1976
Motown begins court procedure over The Jackson 5 departure to CBS seeking $ 20 millions damages.
Steve Manning, a friend of the Jacksons and president of their fan club published a book on the family titled The Jacksons.
Carol Ann gives birth to Valencia Jackson.
January: Michael accepts an award on behalf of Gladys Knight & The Pips at the American Music Awards and he also presents an award to Aretha Franklin with David Soul.
February 16: The Jacksons perform Forever Came Today at the Rich Little Show.
March 10: The Jackson 5 contract with Motown and they are free to move to CBS Epic Records.
June 15: Motown releases The Jackson 5 Anthology.
June 16: Premiere of The Jacksons Variety Show on CBS. The show based on their Las Vegas set features The Jacksons + The Jackson Sisters (Rebbie, LaToya & Janet) singing, dancing & acting with guest stars such as Mohamed Ali, Sonny, Redd Fox or Linda Carter. Each week during the summer, the series is a big hit even though Michael hates to do it because of lack of time to rehearse.
June 24: The Jacksons are on the cover of Jet Magazine.
July : The Jacksons are guest on The Tonight Show where they give an interview and perform 2 songs.
October: The Jacksons ’ first single for Epic is released and a big hit for the group.
November: The Jacksons ’ first album for Epic titled The Jacksons is released. Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia , the album is produced by Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff featuring for the first time two songs produced by The Jacksons : Style Of Life & Blues Away (written by Michael)
The Jacksons are on the cover of Rock & Soul Magazine.
December: The Jacksons are on the cover of Jet & Soul Magazine.