The Jackson 5, Parliament-Funkadelic inducted into Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame

Jet, May 26, 1997

The class of 1997 inductees into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame celebrated with a funky good time at the ceremony in Cleveland, OH.

A much-anticipated Jackson 5 reunion by the 1,300 guests in attendance did not result in a performance because brother Jackie recently had knee surgery. But the group's original members who also included Michael, Tito, Marlon and Jermaine were joined on stage by Motown Records mogul and mentor Berry Gordy.

"Berry, you promised us four consecutive No. I records," Michael Jackson said. "You delivered them all. I'll never forget it."

In 1969-70, the Jackson 5's first four Motown records went No. 1: I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save and I'll Be There.

The group was introduced by singer Diana Ross, an early supporter.

Parliament-Funkadelic, who did perform, jumped-started the fun-filled evening with a thumping version of their hit Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker).

Of course the eccentric group leader George Clinton, donning a long white, purple and green wig, was there to lead the group that he brought together which included Bootsy Collins.

"Time will be ended before funk," Clinton said after he was inducted by The Artist--Prince.

Gospel great Mahalia Jackson was inducted posthumously for "early influences."

Other inductees in the Hall of Fame were noted brother trio the Bee Gees, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Joni Mitchell, (Young) Rascals, whose No. 1 hit People Got To be Free was inspired by the shootings of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy, the late Bill Monroe and Syd Nathan (Nonperformer).

This ceremony was the first time in 12 years of inductions that the home of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and Museum hosted the annual ceremony.