In History - Feb 12

 In the Feb 12 issue of the Pentecostal Evangel, Carrie Judd Montgomery (1858-1946) wrote an article on the steps of faith taken by Abraham 1938  

Carrie Judd Montgomery grew up the middle of eight children and gave her life to Christ at the age of 11. For two years, Carrie suffered the injury of a fall when only in her teens. Through suffering that made her sensitive to even the feel of her blankets, she read W. W. Patton's book Remarkable Answers to Prayer. And, it was through Patton's message that Carrie gained conviction God could answer prayer for healing. 

In 1879, Carrie's  father read about the healing of Sarah Ann Freeman Mix, an African American woman who had been healed of tuberculosis. Sarah had a ministry of praying for the sick, and Carrie followed by asking her sister to send a letter to Mix for prayer. Sarah replied, asking Carrie's family to trust God and to believe in the promise of James 5:15  -

Sarah also asked the family to pray at a specific time, on Feb 26, assuring that her prayer group would also be praying during that time. After following through in faith, Carrie was miraculously healed by God. 

A piece written about her healing was published in the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser in Oct 1880. Well received, Carrie wrote her testimony and began to widely distribute it, 'The Prayer of Faith' (1880).  The book became one of the first theological writings on divine healing through the power of of Jesus' atonement.  In the Feb 12 issue of Pentecostal Evangel 1938, Carrie wrote on the steps of faith taken by Abraham. She explains in the article --

When you really hear God speak through His Word it is as easy to believe as it is to take your next breath. If you have ever had an experience of this kind, the memory of it will always encourage you to trust Him yet again. -- Carrie Judd Montgomery, Pentecostal Evangel 1938

The man who Carrie would later marry was healed in prayer from  John Alexander Dowie in 1888, and he was a believer of divine healing. Carrie and her husband, George S. Montgomery established the ‘Home of Peace’ in 1893, as a place of refreshing for missionaries.

Listen to reading of one of Carrie's sermons in this video, where she shares on some of her faith journey to healing.

Life on Wings: The Possibilities of Pentecost by Carrie Judd Montgomery, post by Jennifer A. Miskov

Reference

Carrie Judd Montgomery 1858-1946. http://smithwigglesworth.com/pensketches/montgomeryc.htm

Oberg, R. E. (Feb 13, 2020). This week in history Feb 12, 1938. https://news.ag.org/en/Features/This-Week-in-AG-History-Feb-12-1938

In History - Feb 13

The Catholic pope meets with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in the predominately Roman Catholic country of Mexico 2016

 During his 2016 visit to Mexico , the Catholic pope addressed church leadership at Mexico City’s cathedral, stating - 

" ... We don’t need princes but rather a community of the Lord’s witnesses." 

 ... adding that they should not engage in back-room deals with “today’s Pharaohs" (Los Angeles Times, Feb 13, 2016). 

Reference 

In visit to Mexico, Pope Francis urges end to corruption, violence. (Feb 13, 2016). https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/in-visit-to-mexico-pope-francis-urges-end-to-corruption

Wilkinson, T., McDonnell P. J. (February 13, 2016). Pope warns Mexican church against dealing with ‘today’s Pharoahs’ at the expense of the poor. https://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-pope-mexico-20160213-story.html

Defender (cover) | Isa 44

Isa 44

 21  Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are My servant; I formed you; you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me. 22 I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to Me, for I have redeemed you.

24 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, Who formed 

you from the womb:
“I am the LORD, who made all things,
Who alone stretched out the heavens,
Who spread out the earth by Myself,
25  Who frustrates the signs of liars
and makes fools of diviners,
Who turns wise men back
and makes their knowledge foolish,
26 Who confirms the word of His servant
and fulfills the counsel of His messengers,
Who says of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be inhabited,’
and of the cities of Judah, ‘They shall be built,
and I will raise up their ruins

(vs. 21-22, 24-26)

Defender l Cover from isie b.

In History - Feb 14

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference led by Dr. Martin Luther King meet for the first time after the organization is officially inaugurated on January 10, 1957

As detailed at the SCLC website, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is a nonprofit, non-sectarian, inter-faith, advocacy organization that is committed to non-violent action to achieve social, economic, and political justice.

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) is renewing its commitment to bring about the promise of “one nation, under God, indivisible” together with the commitment to activate the “strength to love” within the community of humankind.  --- Southern Christian Leadership Conference

A Stanford University article describes, with the goal of redeeming 'the soul of America' through nonviolent resistance, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was established to coordinate the action of local protest groups throughout the South. Under the leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr., the organization drew on the power of church leaders and a secure middle-class Black population, including many graduates of the elite Black colleges where headquartered, in Atlanta. 

