Long-lost Jackson 5 track released by Minneapolis label Secret Stash
The Minneapolis label Secret Stash Records has released a never-before heard version of the Jackson 5 song, "Big Boy."
The song already has the distinction of being the Jacksons' first single, but that version was recorded by Steel Town Records with professional musicians playing backup. This newly-found recording is an earlier demo tape featuring an 8-year-old Michael Jackson, along with his brothers Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Marlon singing back-up and playing instruments. It's believed to be the earliest recording of the group.
That recording was made by the label One-derful!, a vital part of the 1960s Chicago soul scene known for its work producing and promoting black performers, including the Jacksons.
Eric Leaner, the son and nephew of One-derful! founders Ernie and George Leaner, first heard that such a demo might exist from a writer for Chicago Reader.
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"Until Jake Austen called me to explain that there was potentially a missing Jackson 5 demo tape, we had no idea we had it in our possession," Leaner told Rolling Stone. A search later revealed the tape.
The new "Big Boy" single is being made available as part of a subscription package for people who buy an upcoming, seven-album collection of other One-derful! material.
Eric Leaner and Secret Stash's Will Gilbert join The Daily Circuit to discuss the new track, which you'll also hear on Wednesday's show.
LISTEN: Jackson 5 - 'I'm A Big Boy'