Not the real thing, but an incredible simulation (‘Jackson 5ive’ cartoon, 1971)
Rankin/Bass’ Jackson 5ive cartoon series originally ran on ABC from September, 1971 to September of 1973. 23, half-hour episodes of groovy, limited-animation were produced.
Michael Jackson as voiced by Donald Fullilove (‘Jackson 5ive’ cartoon, 1971)
The animated version of The Jackson 5 featured actors voicing the band along with VO veteran, Paul Frees playing a variety of characters. Each episode featured a Jackson 5 tune, such as “ABC” or “I Want You Back,” and often featured a montage of the band playing along and/or getting involved in various hijinks with that episodes’ cast of incidental characters. Mowtown’s Berry Gordy (voiced by Frees) usually appeared to add some adult supervision and little Michael’s pet snake and his two rats provided some additional comedic relief.
Classic Media have just released the complete cartoon series on DVD and Blu-ray and are keeping a tight hold on what’s available on YouTube – but here’s a clip featuring “I Want You Back” to give you a taste.
Previously, on Funshine Friday: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kids