The Jackson 5
ListenBig Boy — Steeltown version · 1968
The Jackson Five — “Big Boy,” the Steeltown recording.
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1968 · Steeltown
Big Boy / You’ve Changed
Before Motown, the Jackson brothers were a working family group playing around Gary and Chicago. Their first commercial single, “Big Boy,” brought nine-year-old Michael’s voice to record on the local Steeltown label in January 1968. [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0133 |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Jackson Five, featuring Michael Jackson |
| Release | 1968 · United States |
| Label | Steeltown · 681 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | Original local red-label issue |
| Runouts | A: 681-A B: 681-B |
| Recorded grade | VG+ · strong playback |
Release history and significance
The brothers’ early audience stretched beyond their home in Gary, Indiana. Marlon Jackson recalled playing Chicago’s High Chaparral, Regal Theater, Peppermint Lounge and Guys and Gals; Jackie remembered the encouragement they received from those audiences. Clubs and theatres gave the family an apprenticeship before national success. [2]
Gordon Keith’s Steeltown label issued “Big Boy” with “You’ve Changed” on 31 January 1968. The single first circulated locally, with a later version carrying Atlantic/Atco distribution. This red-label copy belongs to the local issue without that distribution credit. [1]
Michael’s lead vocal already gives the performance its centre: a child singer carrying rhythm-and-blues material with striking assurance, surrounded by the family ensemble. The small independent single preserves the group before the polished Motown recordings that made them internationally familiar.
Market context
Discogs lists sales for the red-label Steeltown 681 entry from US$12 to US$106.76, with a median of US$50, as recorded on 13 September 2026. The latest listed sale was 27 July 2026. [1]
Physical Description
Seven-inch black vinyl with black printing on red Steeltown labels. Both sides carry catalogue number 681; the labels have no Atlantic/Atco distribution credit.
Condition
The disc is graded VG+. Scuffs and scratches are visible, but none were detectable by touch during inspection. Playback is strong and clean, assessed at EX-/VG++, with no skips, crackle or pops. The red labels are clean and well preserved.
Provenance
Acquired through eBay from seller thegreenleevintagefinds on 19 July 2026.
William and Adohna Greenlee supplied a written account of finding the record in the Philippines during the summer of 2023. While looking for vintage material, they encountered a small sale outside a family home. The Filipino couple selling it described themselves as longtime admirers of the Jackson family and said they had treasured the single for many years.
The Greenlees bought the record directly from the couple and brought it from the Philippines to the United States. [3]
Sources
- Discogs, The Jackson Five — Big Boy, release 9411879. Local red-label Steeltown issue, runouts, release date and sales history.
- Reginald Ponder, WBEZ, Before the Jackson 5 Hit It Big. Marlon and Jackie Jackson’s recollections of the family’s early Chicago performances.
- William and Adohna Greenlee, written provenance statement. Philippine acquisition in summer2023 and subsequent transport to the United States.
- 45cat, The Jackson Five — Big Boy / You’ve Changed. Steeltown release and label variants.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.