The Making of I Want You Back | The Jackson 5

Louie Shelton recalls the recording of I Want You Back by the Jackson 5.

[@stealthbum34]

This guitar part is an absolute masterclass in melodic playing. Pure genius.

[@Asshat237]

It really is.

[@Asshat237]

When he started playing the descending part with the little flourishes my jaw dropped and stayed there til he was done playing. Nasty is all I can say. Beautiful playing.

[@babydaddy1930]

Yeah he's a bad bad man!!!!!!

[@fabiansmith5860]

ENDODRSED

[@ridge7524]

Yup💯

[@KBorham]

Thank you for playing the entire guitar part. Louie Shelton; National Treasure!

[@kalania14]

On a different level sir. A masterclass by a true Master

[@joeallis269]

The moral of the story is that SOUL ain’t got NO color.... SOUL is SOUL, it’s color blind. This man is legend.

[@phoenixblackcomedy]

Can't argue that

[@ologistyurny3752]

well i say soul does have a color and it comes in black and white people.. check out the legendary label Stacks all of that stuff those artists like Aretha Franklin, the Staples, were backed up by an all white band and producer and the rest is history…. but i hear where you coming from 👍🏿

[@trafyknits9222]

The unsung heroes of recording, the session guys make the tunes what they are. Thanks, Louie. You're a legend and you've brought major joy to millions.

[@romulus_]

billions!

[@djcoolcliff]

Him and my Uncle Wah Wah Watson!! RIP!!!

[@thaexception3406]

There is a great Motown documentary about the band - "Standing in the Shadows of Motown"

[@stanleywilliams1975]

​@@thaexception3406 That Was The House Band When Motown Was Still In Detroit. The Funk Brothers

[@kid.forever]

@@djcoolcliff Wah Wah is the man! I spin his record Elementary when I DJ regularly!

[@lakecityboy55]

Dude...I am in double-stop heaven after listening to that! You are the consummate craftsman...thank you so much for sharing these videos with us!

[@LouieShelton]

Thanks Eldon.

[@mrfester42]

You damn the guy with faint praise. This guy is no craftsman or technician. He's an artist. You didn't hear a word he said. Her wrote the main guitar part for "I Want You Back" while it was being recorded and what you heard here was him playing the melody which was NOT part of the hit record that he recorded. He just wrote that HERE as well. This guy played for the likes of The Beach Boys, The Jackson Five and all the great pop artists of that period and probably for Sinatra and Dean Martin as well Craftsman my ass!

[@freakyrawen]

@@mrfester42 Do we really need to attack people showing appreciation now? Chill man.

[@mrfester42]

@@freakyrawen Get a grip. That was not an attack.

[@freakyrawen]

@@mrfester42 it wasn’t exactly nice was it?

[@lawdawg139]

Wow, My uncle, Freddie Perren was one of the writers/producers of that song. When that song came out I was about 9 or 10 and had just begun taking guitar lessons. So, of course I asked Freddie all about the parts the guitar and bass were playing and he raved about how talented you, Wilton, Joe and the other musicians were. Listening to you talk about this recording brings back so many conversations I had with Freddie as a child about this and other J5 songs that, as it turns out, you both were a part of. I was always thought it was so amazing that I could hand him a sheet of manuscript and write would write out the part I would ask him about to show me where I got it right or wrong. (Mostly wrong back the Lol!) Freddie died back in 2004 but me and other members of my family really enjoy and appreciate hearing the anecdotes and first hand accounts of the iconic songs and sessions he was a part of from people like you. (btw, I couldn't nail that guitar part till I was about 13 or 14 years old. lol!) Thanks for sharing so many of your experiences!

[@klsecond5755]

beautiful story man!

[@dadadrew]

Wow. What an honor to watch this video and hear the story

[@jacktoddy9783]

Thank you Louie for making this video about the story behind the making of: 'I Want You Back'. I was a kid when this song came out. It was one of those songs that as soon as you heard it, you knew it was going to be a hit. I cannot relate to you how much your contribution to music has helped me through difficult times and the happiness it has brought me - thank you so much.

[@hoz49]

The REAL DEAL.

[@REM977]

Amen!

[@foofoorab]

Legend! We bow down to your genius sir! Gorgeous playing.

