56 Years Ago, The Jackson 5's 'ABC' Became a No. 1 Hit, Changing Music Forever

Yasmine ColemanSat, April 25, 2026 at 10:09 PM UTC

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Let's step back in time for a second. It’s April 25, 1970, and a new song by a group of rising young talents just took over the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100: “ABC” by TheJackson 5.

At the time, it was a major accomplishment for Black artists—and their second consecutive No. 1 hit—knocking "Let It Be" by The Beatles out of the coveted position on the list. It was a symbolic moment: a fresh, youthful sound replacing one of the most iconic bands in music history. And did anyone realize the true magnitude of what it would turn into? Probably not.

“ABC” wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural phenomenon. Released in early 1970 as the title track from their second studio album of the same name, the song was crafted by The Corporation, the powerhouse Motown collective responsible for shaping the group’s early sound, according to Genius.

Related: Fans Say King of Pop’s Shocking ‘Thriller’ Ranking Among Biggest Halloween Songs Is Pure ‘Disrespect’

Built around a bright, irresistible melody and a schoolyard-inspired hook, “ABC” showcased the electric charisma of a youngMichael Jackson, whose lead vocals—at just 11 years old—burst with energy, precision, and undeniable star power.

The track followed the group’s debut single, "I Want You Back," which had already topped the charts earlier that year. With “ABC,” The Jackson 5 proved their success was no stroke of luck. In fact, they would go on to make history as the first group to have their first four singles hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—a streak that continued with “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.”

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More than five decades later, the song remains one of the defining tracks of the Motown era, frequently ranking among the greatest pop songs of all time. Its playful simplicity—comparing love to learning the alphabet—helped make it instantly accessible, while its tight production and vocal performance elevated it far beyond a novelty hit.

Related: ’70s TV Icon Lynda Carter’s Resurfaced Video With Michael Jackson Has Fans Pointing Out One Thing Only

The Rise of The Jackson 5

From early on, the group's rise was meteoric—and nothing could stop young Michael from taking over music.

Hailing from Gary, Ind., The Jackson 5—brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael—were signed to Motown by legendary founder Berry Gordy. Gordy positioned them as the label’s next breakout act, and the strategy paid off almost instantly. Their blend of polished choreography, infectious pop-soul sound, and youthful charm made them a crossover sensation, appealing to both Black and mainstream audiences at a time when the music industry was still deeply segmented.

'Michael' Spotlights The King of Pop's Early Beginnings

With the official release of Michael on Friday, April 24, a renewed interest in the life of Michael Jackson and his rise to fame has taken over the internet. Fans are clamoring for more details after watching the film starring Juliano Valdi, the late icon's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Larenz Tate, Miles Teller, Kendrick Sampson, Laura Harrier, and Mike Myers.

Across social media, viral videos have depicted fans dressing up as different versions of the beloved music legend to hit the theater, showing that the love runs deep for the star, who still holds records for the best-selling album of all time, Thriller, as the most successful entertainer of all time (recognized by Guinness World Records), plus many more.

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, but one thing is certain: he remains the undisputed greatest entertainer of all time.

Related: This 36-Year-Old Music Icon Just Made History, Officially Dethroning Michael Jackson

This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”