Unrivaled access to the family archives as well as the private collections of Jackie, Marlon and Tito Jackson, combined with 12 days of exclusive interviews with the brothers, reveals the untold, unseen, and utterly unforgettable story behind the legend that is the Jacksons.

The compelling tale unfolds from their childhood days living at 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, through the years signed to Motown as the Jackson 5, their radical move to Epic as The Jacksons, the blossoming of their solo careers, the dizzying successes of the Victory tour, right up to the present day.

A multitude of never-before-seen images, rarities and personal possessions help tell the story.

Photos include intensely personal family pictures; all-angle shots of the first guitars the boys ever held; top photographer Harrison Funks exclusive coverage of their professional lives; photos of Michael Jackson on tour with his brothers during the release of Off The Wall (1979) and the 1982 phenomenon that was Thriller- the best-selling album of all time; editions of magazines featuring the family; and official merchandise, right down to Jacksons-branded breakfast cereal boxes with giveaway 7 records attached.

Published to coincide with their 50th anniversary, The Jacksons: Legacy is the definitive behind-the-scenes chronicle of the Jacksons lives and careers, celebrating 50 years of one of the greatest acts of all time.

Fred Bronson is music expert, appearing on both American Idol and CMTs Next Superstar.

Beyond his television writing for shows such as The American Music Awards and Dick Clarks New Years Rockin Eve, he has written five books, which include The Sound of Music Family Scrapbook and Billboards Hottest Hot 100 Hits.

Ive seen a 1972 interview clip ( here ) where a news reporter asked Michael about when he was planning to leave the group and start a solo career.

He has been the sibling that has most often and most consistently come to Michaels defense in the press.

He is Michaels older brother, the second lead vocal of the group, and one of Michaels most recognizable soldiers of love.

Yet, Jermaine Jackson has been so often overlooked and misunderstood in the Michael Jackson fan community.

Ive been attending events and meeting Michael Jackson fans for over 15 years.

I have lost count of how many times Ive heard fans (including ones within my circle of friends) share negative sentiments about Jermaine.

Growing up I had a great deal of admiration for the entire family.

But why didnt anyone see or hear what I did Why are people so set on believing what they want to when it comes to Michaels family (especially Jermaine) The past few weeks, I sat down to take a closer look.

Listening to hours of Jackson 5 music, watching interviews and reading both the words of both brothers.

This is What I Know About Jermaine Jackson- A Michael Jackson Fan Perspective.

Got to Be There- The Brotherhood the Musical Rivalry Well, you dont get to do things that other children get to do, having friends and slumber parties and buddies.

Michael Jackson Each of the Jacksons have shared how tight their brotherhood was during the Motown years.

They rehearsed together, toured together, and even before that- they shared space, sleeping in a 3-level bunk-bed in their bedroom in Gary.

They often shared a room together, with their father Joseph in the next adjoining one.

He wanted to keep an eye (or an ear) out for his two lead singers.

Michael and I seemed to spend all our down-time together in those days and the bond between us was sealed tight.

I cannot remember an argument or a fight in our childhood Michael looked up to me, I looked out for him.

If I couldnt see Michael, and know he was okay, I didnt feel at ease.

I can relate. My younger sister and I didnt always see eye to eye as kids but still- Ive never felt comfortable with her facing a difficult or stressful situation.

Whether she knew it or not, whether the people around us knew it or not, I always tried to make decisions that I thought were in her best interest.

So, when did the rivalry between Michael and Jermaine start Well, it probably started with Motown.

But, the record label just as much as the public, were crafting a rivalry between the brothers that would last, starting with their first solo albums.

Michael Jackson- Got To Be There January 24, 1972 Jermaine Jackson- Jermaine July 14, 1972 Michael Jackson- Ben January 4, 1972 Michael Jackson- Music Me April 13, 1973 Jermaine Jackson- Come Into My Life May 6, 1973 Michael Jackson- Forever, Michael January 16, 1975 The solo projects for Michael and Jermaine were created to contribute to and strengthen the Jackson 5 brand.

However, the press was quick to create a rivalry, asking each of them during interviews how it felt to compete on the music charts.

The Jacksons Victory Zip