5ive questions for... ChiDrummer

ChiDrummer on stage at Millennium Park in Chicago, June 2010

Regulars on the Soulful Detroit Forum know ChiDrummer for his perceptive comments about music, but J5 fans there know him for his amazing memories from the early days of the Jackson 5. As a young fan, he saw them in concert in Chicago three times (1971, 1972, and in 1984 for the Victory Tour) and twice in Ohio (Destiny and Triumph tours). I was eager to find out more about what these experiences were like for him, and, fortunately, he was willing to answer 5ive questions. He even provided some photos from his personal collection. (I wish I had had the foresight to take a photo of my bedroom wall in 1972! it looked a lot like this, except it was a bit more Jermaine-heavy.)

ChiDrummer's bedroom wall in 1972

How long have you been a J5 fan? How old were you when you first saw them in concert?
I guess I’ve been there almost from the beginning. I was a fifth grader when “I Want You Back” was released. I had my parents buy the ABC LP when it was released, and then I went back and bought Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5. I first saw them during the 1971 tour in July. The Commodores opened for them. I still have the ticket – second row seats (thanks, Dad!).

ChiDrumer's view from the second row in '71

What was it like being in the crowd -- could you actually hear them over all the screaming fans?
Hear them? In ’71 and ’72, hell no! The shows were madhouses. The sheer madness of the ’71 and ’72 shows was unbelievable. 10,000 crazed screaming girls is a rather unique sound. The stage rushes, the girls trying to get the attention of just one of the Jacksons was a sight to behold. Even though I was just a kid myself. Great memories. I’ve even grabbed a little of it for myself over the years.

By the late ‘70s, PA technology had caught up with the size of the venues. Also, we as fans had matured a bit.

Is there anything especially memorable that happened at any of the concerts you attended?
There was something about that first one in ’71 that stood out as special on many different levels. In the early days I think they always considered the Chicago shows to be a bit of a homecoming, especially after 1970. I think they actually played Gary only once after 1970, so they tended to mention how cool it was to be home.

Signed concert program from 1971-72

Is it true that they used to perform "Big Boy" live when they returned to Chicago?
I never saw them sing “Big Boy” the times I saw them in Chicago. They might have done it when they were still a club act. I can’t imagine Motown would have allowed them to sing it after they started making hits for them.

Destiny Tour, Hara Arena, Dayton, Ohio, Oct 21, 1979

How many times did you see them in concert after they left Motown, and how did it compare?
I saw them three times after they left Motown. I’d have to say that was probably their prime as live performers. They were better singers, employed better musicians, the production was bigger and tighter. I don’t think they ever got better than they were during the Triumph tour. Unfortunately, the Victory Tour was almost a word-for-word repeat of the Triumph tour.

Triumph Tour, Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug. 8, 1981

5ive Questions for... Lina Stephens

Today we launch a new regular interview column in which we ask five questions of someone whose life has somehow intersected with the music of the Jackson 5. We begin our series with Lina Stephens, curator of the Jackson 5 exhibit at the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit, Michigan.

Photo by Gloria Rzucidlo / © AmericaJR.com

On June 29, the Museum opened a special Jackson 5 exhibit, which will be on display through October. At this time, the Museum has no plans for a permanent J5 display, due to space limitations. But they hope to expand some day so that they can have permanent displays for many Motown artists.

What could a visitor expect to find in the Jackson 5 exhibit?
The exhibit is a bit of a chronology of the group's time at Motown Record Corporation, from getting their audition, and clearing up who did, in fact, bring the group to the attention of Motown.

How did the Museum acquire the J5 items it has?
We have a uniform belonging to Michael Jackson that he donated at the same time he donated the hat & glove he said he wore at Motown 25th Anniversary Special. We have a set of uniforms from the Goin' Back to Indiana special which are on long-term loan from the Universal Music Group. The other items are part of the items that our founder, Esther Gordy Edwards, had as a Motown Record Corporation, Senior Vice President.

How did you go about selecting the items to put on exhibit to showcase the group?
I started with my basic story and the special pieces in the collection that would best tell the story. I was looking for some special items to borrow from collectors, but had very little luck with that.

Is there anything you found that surprised you, or that you think would surprise a J5 fan?
There was nothing that surprised me, it just made me remember stuff I had not thought about in a while. It made me remember some good music and where I was when I heard some special J5 tunes.


What is it that a fan could only experience by going to museum in person?
Being in the place where history was created, not a replica.

Lina Stephens makes the final adjustments
on Jermaine's outfit from Goin' Back to Indiana

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If you visit:

MUSEUM HOURS
Summer Hours (July through August)
• Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Closed Sunday

Regular Hours
• Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Closed Sunday and Monday.

GENERAL ADMISSION
• Adults: $10.00 per person
• Seniors and children 12 & under: $8.00 per person

Want to support the Motown Historical Museum? If you can't visit the Museum in person, you can make a cash donation (the Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ), or shop at the online Shop-Around store.