SCLC flyer, 1965

In 1966, an SCLC voter registration drive in east central Georgia's Hancock County led to high enfranchisement. The county had one of the state's highest concentrations of rural African Americans.  With their votes, they were able change their lives radically over the next two decades (Cooksey, 2004).

Dr Martin Luther King Jr 

“This conference is called because we have no moral choice, before God, but to delve deeper into the struggle—and to do so with greater reliance on non-violence and with greater unity, coordination, sharing and Christian understanding." -- Martin Luther King, Jr, January 1957

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr

Reference 

Cooksey, E. B. (Dec 10, 2004). Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/southern-christian-leadership-conference-sclc

King, “Beyond Vietnam,” in A Call to Conscience, ed. Carson and Shepard, 2001. Southern Christian 

Leadership Conference (SCLC) Biography. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/southern-christian-leadership-conference-sclc

Southern Christian Leadership Conference About us. https://nationalsclc.org/

In History - Feb 15

Henry Lewis became the first Black to lead a major American orchestra , named director of the New Jersey Symphony  1968 

Henry Lewis

Henry Lewis (1932 – 1996) began to study music at the age of five and learned to play several instruments. After years as a double-bassist for orchestra, he began playing and conducting the Seventh Army Symphony. He did this as a member of the US Army. Amongst his music career accomplishments, Lewis is known as a conductor, instrumentalist, and pioneer in the classical music world. 

In 1968, Lewis became the first Black to direct a major orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. At the time that Lewis became director, the orchestra was a small ensemble in the community. However, the orchestra would go on to become nationally recognized and pioneer in support of outreach programs under Lewis' leadership. 

In 1967, the Newark riots took lives and caused property damage that would be valued at more than $10 million dollars at the time, an estimate stated in a story from NBC news at the 50th anniversary of the upset.

National Guardsman ride along Market Street in Newark after the looting and violence. Jul 14, 1967

Henry Lewis conducted outdoor concerts as director of NJSO, two on Prince Street near Springfield Avenue  where the Newark riots unfolded - the year before Lewis became director for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. 

He began the Young Artists Auditions with the NJSO in 1975. In a special post at the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra website, the organization lists twenty-five points about the NJSO youth orchestras present-day. The list includes that the youth orchestras have performed for audiences in community settings, including at concerts for senior centers. This is a continuation of the tradition Lewis helped to begin when expanding the NJSO as director.

 Youth orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

" ... One of the best things about the NJSO’s youth orchestra program is that it allowed me to do what I love most and also enabled me to improve as both a musician and a person. I have learned that teamwork is key in producing extraordinary results. I have learned to stay motivated if I wish to accomplish a goal and to persevere if I cannot accomplish that goal immediately ... " -- Violist Lyra Flores, Youth Orchestra with NJSO

Reference

25 reasons to love the NJSO Youth Orchestras. (March 1, 2016). https://www.njsymphony.org/news/detail/25-reasons-to-love-the-njso-youth-orchestras

Henry Lewis (Conductor). https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Bio/Lewis-Henry.htm

Then and now: Newark riots echo in city 50 years later. (July 13, 2017). https://www.nbcnews.com/slideshow/1967-newark-riots-how-landscape-has-changed-50-years-later-n782641

Historical insights ... and Feb 16 in History

The French moved to standardize musical A above middle C as a unified way to determine music pitch. 1859

 What we have called matter is energy, whose vibration has been so lowered as to be perceptible to the senses.   

-- Einstein

In History - Feb 17

 A vote in The US House of Representatives broke an electoral tie to elect Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) the third US President 1801

Before being elected as US President, Thomas Jefferson was governor of Virginia and Vice President under US President John Adams. 

Jefferson graduated from college in Williamsburg, Virginia and studied law under George Wythe, a Virginia attorney whose other pupils included Henry Clay and Chief Justice John Marshall. He gained recognition for writing 'A Summery View of the Rights of British America' in 1774. The pamphlet established his view that the British did not have right to exercise authority over the American colonies. 

Accepting the request to draft the Declaration of Independence within a five-person committee delegated by Congress, Jefferson wrote explanation on why the American colonies wanted freedom from British rule and detailed the importance of individual rights and freedoms. The draft team included John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, and the document was formally adopted on the day celebrated as America's birthday, July 4th 1776. 

