The Original Boy Band (child of the 70's)

My earliest sense of American pop culture is from the mid-1970's.  Horrible orange and green colors, ugly bell bottom pants and unappealing geometric patterns.  And excitement about the Motown group The Jackson 5, including the youngest boy Michael - an incredibly talented singer and dancer.  I was also aware of the Osmonds, but in Philadelphia they weren't such a big deal (except maybe for the Donny & Marie TV show).

From my point of view, The Jackson 5 are the original, classic boy band.  They had their own special magic, and kids in Philadelphia were fascinated with them - I think, in part, because they were successful black performers.  Michael Jackson went on to be an amazing musician and riveting dancer, but had a troubled adult life and passed away almost 15 years ago.  Earlier this year his older brother Tito died.  Following Tito's death, I enjoyed watching You Tube videos of many performances.  Here's one of the best ones, from 1969 when Michael was 11 years old:

From your childhood, I have fond memories of coming to pick you boys up at Cookie Corner where Mrs. Brenner or Miss Tossi (later Mrs. Tabone) played pop music during free play.  Here's a great song from a 90's boy band, NSYNC.  I love the theatrical opening, with guys dropping down to the stage on "puppet strings".