Michael Jackson – Got To Be There (Album)

Riding high on the wild success of the Jackson 5, Motown ringleader Berry Gordy assembled every single notable production team member and songwriter in his arsenal to contribute to the solo debut of Michael.

Released on September 13, 1971. It includes the song of the same name, which was released in the fall of 1971 as Jackson’s debut solo single.

By the time Got to Be There was released, much had changed in the Jackson dynamic, none the least Michael’s voice.
This album launched three chart singles: a cover of the bubblegum classic "Rockin’ Robin," Leon Ware’s "I Wanna Be Where You Are," and the title track.

The album peaked at number fourteen on the US pop albums chart and number 5 on the US R&B album chart when it was released. The album also included covers of Bill Withers’ "Ain’t No Sunshine" and James Taylor & Carole King’s "You’ve Got a Friend".

Got to Be There kept Gordy as king of the sound of young America.

Singles :
Got to be there / Maria (you were the only one)
Rockin’ Robin / Love is here and now is gone
I wanna be where you are / We’ve got good thing going
Ain’t no Sunshine