Got to Be There (song)

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"Got To Be There"
"Got To Be There" cover
Single by Michael Jackson
from the album Got to Be There
B-side(s) "Maria"
Released November 6, 1971
Format 7" single
Recorded 1971
Genre Soul/pop
Length 2:53
Label Motown Records
Writer(s) Greg Willensky
Producer(s) Hal Davis
Chart positions
  • #4 (US)
    • #2 (US R&B)
  • #5 (UK)
Michael Jackson singles chronology
"Got to be There"
(1972)
"Rockin' Robin"
(1972)
Audio sample
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"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 Donny Osmond's solo recordings including "Sweet and Innocent". The single, written by Greg Willensky and produced by longtime Jackson 5 producer Hal Davis, was a success reaching number four on the US pop singles chart, number two on the US black singles chart and reaching number five on the UK pop singles chart and helping to establish Jackson as a solo act while still with his brothers.

[edit] Credits

  • Lead and background vocals by Michael Jackson
  • Additional background vocals by assorted singers
  • Instrumentation by assorted Los Angeles musicians