The Jacksons ~ Show You The Way To Go 1976 Disco Purrfection Version

After their initial run of #1 on Motown, the Jackson 5 decided grow up and embraced the disco sound with "Dancing Machine". Subsequent follow ups were not successful and in late 1975, the clan stated their intention to leave Motown when their contract was up. Incidentally, the royalty rate they paid out to artists was 2.8%, so Epic Records offered them 20% and that sealed the deal. Jermaine had already married Berry Gordy's daughter Hazel and left the band for a solo career.

The band was still under contract to Motown until the end of March, 1976 but allowed the group to record for their new label, but refused to let them take the name Jackson 5 with them, so they rechristened themselves the Jacksons.

The first LP released was produced by Gamble & Huff, with the singles "Enjoy Yourself" that returned them to the Top 10 and followed up by "Show You The Way To Go" which peaked at #28. That single was also notable for the B Side "Blues Away" which was the first song Michael Jackson wrote entirely on his own.

The eponymously named debut LP became their first Gold album, even though they sold more than ten million albums on Motown. This is because the RIAA who certifies these accomplishments were not able to review Motown's financial records until 1976.

"Show You The Way To Go" became a UK #1 hit, on the strength of its promotion for the first UK tour of the Jacksons. Michael is really proud of the song, saying "It showed the good regard Epic had for our signing, it was one of the best records we have ever done."