Got to Be There - Michael Jackson (1971) 10/16/22

Today's "Great Song of 1971 was a bit of a surprise to me.

I would have guessed that Michael Jackson's solo debut would have been "Rockin' Robin," or even "Ben," but in reality, it's "Got to Be There."

After The Jackson Five's string of hits in 1970, the powers-that-be at Motown were quick to recognize young Michael's "teen Idol" potential, so they commissioned a solo album called "Got to Be there," and 51 years ago this month, they released the title cut as a single.

Of course, it was a huge success, reaching #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 and Soul Charts, as well as #14 on the Easy Listening Chart. (Note: Cashbox Magazine had it listed at #1.) The song was also a hit in Canada (#3) and the UK (#5).

And for the record, "Rockin' Robin" was the SECOND release from the album.

There have been several covers over the years. For example, Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross included "Got to Be There" on albums, and in 1983, Chaka Khan took her single version to #5 on the R&B Chart.

Although "Got to Be There" is not the first song that comes to mind when you think of Michael Jackson...it was...and still is...a "Great Song of 1971!

Chaka Kahn: