Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’?: “Mama’s Pearl” by The Jackson 5

The song was originally entitled “Guess Who’s Making Whoopie (With Your Girlfriend)” but its co-writer and producer Deke Richards felt that was a bit much for twelve-year-old Michael to be singing (although a demo of his doing so exists) and changed both lyric and title. Lyrically it’s still a trifle too hot, and coming off four very smart bubblegum hits this was probably as far as the formula could be extended, but the music is sprightly and unique to the Jacksons – as Lena pointed out, the backing track alone would never have been given to the Temptations or Four Tops - and young Michael seems to exult infectiously at the prospect of his imminent entry into adulthood. If only it had ever happened.

Date Record Made Number Two: 27 February 1971

Number Of Weeks At Number Two: 2

Record At Number One: “One Bad Apple” by The Osmonds

UK Chart Position: 25

Other Information: According to its writer George Jackson (no relation) the Jacksons had first refusal of “One Bad Apple” – he was later told by Michael that they nearly recorded it but opted to do “ABC” instead.

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