THEME = Remake Wednesday: original (Jackson 5) & cover (Mariah Carey)

Today’s feature is “I’ll Be There”….

#1
The Jackson 5, a family group from Gary IN, formed in 1964 as the Jackson Brothers, with founding members Jackie, Tito & Jermaine. After Marlon & Michael joined, the name was changed. This song, written by Berry Gordy, Hal David & Willie Hutch, was originally recorded by this band. Released 08/28/1970 as the 1st single from their album ‘3rd Album’, this song claimed #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1971. It was their 4th straight chart topper, behind “I Want You Back”, “ABC” & “The Love You Save”; the feat made them the 1st black male group to notch 4 consecutive chart toppers. Their version also claimed #1 on the R&B chart, while reaching #24 on the Adult Contemporary chart.

#2
This Huntington NY-native singer-songwriter-producer released her self-titled debut album in 1990 & gained immediate fame & recognition. Her version of this song hit the airwaves 05/26/1992 from her album ‘MTV Unplugged’. This song was a last-minute addition to the album; while it had not been planned as a single, her performance with Trey Lorenz on the “MTV Unplugged” special 05/20/1992 ignited many requests for the single. A radio edit was done & the rest is history. Her version claimed #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (her 6th chart topper there) & also on the Adult Contemporary chart; on the R&B chart, it peaked at #11. Internationally, it claimed #1 in Canada (3 charts), Netherlands (2 charts) & New Zealand, while notching in the Top 10 in Australia (#9), Belgium (#4), Ireland (#3), Norway (#10) & England (#2).