1968

Jan -- "Big Boy/You've Changed" (Steeltown 681) is released

Feb 14 -- J5 win Superdog Finals in Amateur Night at the Apollo

Mar 23 -- Atco begins distributing "Big Boy"

April 6 -- Guys & Gals Club, Chicago, IL

April 13 -- Guys & Gals Club, Chicago, IL

April 27 -- Guys & Gals Club, Chicago, IL

May 4 -- Guys & Gals Club, Chicago, IL

May 11 – Guys & Gals Club, Chicago, IL

May 24-30 – Apollo Theater, New York, NY (Etta James headlining) [ad]

May 31-June 6 – Capitol Theater, Chicago, IL (J5 participate in fund raiser for a youth center some time during this week)

July 12-21 – Regal Theater, Chicago, IL (Battle of the Groups)

July 23 -- Motown audition in Detroit is filmed for Berry Gordy's consideration

July 26 -- Motown offers and then retracts a contract, due to contractual obligations the group already had with promoter Richard Arons

Aug 10-11 – Central Park Theater, Chicago, IL (Jerry Butler headlining; shows at 2:00, 6:00 and 10:00 pm)

Aug 11 – Guys and Gals Club, Chicago, IL (show at 11:30 pm) [clipping] [ad]

Oct 6 – Guys & Gals Club, Chicago, IL (show at 12:30 am)

Oct 13 -- Guys & Gals Club, Chicago, IL (show at 12:30 am)

Nov 1 -- High Chaparral Lounge, Chicago, IL (Marshall and the Chi-Lites headlining)

Dec 21-23 – High Chaparral Lounge, Chicago, IL

Dec 29-Jan 2 – Apollo Theater, New York, NY (Sam & Dave headlining)

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Dates documented in local Black newspapers and press clippings of the era. Thanks to my friends at MJJVault for help in pulling together the chronology, especially Justin, Corey, Chris, LKizzle, Jaorecords, Jaywonder, EZ, and the hostess with the most-est, Christina. And a special thanks to the old-school fan and chronologist, Tony, who started it all.