Mama's Pearl

"Mama's Pearl"
Single by The Jackson 5
from the album Third Album
Released	January 7, 1971 (U.S.)
Format	Vinyl record (7" 45 RPM)
Recorded	July 1970 Hitsville West, Los Angeles
Genre	Bubblegum pop/Soul
Length	3:12
Label	Motown
Writer(s)	Berry Gordy Alphonzo Mizell Deke Richards Freddie Perren
Producer	The Corporation
The Jackson 5 singles chronology
"I'll Be There" (1970) "'Mama's Pearl" (1970) "Never Can Say Goodbye" (1971)

"Mama's Pearl" was a hit recording for The Jackson 5 in 1971.

It was one of six consecutive Top 5 singles for the legendary Motown, soul and funk group, reaching #2 when it was released and was written by the Corporation, a songwriting team that had helped the group score four consecutive #1 singles in a row for the group. It peaked at #25 in the UK.

The song, while sung mostly by Michael featured cameo spots from brothers Jermaine and Jackie. According to a Jackson biographer, "Mama's Pearl" was originally called "Guess Who's Making Whoopie (With Your Girlfriend)". Producer Deke Richards reportedly had the lyrics and title changed to preserve Michael Jackson's youthful, innocent image.^[1]

Personnel

• Lead and Background Vocals: Michael Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson and Marlon Jackson
• Written, produced, and arranged by The Corporation: Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell, Deke Richards & Freddie Perren
• Instrumentation by various Los Angeles studio musicians

References

1. ^ Taraborrelli, J. Randy (2003). Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Madness. London: Sidgwick & Jackson. p. 80.