Why Was Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 Not Featured More in the Recent Motown 60 Celebration?

The recent Motown 60 celebration was a grand event that highlighted the legendary contributions of the Motown label and the artists it nurtured. However, one question that naturally arises is why Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 were not more prominently featured in this milestone event. Several theories and speculations abound regarding this oversight.

Commercial Considerations and Moraly Questionable Decisions

Many viewers have posed the question “Why wasn’t Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 featured more in the recent Motown 60 celebration?” Some suggest that it may be due to the recent allegations regarding Michael Jackson, which have cast a shadow over his career and legacy. The idea that business decisions may have overshadowed personal loyalty and friendship is a sentiment echoed by several.

It is argued that leaving their careers behind to fully support a friend or former comrade could come at significant cost, especially when that friend is no longer visible. Michael Jackson's split with Neverland and the sexual perversion allegations against him are thought to have made the situation more complicated. There seems to be a moral dilemma where businesses act in a morally bankrupt manner solely for financial gain.

The Role of CBS and the Motown Brand

The decision to omit Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 from the Motown 60 celebration may also be attributed to the changes in ownership and control over the Motown brand. It is revealed that Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, no longer owns the label. This change in ownership led to a lack of control over the content and direction of the celebration. Moreover, public controversies surrounding Michael Jackson and his sister Janet further contributed to CBS’s reluctance to include the Jackson 5.

The exclusion of the Jackson 5 was seen as an oversight, as his brothers, who are still active in music, would have readily agreed. It was noted that the Jackson brothers have continued to perform in venues overseas and have their own group, which could have provided a strong representation of the Motown legacy. The exclusion of such performers was seen as a significant failure to maintain the spirit of the Motown label, which had relied heavily on the Jackson brothers during its golden years.

Louise Jackson’s Perspective

A Twitter post by Bernard Ledger IV, the grandson of Berry Gordy and the half-brother of Michael Jackson, offers an interesting insight into the situation. According to Ledger IV, CBS might be behind the decision not to include Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 in the Motown 60 celebration. He mentioned that the recent past, including the backlash against Janet Jackson and the controversy involving Michael, might have played a role in CBS’s decision.

The question of whether JLo was included in the tribute instead of the Jackson 5 raises eyebrows. It is argued that the placement of Jennifer Lopez in the spotlight might indicate a preference for a more marketable or contemporary figure rather than honoring the legacy of those who built the Motown label. This decision is seen as further evidence that the event prioritized commercial considerations over the historical impact of the Jackson 5 on Motown music.

Conclusion

The overshadowing of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 in the Motown 60 celebration brings to light the complex dynamics and business decisions that can influence major events in the entertainment industry. While the commercial aspects are understandable, the moral implications of excluding performers who have made such significant contributions to the Motown legacy evoke a sense of loss and disappointment. This incident serves as a reminder that sometimes, despite the efforts to honor the past, the present can cloud our judgment and decisions.

It remains to be seen whether the exclusion was due to CBS's decision, the controversy surrounding Michael Jackson, or a combination of factors. Regardless, the Jackson 5's legacy in Motown music continues to be a vital part of the Motown story, and their inclusion in such celebrations is a reflection of the lasting impact of their talent and dedication.