The Supremes Star Bootcamp and Discovery Facts Checked
“"After being signed with Motown Records, they relocated to LA. Then they underwent an intensive 'star bootcamp' overseen by Berry Gordy, where they refined their choreography and stage presence. Although they were publicly introduced to the world by Diana Ross on the TV special The Hollywood Palace, they had actually been discovered by artist Bobby Taylor. This high-profile launch, combined with the hit 'I Want You Back,' catapulted them to the top of the charts by early 1970."”
Summary
The Jackson 5 were indeed introduced to a national TV audience by Diana Ross on The Hollywood Palace, and they had originally been discovered by Bobby Taylor. Their debut single “I Want You Back” topped the charts in early 1970. However, there is no evidence they underwent a Berry Gordy‑run “star bootcamp,” and while Motown’s operations were moving to Los Angeles around that time, the group’s relocation to LA after signing is not confirmed by the sources.
Sources 57 searched
- For the Love of Music: Berry Gordy Jr. and Motown Records | CSUN University Library
It relocated to Los Angeles, California in the early 1970s and now exists under the Universal Music Group. The Tom & Ethel Bradley Center Digital Photograph Collections include images that document the history of Motown Records after its relocation to Los Angeles.
- Berry Gordy - Wikipedia
Over the next decade, he signed ... choreography for across-the-board appeal. Gordy announced his retirement in 2019 at the age of 89. In 1972, Gordy relocated to Los Angeles, where he ......
- Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 - Wikipedia
The Jackson 5 recorded a number ... up on various Jackson 5 compilations, and virtually all of them were included on the boxed set Soulsation!. In August 1969, Berry Gordy decided to take a more direct role in the Jackson 5's career....
- Diana Ross - Wikipedia
Though she did not claim their discovery, Motown's publicity department credited Ross with having discovered the Jackson 5. Ross would introduce the group during several public events, including The Hollywood Palace.
- Motown Records - New World Encyclopedia
In the meantime, Berry Gordy ... branch offices in both New York City and Los Angeles during the mid-1960s, and by 1969 had begun gradually moving some of its operations to Los Angeles....
- This Week in Music History | Oct. 14-20 – Impact 89FM | WDBM-FM
On Oct. 18, 1969, Diana Ross & The Supremes introduced The Jackson 5 on a live broadcast of ABC’s Hollywood Palace Special for their first national TV appearance. The Hollywood...
- Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5 by The Jackson 5
The debut album of the Jackson 5. Despite what the title suggests, Diana Ross did not actually discover the group. Berry Gordy Jr. (the head of Motown) was in the process of promoting Diana Ross as a solo artist after breaking away from The ...
- Diana Ross and the Rise of the Jackson Five: The Story Behind the Discovery | Black Girl Nerds
Even the band’s first record was titled Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5. But what most people don’t know is that Ross’ purported discovery of the Jackson 5 was, in fact, a marketing ploy by Motown, as Ross’ perceived involvement gave ...
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