By Isabelle Wilson-
Fallen late music icon, Michael Jackson’s, Debut Track is to enter the Digital Age Through Blockchain. On July 13, 1967, history was made as a young Michael Jackson, alongside his brothers, entered Chicago’s One-derful studios for their very first recording session.
The result was the creation of the song “Big Boy,” marking the inception of Jackson’s illustrious musical journey. Now, after decades of obscurity, this iconic piece of music history is set to make a groundbreaking digital debut through a collaboration between Recordpool, anotherblock, and the Jackson family.
The release of “Big Boy (One-derful Version)” on the blockchain, a decentralized and transparent digital ledger comes against the controversial backdrop of Jackson’s legacy, clouded by allegations of sexual abuse that shook the foundation of the King of Pop’s reputation.
Those allegations which until this day has been denied by his family, tarnished the pop’s star’s legacy. but has not stopped his music from being remembered, despite the wide berth, including several of his sponsors and past fans have given to his music.
Only last week, a trio of Jackson albums claimed several spots on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart, which consists of 25 spaces overall. Unsurprisingly, “Thriller” took a spot, peaking at No. 6 during the week ending on Dec. 2, according to Luminate.
The limited-edition release, available for purchase through anotherblock’s platform, offers fans an opportunity to own a piece of musical history. Priced at $25, the “open edition” includes the digitized “Big Boy (One-derful Version),” access to anotherblock’s player, images of the master tape and agreements, downloadable song stems, and a digital vinyl B-side featuring “Michael the Lover” and “My Girl” with their stems.
The $100 “limited edition” goes beyond the open edition, featuring newly designed artwork and nine additional songs and stems from the Steeltown sessions in 1967.
The expanded repertoire includes gems like “Big Boy (Steeltown Version),” “We Don’t Have to Be Over 21 (To Fall in Love),” “You’ve Changed,” “Tracks of My Tears,” “Lonely Heart,” “Saturday Night at the Movies,” “Stormy Monday,” and “Under the Boardwalk.”
The significance of this release goes beyond the mere commercialization of music and represents a collaboration between Recordpool, anotherblock, and the Jackson family, highlighting the efforts to preserve and share Michael Jackson’s early works.
According to anotherblock CEO and co-founder Michel D Traore, the process took about six months of meticulous discussions to bring this significant piece of music history to the world.
Traore, a passionate MJ fan himself, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “As a passionate MJ fan myself, I was instantly thrilled about introducing this significant piece of music history to the world and expanding the narrative of Jackson 5’s early days.”
He added: “Our digital vinyls are a product for the digital age, providing us with the opportunity to imbue them with a unique story.”
The discovery of the studio master recording for “Big Boy (One-derful Version)” in 2009 by journalist Jake Austen adds a layer of authenticity to this release.
The song, which was later re-recorded in a separate session and released as The Jackson 5’s first single by Steeltown Records in January 1968, carries the essence of the Jacksons’ formative years.
The One-derful studio, a Chicago label in the ’60s, holds historical significance, located on South Michigan Avenue near Chess Records on the city’s Record Row.
It was owned by brothers George and Ernie Leaner, with Ernie’s son, Eric Leaner, and the One-derful estate joining hands for this release.
The unique aspect of this release lies in its limited-time availability. The packages, both open and limited editions, will be accessible worldwide for only 48 hours, starting Wednesday at noon ET via the another block site.
This exclusivity adds an element of urgency for fans and collectors alike, contributing to the sense of owning a rare piece of musical history.
However, this release is not just about the music. It is a storytelling experience.
Traore explains: “In addition to telling the story on our platform, we have crafted an in-depth editorial piece for this release that will be available alongside the recording. It presents a deep dive into the early days of The Jackson 5, complete with original photos.”
While this digital release brings an innovative format to the music industry, it also raises questions about the concept of digital ownership. Traore acknowledges this: “We keep on experimenting to expand the concept of digital ownership within the music industry.
‘This is for sure very different from a ‘normal’ music release, and it’s interesting to try a whole new format and see what the response is. I really hope that we can replicate a part of the feeling of owning a physical vinyl record – that’s our goal with this new format!”
In a world where technology continues to reshape the music industry, the blockchain release of “Big Boy (One-derful Version)” serves as a pioneering venture into the intersection of nostalgia, innovation, and preservation.
The digital age has opened new possibilities for experiencing and sharing music, and this release adds a unique chapter to the ongoing saga of Michael Jackson’s musical legacy.
Controversies Surrounding Sexual Abuse Allegations
However, it is impossible to discuss Michael Jackson’s legacy without acknowledging the controversies that have surrounded his name. The allegations of sexual abuse made by two men, who claim to have been routinely abused as young boys, cast a long shadow over Jackson’s reputation.
These accusations, explored in the documentary “Leaving Neverland,” have led to a reevaluation of Jackson’s contributions to music and his impact on popular culture.
The release of “Big Boy (One-derful Version)” on the blockchain raises the question of how fans and the public at large perceive and separate the art from the artist.
The transparency and immutability offered by blockchain technology bring a new level of authenticity to this release, but it also confronts consumers with the challenge of reconciling the artist’s personal life with their artistic contributions.
In a statement accompanying the release, Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, emphasized the historical significance of this digital release. She stated, “Through Anotherblock’s endeavor, the Jackson family’s initial recordings of our musical heritage find a new rhythm for the digital age.
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.”
This commitment to giving back to the community adds a philanthropic dimension to the release. A portion of the sale revenue will go to the Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit serving Lake County, Indiana, where Jackson’s hometown of Gary is located.
This gesture aims to connect the digital release to the roots of the Jackson family, contributing to the well-being of the community that played a crucial role in shaping the early years of the iconic pop star.