In 1796, Jefferson participated in the Presidential race with Adams and came in second. He served that term as Vice President to Adams. In the subsequent term, Jefferson gained the vote by an electoral tie-breaker. His inauguration, on March 4, 1801, was the first Presidential inauguration to be held in Washington, D.C..

Excerpts from The Declaration Of Independence

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

 

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and, accordingly, all experience has shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

But, when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

...

We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.

 

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book wisdom.” ― Thomas Jefferson.

“...it is not to be understood that I am with him [Jesus] in all his doctrines. I am a Materialist, he takes the side of spiritualism; he preaches the efficacy of repentance toward forgiveness of sin. I require a counterpoise of good works to redeem it... Among the sayings & discourses imputed to him by his biographers, I find many passages of fine imagination, correct morality, and of the most lovely benevolence: and others again of so much ignorance, so much absurdity, so much untruth, charlatanism, and imposture, as to pronounce it impossible that such contradictions should have proceeded from the same being. [Letter to William Short, 13 April 1820]” ― Thomas Jefferson

“When we see religion split into so many thousand of sects, and I may say Christianity itself divided into its thousands also, who are disputing, anathematizing and where the laws permit burning and torturing one another for abstractions which no one of them understand, and which are indeed beyond the comprehension of the human mind, into which of the chambers of this Bedlam would a man wish to thrust himself. [Letter to George Logan, 12 November 1816]” ― Thomas Jefferson

Is uniformity attainable? Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined, imprisoned: yet we have not advanced one inch towards uniformity. What has been the effect of coercion? To make one half the world fools, and the other half hypocrites. To support roguery and error all over the earth. Let us reflect that it is inhabited by a thousand millions of people. That these profess probably a thousand different systems of religion. That ours is but one of that thousand. That if there be but one right, and ours that one, we should wish to see the 999 wandering sects gathered into the fold of truth. [Notes On The State of Virginia]"― Thomas Jefferson

Reference 

Notes On The State Of Virginia by Thomas Jefferson. https://www.thefederalistpapers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Thomas-Jefferson-Notes-On-The-State-Of-Virginia.pdf

Text Of The Declaration Of Independence. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Declaration-of-Independence/Text-of-the-Declaration-of-Independence

Thomas Jefferson is elected third U.S. president. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/thomas-jefferson-is-elected

Thomas Jefferson. (Oct 29, 2009). https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/thomas-jefferson

Isa 1:17

 

History - Feb 18

The first Ironman Triathlon is held in  Hawaii, popularizing triathlon as a participation sport 1978

Judy and her husband John Collins, a commander in the US Navy, came to be based in Honolulu, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Judy, a participant in the Mission Bay Triathlon in San Diego, CA, had developed passion for mapping out triathlon courses and purposed to do so in Hawaii. Joined with her husband, the two contemplated the route and aerobic events and decided that whoever could complete the event would be called the 'Ironman'.

Ironman World Championship, Kona

The Ironman event attracted 18 entry participants in its first year, including John Collins, as well as a US Navy Seal and A Naval Reserve lieutenant. The inaugural event was held on February 18 on Oahu in 1978, where the Naval Reserve lieutenant, Gordan Haller became the first Ironman triathlon 'Ironman'. Fast forwarding four decades, the event advances to produce a level up caliber 'Ironman' amongst those worthy of the title. 

 In February 2020, former college fullback Ben O'Donnell was deemed in excellent health after a two-day executive physical. O'Donnell was preparing for his second Ironman event. The same month after a business trip, he returned home with a fever of 102 and developed symptoms of ailment that progressed into difficulty with breathing. Soon after, Ben was admitted to the hospital and placed on a ventilator. In a condition where his blood oxygen levels continued to drop, the doctors decided to place him on a machine that would take over the work of the lungs. 

Ben reportedly endured an extended period of hallucinations while under heavy sedation during that time, a period where he became convinced that he was going to be trafficked while in the hospital. He shared in interview that he was looking for ways to escape. A hug from his sister Dawn, a nurse able to visit him, brought him out of the hallucinations. On April 6, by the grace of God, Ben was discharged from the hospital and able to return home to his family. 

Mike Reilly, the voice that's called over 180 Ironman races around the world and the official 'Voice of IRONMAN', contacted Ben after seeing a newspaper article about him. Nine days after Ben returned home from the hospital, he accomplished making it to the mailbox for the first time without his walker. A few days after, Reilly contacted Ben to let him know, "After reading your story, I can see - you are an IRONMAN!"

