Michael Jackson - Got to Be There (7" Single) (1971) Vinyl 45 • Motown, Maria

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Condition Details:

Vinyl plays with crackles and some clicks (play-graded). 7" Single. Replacement generic white sleeve. Some scuffing on the label. Original label sleeve NOT included. (Not a cut-out.)

Tracks:

1. Got To Be There
2. Maria (You Were The Only One)

About The Record:

Got to Be There, by Michael Jackson, was released as a single from his album Got to Be There. This pop ballad with soul and soft rock elements, written by Elliot Willensky and produced by Hal Davis, marked Michael Jackson's debut as a solo artist at age 13 while he continued performing with the Jackson 5, signifying a pivotal transition in his career that helped establish him as an independent talent. Recorded at Motown's Hitsville West studios, it features background vocals from his brothers and showcases his youthful yet emotive vocal delivery on themes of love and commitment. As a fan-favorite and historically significant track, it highlighted Motown's strategy to launch solo careers from the group, blending Jackson's signature charm with polished production that appealed to both pop and R&B audiences. The single became a major hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the R&B chart while topping the Cashbox chart at No. 1, and it also peaked at No. 5 in the UK.