. Howard broke into the mainstream with a succession of well-reviewed television...
- Jackie Jackson - Monica CalhounMonica CalhounMonica Calhoun is an American film and television actress. She is best known in her film roles such as The Players Club, The Best Man, and The Salon. She is a graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts....
- Rebbie JacksonRebbie JacksonMaureen Reillette "Rebbie" Brown is an American singer professionally known as Rebbie Jackson . Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, she is the eldest child of the Jackson family of musicians... - Ebonie SmithEbonie SmithEbonie Smith is an American former child actress known for her role as Jessica Jefferson in the 1970s-1980s sitcom The Jeffersons from 1984 to 1985. She was sometimes credited as Ebony Smith...
- LaToya Jackson (ages 13-15) - Shakiem Jamar Evans - Tito JacksonTito JacksonToriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson is an American singer and lead guitarist and original member of The Jackson 5. He is the older brother of American pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.-Early life and rise to stardom:...
(ages 11–15) - Angel Vargas - Tito Jackson
- Monica AllisonMonica AllisonMonica Allison is an actress and voice actor. She is perhaps best known for her role as Hazel Gordy inThe Jacksons: An American Dream and the voice of Julie in The Adventures of Brer Rabbit.-Filmography:-External links:...
- Hazel Gordy - Nicolas Phillips - Randy Jackson
- Floyd Myers Jr. - Marlon JacksonMarlon JacksonMarlon David Jackson is an American entertainer singer, dancer, former member of The Jackson 5, and elder brother of American pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.-Personal life:...
(age 7-9) - Jacen Wilkerson - Marlon Jackson (ages 10–15)
Differences
There were a few scenes in the movie that are different from how they happened in real life.- In the beginning of the film, Joseph Jackson and Katherine Scruse are depicted meeting in Chicago in 1945, when in reality they met in 1947.
- In one scene of the movie, Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, LaToya and Marlon are born, but the year is 1959. In real life, Michael was born a year earlier, but in the movie he's born a year later.
- In the scene where The Jackson 5 are in the recording studio, they are recording the song "Kansas City". In real life, The Jackson 5 never recorded the song.
- In the scene where the Jackson 5 are singing the national anthem, the outfield of Dodger StadiumDodger StadiumDodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
is clearly visible. In reality, they performed it in Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium during the 1970 World Series1970 World Series-Game 1:Saturday, October 10, 1970 at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, OhioThe Jackson 5 performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" prior to the game, which almost became an embarrassment when the group realized shortly before their performance that they weren't familiar with the lyrics...
. In addition, the Cincinnati Reds lineup shown in the movie features a player with similarities to Joe MorganJoe MorganJoe Leonard Morgan is a former Major League Baseball second baseman who played for the Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, and Oakland Athletics from 1963 to 1984. He won two World Series championships with the Reds in 1975 and 1976 and was also named the...
. In reality, he did not join the Reds for another two years. - In another scene, Michael is recording his album, ThrillerThriller (album)Thriller is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was released on November 30, 1982, by Epic Records as the follow-up to Jackson's critically and commercially successful 1979 album Off the Wall...
in 1983. In real life, the album was released in 1982. - In the scene where The Jacksons are shooting the PepsiPepsiPepsi is a carbonated soft drink that is produced and manufactured by PepsiCo...
commercial, Michael's hair catches on fire and he falls down the stairs. In real life, Michael was unaware that his hair was on fire as he continued dancing down the stairs. - In the Motown audition scene, They sing James BrownJames BrownJames Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...
's "I got the Feeling". The entire group sings "Baby Baby Baby", while in reality it was only Michael singing that part.
Trivia
Wylie Draper, who portrayed Michael Jackson as a teenager and as an adult, died a year later after the movie was released. He was diagnosed with a form of leukemiaLeukemia
Leukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
. He was 24 years old.
The film aired shortly after Joe Jackson's mother died. Chrystal Jackson died on November 4 that year
Reception
The Jacksons: An American Dream became one of the most popular and successful music-biography miniseries of the 1990s. Part 1 of the miniseries was the third highest-rated program broadcast during the week of November 9–15 with a 21.1 rating. Part 2 of the miniseries was watched by 38.4 million viewers in 22.3 million households becoming the highest-rated program broadcast during the week of November 16–22 posting a 23.9 rating, and 36 share. Overall, the miniseries was watched in 38.3 million households and posted a 22.3 rating and 33 share.The series won an Emmy Award
Emmy Award
An Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards .A majority of Emmys are presented in various...
for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Choreography, and was also nominated for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Hairstyling for a Miniseries or a Special, Outstanding Miniseries, and Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Miniseries or a Special.
