Got to Be There (song)

Infobox Single
Name = Got to Be There


Artist = Michael Jackson
from Album = Got to Be There
B-side = "Maria"
Released = October 7, 1971
Format = 7" single
Recorded = Summer 1971
Genre = Soul/Pop
Length = 3:22
Label = Motown Records
Writer = Elliot Willensky
Producer = Hal Davis
This single = "Got to be There"
(1971)
Next single = "Rockin' Robin"
(1972)
Misc = Audiosample
Upper caption = Audio sample
Audio file = Michael Jackson Got to Be There.ogg

"Got to Be There" is a 1971 single released by Michael Jackson on the Motown label. It was the singer's first solo single following his successful tenure as the lead singer of The Jackson 5. Michael's solo career began in earnest after the success of "Got to Be There". The single, written by Elliot Willensky and produced by longtime Jackson 5 producer Hal Davis, was a success reaching number four on both the U.S. pop singles and R&B charts, and reaching number five on the UK Singles Chart and helping to establish Jackson as a solo act while still with his brothers.

"Got to Be There" was covered by Chaka Khan on her eponymous 1982 solo album. Her version reached the Billboard R&B top 5 and was nominated for a Grammy Award. It was also covered by Boyz II Men for their 2007 album .

Credits

*Lead and background vocals by Michael Jackson
*Additional background vocals by assorted singers
*Instrumentation by assorted Los Angeles musicians
*Other background vocals by Marlon Jackson and Jackie Jackson.