In today’s episode, I sit down with the incredible Mother Diva to explore the rarely told, deeply important history of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. From their early days in Gary, Indiana to the years of grinding through Chicago’s music scene before Motown ever opened its doors. Mother Diva shares exclusive stories about the Jackson family’s earliest performances, the real origins of the Jackson 5 name, their first recordings at Steeltown, the truth behind Motown rejecting them eight times, and the powerful role Chicago played in developing their sound.

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Mother Diva
01:08 – Mother Diva’s background in Chicago & MJ community work
02:09 – “Supporter vs Fan” and how advocacy shaped her MJ mission
03:19 – The REAL early history of Michael Jackson & the Jackson family
06:03 – How the Jackson Brothers formed in Gary, Indiana
11:40 – How Tito’s guitar incident changed everything for the group
14:55 – The TRUE origin of the name “Jackson 5”
17:02 – Chicago’s Regal Theater era & early talent show domination
21:05 – Big Boy, Steeltown Records & the first Jackson 5 record deal
26:12 – Motown rejects the Jackson 5 eight times?! What really happened
34:30 – Quincy Jones, Chicago roots & guiding Michael’s early genius
44:50 – Street dancers, the backslide & how the “moonwalk” got its name
48:55 – Honoring the Jackson legacy: holidays, activism & community events
55:25 – Where to follow and support Mother Diva + closing

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