Bobby Taylor — Not Diana Ross — Actually Discovered Them One of Motown’s most persistent myths involves who discovered the Jackson 5. In 1968, Bobby Taylor (of Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers) discovered a group of five talented young brothers from Gary, Indiana and brought them to Motown’s attention.

Bobby Taylor — The Man Who Truly Discovered the Jackson 5 

For decades, many believed that Diana Ross discovered the Jackson 5—but the real story tells a different truth. In 1968, it was Bobby Taylor of Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers who first recognized the extraordinary talent of five young brothers from Gary, Indiana and brought them to Motown’s attention.

The Real Beginning Behind the Legend

At the time, Motown was a powerhouse shaping the sound of a generation. When Bobby Taylor saw the Jackson brothers perform, he immediately understood their potential. Their energy, harmonies, and stage presence stood out in a way that couldn’t be ignored. Taylor didn’t just admire them—he acted. He personally introduced them to Motown, opening the door that would soon change music history.

Why the Myth Still Lives On

So why do so many people still believe Diana Ross discovered them? The answer lies in branding. Motown later promoted that narrative as part of the group’s official introduction to the world, tying their debut to Ross’s already established fame. It was a powerful marketing move—but it overshadowed the truth.

What makes this story so compelling is how it reminds us that behind every legendary success, there are often unsung figures who helped make it possible. Bobby Taylor’s role may not always be in the spotlight, but without his belief in those five young brothers, the rise of the Jackson 5 might have looked very different ❤️🎶

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Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Uh-huh, huh-huh
Just let me tell you now
Huh-huh (mm)

When I had you to myself, I didn’t want you around
Those pretty faces always made you stand out in a crowd
But someone picked you from the bunch, one glance was all it took
Now it’s much too late for me to take a second look

Oh, baby, give me one more chance (to show you that I love you)
Won’t you please let me back in your heart?
Oh, darlin’, I was blind to let you go (let you go, baby)
But now since I see you in his arms (I want you back)

Yes, I do now (I want you back)
Ooh, ooh, baby (I want you back)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (I want you back)
Na, na, na, na

Trying to live without your love is one long sleepless night
Let me show you, girl, that I know wrong from right
Every street you walk on, I leave tear stains on the ground (ooh, ooh-ooh)
Followin’ the girl I didn’t even want around
Let me tell you now

Oh, baby, all I need is one more chance (to show you that I love you)
Won’t you please let me back in your heart?
Oh, darlin’, I was blind to let you go (let you go, baby)
But now since I see you in his arms, uh-huh

A-boo-boo-boo-boo
A-boo-boo-boo-boo, all I want
A-boo-boo-boo-boo, all I need
Buh-boo-boo-boo, all I want
A-boo-boo-boo-boo, all I need

Oh, just one more chance
To show you that I love you, baby (baby)
Baby (baby), baby (baby)
I want you back

Forget what happened then (huh)
Let me live again

Oh, baby, I was blind to let you go
But now since I see you in his arms
I want you back