ABC

Recorded in December 1969 at Motown California Studios in Los Angeles, the track featured Michael Jackson on lead vocal with his brothers and Motown Corporation guiding the session. The arrangement used Los Angeles session players under the production direction of Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonso Mizell, and Deke Richards. Released by Motown in February 1970, it became the group second consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number one and displaced the Beatles Let It Be from the top of the chart. It confirmed the Jackson 5 as Motown dominant new pop act after I Want You Back. The song remains one of the group signature recordings and a defining early showcase for Michael Jackson lead vocal. Its chant-like hook and bright arrangement have kept it prominent in film, television, advertising, samples, and later cover versions.