Ben reported that the call pushed him to not only recover, but to become better than he was, and he adopted the mantra - 

   Don't stop. Don't quit. Keep moving forward. 

Four months from his release from the hospital in April, on August 3, 2020 Ben completed the 21-mile bike event of the Grand Teton Picnic Triathlon - and then set his eyes on IRONMAN Arizona. 

In November 2020, 21-year-old Chris Nikic became the first person with down syndrome to complete the Ironman triathlon. He stated in an interview shown on CBS News that his motto is, 'You just do it'.  His training began with a single push-up, and Chris has now set his sights on being part of the 2022 Special Olympics next. 

Chris' coach, Special Olympics partner Dan Grieb says that Chris progressed with a simple philosophy which has proven to be powerful -- just get 1 percent better each day. With this, one push up progressed a year later to 160. Along with developing excellence in work ethic, the progress has also had a good impact on Chris' cognitive development which has been evident in Chris being able to learn new skill and training drills in a fraction of the time while tackling setbacks like bike falls. 

Even more extraordinary, Chris has been able to share his story on public platforms and gives motivational speeches on the 1-percent philosophy.  Chris has also reportedly transformed the Central Florida triathlon group into a hugging culture. 

  

Reference 

About Mike Reilly. https://mikereilly.net/about/

Ironman Triathlon History: The First Year. (Oct 11, 2019). https://www.triathlonvibe.com/lifestyle/triathlon-history/ironman-triathlon-history-part-1/

Reddy, L. (Nov 9, 2020). Chris Nikic becomes first person with Down's syndrome to finish an Ironman triathlon https://www.bbc.com/sport/triathlon/54869998

Rosengren, J. (Dec 15, 2020). Resiliency: The triathlete who couldn't be stopped. https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon/News/Articles-and-Releases/2020

Young man becomes first person with Down syndrome to finish Ironman Triathlon. (Nov 11, 2020). https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/watch/young-man-becomes-first-person-with-down-syndrome-to-finish-ironman-triathlon/vp-BB1aTgHh

Isa 45

vs 1-8

 Thus says the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus,

whose right hand I have grasped,

to subdue nations before him

and to loose the belts of kings,

to open doors before him

that gates may not be closed:

2  “I will go before you

and level the exalted places,

I will break in pieces the doors of bronze

and cut through the bars of iron,

3  I will give you the treasures of darkness

and the hoards in secret places,

that you may know that it is I, the LORD,

the God of Israel, who call you by your   name.

4  For the sake of my servant Jacob,

and Israel My chosen,

I call you by your name,

I name you, though you do not know Me.

5  I am the LORD, and there is no other,

besides me there is no God;

I equip you, though you do not know Me, 6 that people may know, from the rising of the sun

and from the west, that there is none besides

 Me;

I am the LORD, and there is no other.

7 I form light and create darkness;

I make well-being and create calamity;

I am the LORD, who does all these things.

8 “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain 

down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause

 them both to sprout;

I the LORD have created it.

Isaiah | ESV Bible

History - Feb 19

Roman Emporer, Constantius II (Flavius Julius) issues decree to close all pagan temples in the Roman Empire, 356 A.D.

Constantinus II was the son of Flavius Valerius Constantinus (306-337 A.D.), who is widely referred to as 'Constantine the Great'.  Constantine was appointed Caesar of West by Emporer Galerius. His brother-in-law, married to Galerius' daughter, was Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius, known as Maxentius. 

Maxentius waged war against Galerius, seizing  Italy and Rome. A year after Galerius passed in 311 A.D., Constantine invaded Italy and marched on Rome toward the historic battle at Milvian Bridge. Constantine's victory in this battle was a significant one in a succession of events that placed him in position as ruler of the Roman Empire. 

Eusebius of Caesarea, a Christian Bible scholar and historian, wrote the first biography of Constantine soon after his passing. Eusebius recorded that before the battle at Milivian Bridge, Constantine and his army saw a cross of light in the sky above the the sun with the Greek words  that translate to, 'by this sign you will be victorious'. The night of that encounter, Constantine reportedly had a dream in which Christ instructed him to march with the Cross against his enemies. 

In response to this encounter, Constantine had the Cross mark his soldier's shields preceding the march on Milvian. Christian scholar Lactantius was appointed tutor of Constantine's eldest son. Lactantius also reportedly accounted that Constantine was commanded in a dream to place the Cross of Christ on the shield of his soldiers after the sighting of the cross in the sky, seen with 'hoc signo victor eris'. Consistent with the account, Constantine, who'd practiced pagan worship of a sun god, credited the Christian God for his victory at Milvian Bridge and committed to the Christian faith. 

