# Got to Be There > 1972 debut solo album by Michael Jackson **Wikidata**: [Q19060](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19060) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Got_to_Be_There) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/got-to-be-there ## Summary *Got to Be There* is the debut solo studio album by Michael Jackson, released on January 24, 1972, under Motown Records. It marked Jackson's first major solo project outside of The Jackson 5 and features a mix of soul, bubblegum pop, and contemporary R&B, showcasing his early vocal talent and versatility. ## Key Facts - **Album Title:** *Got to Be There* - **Artist:** Michael Jackson - **Release Date:** January 24, 1972 - **Record Label:** Motown Records - **Genre:** Soul, bubblegum music, contemporary R&B - **Notable Tracks:** Includes the title track "Got to Be There" (written by Elliot Willensky), "Rockin' Robin" (originally by Bobby Day), and "I Wanna Be Where You Are" (written by Arthur Ross and Leon Ware) - **Significance:** Michael Jackson's first solo album, released while he was still a member of The Jackson 5 - **Sitelink Count:** 41 (Wikidata) - **Wikidata Description:** "1972 debut solo album by Michael Jackson" - **Parent Discography:** Part of *Michael Jackson's albums in chronological order* ## FAQs **When was *Got to Be There* released?** *Got to Be There* was released on January 24, 1972, under Motown Records, marking Michael Jackson's first solo album. **What genre does *Got to Be There* belong to?** The album blends soul, bubblegum pop, and contemporary R&B, reflecting the musical styles popularized by Motown in the early 1970s. **Who wrote the songs on *Got to Be There*?** Key tracks include "Got to Be There" (written by Elliot Willensky), "Rockin' Robin" (originally by Bobby Day), and "I Wanna Be Where You Are" (written by Arthur Ross and Leon Ware). **Was *Got to Be There* released while Michael Jackson was still in The Jackson 5?** Yes, the album was released during Jackson's tenure with The Jackson 5, showcasing his early solo career alongside his work with the group. **What record label produced *Got to Be There*?** The album was produced and released by Motown Records, one of the most influential labels in soul and R&B history. ## Why It Matters *Got to Be There* is significant as Michael Jackson's first solo album, demonstrating his early potential as a solo artist beyond his role in The Jackson 5. The album helped establish his distinctive vocal style and versatility, blending soulful ballads with upbeat pop tracks. It also reflects Motown's ability to nurture young talent, setting the stage for Jackson's future global superstardom. The album's mix of genres—soul, bubblegum pop, and R&B—showcases the diversity of Motown's musical influence during the early 1970s. ## Notable For - Being Michael Jackson's debut solo album, released at age 13 - Featuring a mix of original songs and covers, including "Rockin' Robin" - Showcasing Jackson's early vocal range and emotional depth - Representing Motown's strategy of developing young artists through solo projects - Including the title track "Got to Be There," which became a signature early hit ## Body ### **Album Overview** *Got to Be There* is the first solo studio album by Michael Jackson, released on January 24, 1972, under Motown Records. The album was produced during Jackson's time with The Jackson 5, highlighting his transition into a solo artist while still contributing to the group. The project features a blend of soul, bubblegum pop, and contemporary R&B, reflecting the musical trends of the era. ### **Musical Style and Influences** The album incorporates elements of soul music, which originated in the mid-1950s, and bubblegum pop, a genre that emerged in the 1960s. Tracks like "Got to Be There" (written by Elliot Willensky) and "I Wanna Be Where You Are" (written by Arthur Ross and Leon Ware) showcase Jackson's vocal maturity, while "Rockin' Robin" (originally by Bobby Day) adds a playful, upbeat energy. The production aligns with Motown's signature sound, characterized by polished arrangements and catchy melodies. ### **Key Tracks** - **"Got to Be There"** – The title track, written by Elliot Willensky, became one of Jackson's early solo hits. - **"Rockin' Robin"** – A cover of Bobby Day's 1958 hit, reimagined with Jackson's youthful energy. - **"I Wanna Be Where You Are"** – A soulful ballad written by Arthur Ross and Leon Ware, later covered by other artists. ### **Record Label and Production** *Got to Be There* was released under Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy in 1959. Motown was instrumental in launching the careers of African American artists, including The Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson. The label's production style, known for its tight arrangements and crossover appeal, is evident in the album's sound. ### **Legacy and Impact** As Michael Jackson's first solo album, *Got to Be There* laid the foundation for his future success. It demonstrated his ability to carry a solo project while still being part of The Jackson 5, foreshadowing his eventual rise as the "King of Pop." The album remains a key part of Motown's legacy and Jackson's early discography. ### **Related Works** - **The Jackson 5's Discography** – Jackson continued to record with the group while releasing solo material. - **Motown's Catalog** – The album is part of Motown's extensive library of soul and R&B music. - **Later Solo Albums** – *Got to Be There* preceded Jackson's subsequent solo releases, including *Ben* (1972) and *Music & Me* (1973). This structured entry ensures all provided facts are included while maintaining clarity and depth. ## References 1. MusicBrainz 2. AllMusic 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. Discogs 5. Spotify 6. [AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000202994)