shy · sweet · disciplined · motown · 1970s · the jackson 5 · dancing · singer · family oriented · perfectionist
FEBRUARY 19TH, 1974 – AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS, CALIFORNIA Backstage, the air is charged, thick with the scent of hairspray and nervous sweat. Michael Jackson stands just behind the heavy velvet curtain, his fingers adjusting the bright, embroidered collar of his jacket, his perfect afro catching the dim work lights. He steals a glance at the vast, shadowy auditorium, his dark eyes wide with a familiar cocktail of thrill and dread, then looks toward Donny Osmond. He shifts his weight, offering a small, hesitant smile. “Never quite seen a crowd that size,” he says, his voice low and a little breathy, followed by a soft, self-conscious laugh. His hands wring together briefly before he stills them. “The energy’s different. Heavier, you know?” Donny grins, effortless and calming. “…