Constantine practiced as a Christian in ways that would send its ripple through history . In response to dispute arising from teachings about the nature of the Godhead, Constantine summoned a church coucil. He presided over the opening session held in May 325, giving the opening dialogue. The convening has become known as the First Ecumenical Council of the church, wherein the Nicene Creed was formed to affirm the doctrine of consubstantiality. 

The Nicene Creed is considered the first formal ecumenical statement of Christian belief. Constantine displayed commitment in support of the church through gifts, legislation, and the taking down of pagan temples.  As Roman Emperor, Constantine's son, Constantius II followed in the footsteps of his father when ordering the close of all pagan temples within the Roman Empire on February 19, 365 A.D. 

 

Nicene Creed 

We believe in one God,

      the Father almighty,

      maker of heaven and earth,

      of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

      the only Son of God,

      begotten from the Father before all ages,

           God from God,

           Light from Light,

           true God from true God,

      begotten, not made;

      of the same essence as the Father.

      Through him all things were made.

      For us and for our salvation

           he came down from heaven;

           he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,

           and was made human.

           He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;

           he suffered and was buried.

           The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.

           He ascended to heaven

           and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

           He will come again with glory

           to judge the living and the dead.

           His kingdom will never end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit,

      the Lord, the giver of life.

      He proceeds from the Father and the Son,

      and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.

      He spoke through the prophets.

      We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

      We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

      We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,

      and to life in the world to come. Amen.

Reference

DiMaio, M., Frakes, R. Constantius II (337-361 A.D.), http://www.roman-emperors.sites.luc.edu/constaii.htm

Nicene Creed, https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/creeds/nicene-creed

Pohlsander, H. A., Constantine I (306 - 337 A.D.), http://www.roman-emperors.sites.luc.edu/conniei.htm

The Battle of the Milvian Bridge, https://www.historytoday.com/archive/battle-milvian-bridge

History - Feb 20

1792

In accordance with Article 1 of the US Constitution, 

President George Washington signs the Postal Service Act to establish  the US Post Office Department. The act outlined detail of Congressional power to establish mail routes. 

Reference 

Postal Service Act regulates United States Post Office Department. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/postal-service-act-regulates-united-states-post-office-department

In History - Feb 21

The Jackson 5 make their TV debut on American Bandstand February 21, 1970

Michael, Marlon, Jermaine, Jackie (born Sigmund) and Tito (born Toriano) were brothers growing up in Gary, Indiana. Discovering that that Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine had been playing his old guitar without permission, the boys' father was initially upset but realized that they had genuine talent. In 1965, the brothers entered and won the Rossevelt High School talent show. Two months later, they won the annual talent search at Gilroy Stadium and received their first ever press in the Gary Post Tribune.

The group finally became know as the Jackson 5. 

Four years after their group talent debut, the Jackson 5 released their first single, I Want You Back. A few months later in February of the following year, the brothers made an American Bandstand debut performing their single.  The single was originally a song Freddie Perren, Fonce Mizell, and Deke Richards wrote for Gladys Knight & The Pips called, I Want To Be Free. Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records who signed the Jackson 5 to his music label, moved to change the storyline of the song so that it would be about a young love story suitable for the group.

The remake became Jackson 5's first single and topped the Hot 100 on Jan 31, 1970. I Want You Back has since been sampled in films, including Now and Then (1995), Drumline (2002), and Daddy Day Care (2003). Taylor Swift included the song in an acoustic version during her 'Speak Now' world tour of 2011. English singer, Graham Parker covered the single in his fourth album, Squeezing Out Sparks, released in 1979.   I Want You Back also plays under the end credits of the movie, Guardians of The Galaxy (2014). 

Guardians of The Galaxy, Dance Off

In 2020,  I Want You Back was ranked number 2 on Rolling Stone's 'The 100 Greatest Debut Singles of All Time' list.  

Reference 

Huey, S. The Jackson 5. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-jackson-5-mn0000083013/biography

I Want You Back by The Jackson 5. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-jackson-5/i-want-you-back

Jackson 5 I Want You Back. https://classic.motown.com/story/jackson-5-want-back/

Jacksons history 1960-68. https://www.thejacksons.com/history/

The 100 Greatest Debut Singles of All Time. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/greatest-debut-songs-singles-990470/jackson-5-i-want-you-back-990731/