Bumper Robinson won a Young Artist Award
Young Artist Award
The Young Artist Award is an accolade bestowed by the Young Artist Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1978 to recognize and award excellence of youth performers, and to provide scholarships for young artists who may be physically and/or financially challenged.The Young Artist...
for Best Young Actor in a Television Movie, and Alex Burrall and Jason Weaver both won a special award for Outstanding Young Performers Starring in a Mini-Series. The miniseries was later rebroadcast on VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
and released to VHS
VHS
The Video Home System is a consumer-level analog recording videocassette standard developed by Victor Company of Japan ....
and DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
. The DVD version of the miniseries was released as a two-disc set. The first disc was named "The Early Years" and the second disc was named "The Success Years". In 2004, VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
would produce Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story
Man In The Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story
Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story is a 2004 biographical telefilm produced for VH1. The biopic stars Flex Alexander as Michael Jackson, and follows his rise to fame and subsequent controversial events. The film takes its title from one of Jackson's songs, "Man in the Mirror".The film...
, which picked up Michael's life from the end of The Jacksons to the present, which at the time included him standing trial on charges of child molestation.
The miniseries aired frequently after the death of Michael Jackson
Death of Michael Jackson
On June 25, 2009, American singer Michael Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication after he suffered a respiratory arrest at his home in the Holmby Hills neighborhood in Los Angeles. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, said he found Jackson in his room, not breathing, but with a faint pulse,...
. It has been shown on TV One, BET
Bet
Bet or BET may refer to:* A wager in gambling* Basic Economics Test * Bet , the second letter in many Semitic alphabets, including Aramaic, Hebrew, Phoenician and Syriac* Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm. See BET_theory...
, Centric and VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
. It is followed by Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story
Man In The Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story
Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story is a 2004 biographical telefilm produced for VH1. The biopic stars Flex Alexander as Michael Jackson, and follows his rise to fame and subsequent controversial events. The film takes its title from one of Jackson's songs, "Man in the Mirror".The film...
.
Track listing
All songs performed by the Jackson 5 except where noted- "Who's Lovin' You" [Live] - 5:39
- "Kansas City" (Jason WeaverJason WeaverJason Michael Weaver also known by his stage name J-Weav, is an American actor and singer. He is perhaps best known for his television roles as a pre-teenage Michael Jackson in the Emmy Award-winning 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream, and as the older brother Marcus Henderson on the...
) - 2:19 - "I'll Be There" (Originally on Third AlbumThird AlbumThird Album was an album released by The Jackson 5 on Motown Records, and the group's second LP released in 1970. Third Album featured the group's fourth consecutive number-one single on the US pop charts, "I'll Be There", the Top 5 single, "Mama's Pearl", and album tracks such as the...
)- 3:56 - "In the Still of the Night" (Boyz II MenBoyz II MenBoyz II Men is an American R&B vocal group best known for emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. They are the most successful R&B group of all time, having sold more than albums worldwide. In the 1990s, Boyz II Men found fame on Motown Records as a quartet, but original member Michael McCary...
) - 2:51 - "Walk on/The Love You Save" [Live] - 6:05
- "I Wanna Be Where You Are" (Jason Weaver) - 4:21
- "Dancing Machine" (Originally on G.I.T.: Get It TogetherG.I.T.: Get It TogetherG.I.T.: Get It Together was the seventh official studio album by The Jackson 5, released in September 1973 for the Motown label....
) - 3:17 - "The Dream Goes On" (Jermaine JacksonJermaine JacksonJermaine La Jaune Jackson is an American singer, bassist, composer, a member of The Jackson 5, older brother of American pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson and occasional film director...
) - 3:50 - "I Want You Back/ABC" [Live] (Later issued in its entirety on Live at the ForumLive at the Forum (The Jackson 5 album)Live at the Forum is a live album by The Jackson 5. It was released on June 21, 2010. The concerts were recorded on June 20, 1970 and August 26, 1972 at The Los Angeles Forum, California .-Track listing:Disc one#"Introduction" – 0:41...
in 2010)- 3:23 - "Stay With Love" (Jermaine Jackson and Syreeta) - 4:19
- "Never Can Say Goodbye" (Originally on Maybe TomorrowMaybe Tomorrow (The Jackson 5 album)Maybe Tomorrow was the fourth regular studio album released by The Jackson 5 in 1971. Released after the success of the hit ballad "I'll Be There", most of the tracks on the album are ballads, with few dance numbers. Maybe Tomorrow includes the hit singles "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "Maybe Tomorrow"...
)- 2:59 - "You Are the Ones (Interlude)" (3T3T3T is an American R&B / Pop music group featuring the three sons of Tito Jackson and Delores "Dee Dee" Jackson. The band members include, from eldest, Tariano Adaryll Jackson II , Taryll Adren Jackson and Tito Joseph Jackson .-Career:3T released their debut album Brotherhood in 1995...
) - 1:51 - "Dancing Machine [Remix]" - 3:43
Track 1 (Who's Lovin' You (Live) & Track 5 (Medley:) - Walk On / The Love You Save (Live):
- Recorded live in Gary, Indiana, May 29, 1971.
Track 9 ((Medley:) - I Want You Back / ABC (Live):
- Recorded live at the Forum, Los Angeles, CA. August 26, 1972