The Jackson 5

Released: April 12, 1971

Songwriter: Allyson R Khentt Luther Dixon

Producer: Hal Davis The Corporation

[Intro]
Happy birthday
Happy birthday
I love you so

[Verse 1: Jermaine]
Sixteen candles
Make a lovely sight
But not as bright
As your hazel eyes
Blow out the candles, baby
Make a wish come true
Blow out three wishes
That you love me too
(That you love me too)

[Chorus: Jermaine + (Jackson 5)]
You're only sixteen (Oh girl)
But you're my teenage queen (Sixteen)
But you're the prettiest and the loveliest girl
You're the loveliest I've ever seen (I've ever seen)

[Post-Chorus: Jermaine + (Jackson 5)]
Sixteen candles
In my heart will glow
Forever and ever
Oh, I love you so (I love you so)

[Chorus: Jermaine + (Jackson 5)]
You're only sixteen (Oh girl)
But you're my teenage queen (Sixteen)
But you're the prettiest and the loveliest girl
You're the loveliest I've ever seen (I've ever seen)

[Post-Chorus: Jermaine + (Jackson 5)]
Sixteen candles
In my heart will glow
Forever and ever
Oh, I love you so

[Outro: Jermaine + Jackson 5]
Happy birthday
Happy birthday, baby
I love you so, oh, oh, oh, oh
Happy birthday
Happy birthday, baby
I love you so, baby, baby, baby, baby
Happy birthday
Happy birthday, baby
I love you so, oh oh oh oh
Happy birthday
Happy birthday, baby...

The Jackson 5 were originally formed in 1963 under the name, The Jackson Brothers. The founding members were Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon. Michael would join the group as the lead singer a year later, a move which pushed Jermaine to sing the backing vocals and play the lead guitar.

After participating in a series of talent shows, they entered the professional music scene in 1967, signing with Steeltown Records and releasing ten singles. In 1969, they left Steeltown Records in order to sign with Motown.

In 1975, most of the Jacksons had opted out of recording any more music for Motown, expressing desires to have creative control over their songs, as well as royalties. Learning that they were earning only 2.8% of royalties from Motown, Joe Jackson, the father and manager of the group, began to negotiate a lucrative contract with Epic records, which offered a royalty rate of 20% per record. The deal was completed in June 1975. As Motown owned the name The Jackson 5, the group simply renamed themselves The Jacksons.

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