The band recorded with their instruments and a backing group on the weekends. Michael Jackson sang lead vocals on the majority of the tracks beginning with "Big Boy" in 1967, which took a few hours to record at Sunny Sawyers recording studio in South Chicago. "Big Boy" was written by songwriter Eddie Silvers, a Chicago musician. According to legend, the group were paid three cents for each record sold, which was equally split among the five brothers and their drummer. The group's first single "Big Boy", was backed with the B-side "You've Changed", written by Jesse Reese. This song was later re-recorded for inclusion on their debut album Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5. "The Jackson Five Plus Johnny" (Johnny Jackson on drums, no relation) would go on to perform "Big Boy" and other songs locally throughout the Gary and South Chicago area before moving to California in 1969.