[@glenstephens1186]

More talent in that man's fingers than pretty much anyone playing in the charts today. And what a sound...a Tele through a genuine 60's Fender Princeton! Outstanding.

[@UkuleleBobbyKemp]

🥰 Thank you so much Louie - choking back tears 💦 here... What a gift you are, and everyone involved with this incredible music. Yes, 'I Want you Back' *IS* the greatest Pop Song of all time - and by a HUGE margin!! And it was made all the better by you sir... 🙏

[@FrazySting]

One of my favorite guitar piece ever. Glad to see you all well and still playing!

[@izelhood3461]

As a Guitarist myself. Absolutely mind blowing, brilliant! Excellent!

[@leonedantonio]

That's so incredible Louie! Thank you for sharing this piece of pop music history. Best wishes!

[@Willegus]

It's impossible listening to this track, and now these guitar parts, without getting happy!

[@waterlec8718]

So ✨H E R E✨ we were ALL FOOLED into believing that the JACKSON family PLAYED this.... A very SOULFUL and well played guitar part.... You are AMAZING LOUIE... EVERYONE needs to witness this .. EVERY JACKSON 5 fan, especially.

[@markjohnson9485]

The intro to "I want you back" gave and still gives me chills. Great playing, one the greatest songs ever. Did you play that Telecaster on the song?

[@DrummerDanny76]

It's so cool to think that Tito had to learn the guitar parts and Jermaine learn the bass parts but also learn the dance moves as well while playing their instruments. That's crazy to think even being teenagers too, to learn all that. That's a lot of pressure for just teenagers !!! Mind blowing

[@warrencox7852]

Couldn’t agree more. There is so much footage of them in concert where you get to hear their musicianship. And to think there are people to this day doubting that they really played live. 🙄

[@golds04]

And to have to step into the walking shoes of James Jamerson- terrifying!

[@christopher-xi2ey]

​@@warrencox7852they didn't

[@warrencox7852]

What makes you think they didn’t? I’ve seen them live and, as previously mentioned, there’s plenty of live footage of them playing.

[@drrjim]

What a treasure Louie is. Fantastic player and seems like a great guy. Great insight into what went on. He mentions the J5 coming in at night to do the vocals. Can you imagine how excited they were when they heard that music track.! Jermaine hearing Felders bass part and going, "I gotta play that"?

[@ghs54]

Really 😂, but that’s a part of their genius, the willingness to work hard until they got it right! You can hear them get better on Live at the Forum recorded in June of 1970 and August of 1972! Great to see him maintain his chops, beautiful playing!

[@warrencox7852]

Man , I’ve been saying that for years! Him and Tito must’ve 💩 on themselves when Gordy told them this was going to be their first release. Gotta say tho’ as teens they pulled it off. I saw them live.

[@warrencox7852]

Totally agree Tim. People sleep on their musicianship.

[@UTVols4Life]

Imagine hearing Jamerson’s darling dear for the first time!!!!!

[@warrencox7852]

I’ve always wondered who taught them their guitar and Bass parts or were they given a scratch demo to learn from.

[@phoenixjim0527]

Words can’t say how much of a pleasure this is.

[@garyhoffman1]

Wonderful, Louie! Please continue with breakdowns of your amazing contributions to pop music. So glad to see you back!

[@mirllewist3086]

OK this may be the best thing I have ever seen! I have been playing for ~40 years and this song has always been on my radar as THE perfect pop song. Your playing, foundation, and embellishments are perfection, on top of Felder's killer bass line. I am going to watch this video 100 times to figure this out - - - unless you are offering lessons??? Thank you!!

[@nopeteys2424]

Its pretty hard to top this song, its got everything a perfect pop song should have. Great tone, great riffs, groovy back beat, great lyrics and obviously amazing vocals.

[@bustabass9025]

Wilton Felder was a saxophone jazz artist extraordinaire. His skills on electric bass, while grossly underrated were a huge part of the success enjoyed by the Jazz Crusaders, along with his Houston band mates Joe Sample, Wayne Henderson, and Stix Hooper, and later The Crusaders including the work of Larry Carlton. The signature bass line here and on ABC, firmly entrenched him as one of the In Demand L.A. session bassists. Rest in peace Brother Felder. ✝️

[@1mespud]

So true! His bass work on Seals & Croft's "Hummingbird" is incredible.

