On a private lake in Westlake Village, Michael Jackson, not yet 19, was relaxed, smiling and polite as he and his brothers chatted on the dock and tooled around on an electric boat during a daylong photo shoot.
Having just left Motown and begun a new relationship with Epic Records, the Jackson 5 music group was preparing for the release of its first album on Epic, titled Destiny.
“They were very excited about a new level of their career, new opportunities,” photographer Gregg Cobarr recalled of the Jackson brothers and little sister Janet, making her public debut at the shoot on that warm summer day in August 1978.
Hired by Epic for the promotional shoot, Cobarr had done countless others like it for music industry clients including Columbia, Epic and Capitol Records, RCA, Curb and Warner Bros. For many years later, Cobarr still can recall details about the day, and about the very special young man he encountered in Michael Jackson.
“He had such a kind, sensitive, fun and charismatic nature,” Cobarr said. “It made a lasting impression.”
“We took a lot of photos that day. Some in color, some in black and white, and it was just a great day together. They were very professional and at the same time, they were able to be themselves. We took some really classic photos together that resonated with the time, and represented the class of The Jacksons. The photos were classy and so were they.”
A few of the photos from that day were used in promotional materials, but the vast majority never saw the light of day.
(Photos © Gregg Cobarr)
Having just left Motown and begun a new relationship with Epic Records, the Jackson 5 music group was preparing for the release of its first album on Epic, titled Destiny.
“They were very excited about a new level of their career, new opportunities,” photographer Gregg Cobarr recalled of the Jackson brothers and little sister Janet, making her public debut at the shoot on that warm summer day in August 1978.
Hired by Epic for the promotional shoot, Cobarr had done countless others like it for music industry clients including Columbia, Epic and Capitol Records, RCA, Curb and Warner Bros. For many years later, Cobarr still can recall details about the day, and about the very special young man he encountered in Michael Jackson.
“He had such a kind, sensitive, fun and charismatic nature,” Cobarr said. “It made a lasting impression.”
“We took a lot of photos that day. Some in color, some in black and white, and it was just a great day together. They were very professional and at the same time, they were able to be themselves. We took some really classic photos together that resonated with the time, and represented the class of The Jacksons. The photos were classy and so were they.”
A few of the photos from that day were used in promotional materials, but the vast majority never saw the light of day.
(Photos © Gregg Cobarr)
Hmmm...was he related to the Michael Jackson who got famous? I wouldn't have even connected the two in my mind, except that girl at the end kind of looks like a black version of the famous Michael Jackson.
ReplyDeleteNot even close to amusing.
ReplyDeleteImmortal MJJ" sadly we lost Mr. Talented anyhow bought personal memories emerging. Talent of MJJ production staff note: when Pappa Joe" whom. Retaliated against the
ReplyDeletecontracts of former label many thought. Demise imminent photos conjure the majority of MJJ and brothers during Epic years. Debut released (1976) wasn't bad it sold meagerly, Papa Joe" admire. Determination to succeed after Motown argument royalties not informed accuracy of quantity sold of discography. Before success of Jones collaborations MJJ looking potential entertainment production teams. Also MJJ popularity grew dynamically annoyed by negative comments upon appearance. MJJ enhance his apply his personal choice not the fans never excuse his talent! My opinion MJJ bought (social respect to Black artist "from RIAA) due bias upon whom popular attractions. Diversity MJJ before Thriller release always help world acclaim. Entertain heads of states whom? Queen of UK,King of Sweden,President of France,King of Norway and Emperor of Japan with brothers. Sadly" your gown never be replace Mr. Moonwalk!
Remembrance elated to purchase attended the wonderful concerts, talent never emulated Michael left. Us to soon doesn't matter prior comment, upon appearance generalizations. What is valid or accepted irrelevant, it was Michael choice of his. Appearance annoying with so called Black stuff" The Jackson family, during late 70's. Anticipated to expand there popularity eventually luck prospered with Thriller. Still myth which continued to persist many so called Blacks historians rationalization of. Black commerce inaccurate Black artist during so called awaking USA. Never achieve popularity not of mainstream which makes you scream but how. Michael collaborating with British artist Dave Mason 1978 many thought he would. Never achieve crossover appeal Michael was acclaimed but how, Royality Britian, Sweden and Holland with brothers. When lies saying Michael sold whom out yeah contrary quantity not exaggerations. As former production director were is so called Black audience? Michael never gotten his net worth with exclusive heritage fans many detested him. Doesn't matter the photo session above during, transition The Jacksons established. Own independent production company non leadership of Papa Joe furthermore Shake Your Body to Ground sold. How many abroad 7 million units yeah, aware debut for Epic songs edited unrelease songs all good. Sadly, we lost The Glove one 17yrs. with tears ago.
ReplyDeleteSadly" approaching the 17yrs. since ultimate death of Michael: music is among the fans. Clarification plenty of rationalization upon Michael's popularity beware also inaccuracies. Epic records marketing dept plenty of renowned staff John Bolay,Larry Shunur,Bert Diamondwiz,Frand Rand and Walter Yetnikoff former (CEO). Conjured exclusively Michael bought instant fame, during late 70's changing time forget musical style. Market net sales were stagnated avid audience didn't spend not expenditure just. Listing to records devise CD mania along videos bought diverse royalty income for artist. This
ReplyDeleteopportunity for Michael to excel not enough attention hidden aggression. Majority of public relations and development influence promoting only The Glove One! Not disputing this bias Michael aspired to achieve status what price to retain. His sudden glory of popularity signing of millions anyhow Epic hesitant especially Water Yetnikoff. During Motown 25 special assumed going to lose if Michael reverted back to Motown/MCA records! Michael's fame is to blame during mid 80's record labels incline to only market.
Artist able to cross over along quantity...T.V was eager to promote prominent artist as Michael for advertising! Mania for Pop appeal has been revealed during "The Glove One" success annoying generalizations. Regarding heritage majority of audience of popular
entertainers, seldom give a damn about there heritage! Connotations entrenched USA due historical social segregation simply Michael why color connotation! So called Black audience before mid 80's simply didn't support the arts! Yeah, okay to preview or borrow
attend concert sneaking without paying along ridiculing artist. What? Looking at photos of albums or CD's derogatory comments usually personal insults comparing. Renowned belittling (Ugly can't sing) when audience listing to music negativity inspired others can't enjoy the music. During Janet early career made impression for some must of so called.
Black youth audience doesn't matter whom? Seldom appreciated the contribution just listing to music. Others whom experience this so called: Black trip of solidarity only jargon. Michael was accurate notice net sales of R & B majority artist RIAA? Decried why didn't achieve abundance sales oppose rock and American Pop not race? Just prerogative of individual not race are so called heritage audience loyal? Matter of opinion agitation how could Michael others become success due: segregated era of 80's?