Happy, smiling, and dressed to the nines - if you make allowances for the fashion of the time - at first glance you'd think that this picture captures the Jackson 5 at the peak of their powers, but it doesn't. Taken in 1973, this image comes right from the tail end of the original lineup's run at the top of the charts.
The focus of the group's attention is Michael, and it well might be - his solo career had already begun, and the success of 'Ben' had made him an international name in his own right. Behind the scenes issues with their recording company were taking their toll, and before long Jermaine was gone to start a solo career of his own. For the band, it was the beginning of the end. For Michael, the end of the beginning.