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Archival 1975 Video Shows Michael Jackson and Cher Dancing

An archival television broadcast from March 1975 highlighted the transition of Michael Jackson from a child prodigy into an influential solo performer. During an appearance on The Cher Show, The Jackson 5 joined host Cher to perform a musical medley that included hits such as I Want You Back and Dancing Machine. The segment featured a synchronized robot dance routine that showcased the sixteen-year-old singer's rapid mechanical movements. Jackson's solo section stood out as he danced alongside Cher, who later revealed in a 2003 interview that she had to learn the intricate choreography quickly on the day of filming. At the time of the broadcast, Jackson was also demonstrating a maturing vocal range that pointed toward his subsequent solo career. Following the 1975 performance, both acts underwent significant career shifts, with The Jackson 5 moving to Epic Records as The Jacksons and Cher returning to work with Sonny Bono.

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The essential points

  1. 01A 1975 appearance on The Cher Show captured a sixteen-year-old Michael Jackson performing an intricate robot dance alongside Cher.
  2. 02The televised medley included popular Jackson 5 tracks such as Dancing Machine, I Want You Back, and Never Can Say Goodbye.
  3. 03Cher recalled in a subsequent interview that she had to quickly master the group's choreography during production.
  4. 04Both musical acts shifted directions the following year as The Jackson 5 changed labels and Cher reunited with Sonny Bono.
The full brief

An archival television broadcast from March 1975 highlighted the transition of Michael Jackson from a child prodigy into an influential solo performer. During an appearance on The Cher Show, The Jackson 5 joined host Cher to perform a musical medley that included hits such as I Want You Back and Dancing Machine.

The segment featured a synchronized robot dance routine that showcased the sixteen-year-old singer's rapid mechanical movements. Jackson's solo section stood out as he danced alongside Cher, who later revealed in a 2003 interview that she had to learn the intricate choreography quickly on the day of filming.

At the time of the broadcast, Jackson was also demonstrating a maturing vocal range that pointed toward his subsequent solo career. Following the 1975 performance, both acts underwent significant career shifts, with The Jackson 5 moving to Epic Records as The Jacksons and Cher returning to work with Sonny Bono.