The Jackson 5 Debuts on Blockchain – “Big Boy (One-derful Version)” Goes Digital
TLDR:
- The Jackson 5’s first-ever recording, “Big Boy (One-derful Version),” from 1967, sees its digital release after 56 years.
- Fans can choose between the $25 “open edition” including the song, master tape images, agreements, and more, or the $100 “limited edition” with additional songs, stems, and exclusive artwork.
- Both editions will be available worldwide for 48 hours, starting Wednesday at noon ET, exclusively on anotherblock’s site.
- Discovered in 2009, the studio master recording of “Big Boy” became the focal point of this exclusive digital release, involving partners from the One-derful studio.
- A portion of the sale revenue, in collaboration with Katherine Jackson, will support the Legacy Foundation, benefitting Gary, Indiana, the hometown of the Jackson family.
On July 13, 1967, a historic moment unfolded in Chicago’s One-derful studios, as Michael Jackson and his brothers recorded their first-ever song, “Big Boy.”
Now, after 56 years, this significant piece of music history is making its digital debut. Collaborating with Recordpool and Swedish blockchain-based music marketplace anotherblock, the exclusive release offers fans a unique opportunity to own a part of The Jackson 5’s early journey.
Unveiling the Digital Editions
Priced at $25, the “open edition” package comprises the “Big Boy (One-derful Version),” accessible through anotherblock’s player, along with master tape images, agreements, downloadable song stems, and a digital vinyl B-side featuring “Michael the Lover” and “My Girl,” accompanied by their stems.
presenting: the first-ever studio recording by THE JACKSON 5 - BIG BOY (one-derful version) ✨
— anotherblock (@anotherblock_io) November 23, 2023
listen to the full song and immerse yourself in the details of the recording, like MICHAEL JACKSON's first-ever studio take, through never-before-heard stems (individual tracks).
own… pic.twitter.com/3R7eJWuvbN
For enthusiasts seeking more, the $100 “limited edition” not only includes the open edition contents but also boasts newly designed artwork and additional songs and stems from the Steeltown sessions in 1967.
This deluxe package features tracks like “Big Boy (Steeltown Version),” “We Don’t Have to Be Over 21 (To Fall in Love),” “Tracks of My Tears,” and more.
Both editions will be available globally for 48 hours, starting Wednesday at noon ET via the anotherblock site.
Behind the Scenes: Rediscovering the Master Recording
The journey to release the “Big Boy (One-derful Version)” began in 2009 when journalist Jake Austen discovered the studio master recording.
The song was pivotal, representing the first time Michael Jackson’s voice graced a recording and marked The Jackson 5’s debut.
Ernie Leaner’s One-derful studio, a Chicago label from the ’60s, played a crucial role in this historic moment. The master recording’s rediscovery set the stage for this exclusive digital release, with Ernie Leaner’s son, Eric Leaner, and the One-derful estate as partners in this endeavor.
A Unique Approach to Digital Ownership
Reflecting on the release, anotherblock CEO Michel D Traore expressed excitement about bringing this significant piece of music history to the world.
“For certain songs, and this one in particular, it’s evident that they deserve a special home where they won’t get lost in the mass of hundreds of thousands of songs released on the same day,” said him.
The digital vinyls offered a chance to imbue each release with a unique story, avoiding the risk of being lost amid the multitude of daily releases.
Traore emphasized that these digital vinyls aim to replicate the feeling of owning a physical record.
Alongside the recording, an in-depth editorial piece provides a deep dive into The Jackson 5’s early days, complemented by original photos.
Giving Back to Gary, Indiana
In a heartening move, a portion of the sale revenue, in partnership with Katherine Jackson, will contribute to the Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit serving Gary, Indiana.
This endeavor aligns with anotherblock’s commitment to experimenting with digital ownership concepts within the music industry.
Katherine Jackson expressed gratitude, noting that the Jackson family’s musical heritage finds a new rhythm for the digital age through anotherblock’s initiative.
“Through Anotherblock’s endeavor, the Jackson family’s initial recordings of our musical heritage find a new rhythm for the digital age,” Katherine Jackson says in a statement.
“It is a testament that the Jacksons’ story, just like our music, remains timeless. And the best part is that some proceeds will go to a local foundation to help the families of Gary, Indiana.”
The release not only preserves timeless music but also supports the local community in Gary, Indiana.
As anotherblock CEO Traore stated, this unique format is an experiment to replicate the essence of owning a physical vinyl record, providing a fresh perspective on digital music ownership.
For more Web3 news, check out the XGA newsfeed.