[@dsoccer3187]

Man, I was having a really crappy day, feeling bad about myself, and hearing this song while you play just totally turned my mood around. I can't explain it, but damn I feel uplifted now! THANK YOU for making such a beautiful song.

[@gladtidings6020]

These are the guys who changed the music of a generation. So cool to see the brilliance behind the scenes.

[@DrQuizzler]

It's easy to take for granted the stuff which happens in the background of a song, but it's tough to imagine "I Want You Back" without the stuff you and the bassist came up with. It's interesting to hear how it all came together.

[@Nightsat44]

Its so good I cant stop smiling!!! Love it!

[@ChuckDeCarlo]

Priceless! Thanks, Louie 🙏😎🎸

[@souldeep808]

I sat and watched the whole thing. I appreciate you true pioneers and studio cats posting these beautiful gems! It's one of the positives of KZbin!!

[@Musiccafe5890]

One of the most significant parts of a masterpiece. Beyond my mere words. Thank you for this gem, Mr. Shelton.

[@premierflutes9254]

Beautiful playing. Had no idea 2 of my favorite musos, Felder & Sample did the studio work for these songs too. Great vid !!

[@eddiehouser5174]

This is like watching a guitar God work.You sir are UNBELIEVABLE ! Thanks for ALL of the music you have given my generation ! It is impossible to thank you for the endless amount of music you have given us !

[@jaykay1053]

That was a total blast watching your genius guitar playing, man. Wow! I’m so glad you uploaded this for the world to see and hear simultaneously. What a legacy you’ve left for all the future guitar greats. Great legacy for us listeners too. 😀 🎶 🎸

[@Mick-Dempsey]

Awesome,Curtis Mayfield would be grinning from ear to ear with those double stops.Fantastic playing Louie.

[@orlando696]

Mr Shelton is the reason I play guitar. After hearing his awesome playing on ‘Valeri’ by the Monkees I knew what I wanted to do; this man is special! Thank You Lou!

[@philmoore71]

ohhhh Nesmith hated that song

[@orlando696]

Probably because his fingers couldn’t move that fast! lol Louie is a Monster!

[@davidfriedman9051]

I always thought Tommy Tedesco played the flamenco styled guitar on Valeri

[@orlando696]

@@davidfriedman9051 Tommy COULD have, for sure! But he didn’t. I actually emailed Louie Shelton about 10 years ago, and got a personal response. I told him that the guitar on Valeri was why I started playing in the first place. He said as SO cool and self deprecating; he said that the luck was actually a warm up exercise that he threw in there as a joke, but they went with it. The dude is a monster, as is Tommy T!

[@alexanthony62]

Still amazing. The coolest rhythmic guitar track in pop history by a master musician.

[@professorhamamoto]

Mr. Louie Shelton; without a doubt The King.

[@louisrios5546]

It's been a while since we've had a new video from Louie, but this one was worth the wait. From one Louie to another, thank you!

[@stevolene]

I’d love to see the rhythm section laying this down, these tunes were awesome and didn’t get the musical cred that was deserved

[@jmobass]

Outstanding!!! Thank you for your creativity and contribution to some of the best pop studio music ever created. Even as a young kid I totally dug what you were doing - even as a bassist!

[@francisseidel8014]

Your guitar skills are still amazing! Thank you for sharing.

[@danieldoherty2120]

Louie, thank you for this great video. The opening bars of "I Want You Back" has been the ring tone on my phone for over 10 years! I can play that part on my Strat, but now you've got me trying to learn your full instrumental version. It's taking a lot of practice moving those octaves around so fast, but worth the effort. It's great to see you haven't lost your fast ball!

[@ElaineThompson]

This is hands-down the best version I've heard of this song outside of Michael's 11-year old prodigy singing. The progression is timeless. One thing I've always wondered is if the similarity to Pachelbel's Canon was deliberate or just a convergence on a great-sounding classic progression?

[@timothyarnold9350]

My first LP at age 10 was ABC. I Want You Back is one of the finest R and B tunes and stands the test of time. Thanks Louie for everything.

[@timcox2818]

THAV LOuie. Did Tito and Jermaine actually play these parts while on tour .... were they actually musical geniuses as teenagers?

[@SaniTait]

Videos like this make KZbin totally validated! I have always wanted to know the players were on this record since childhood. YES, GREATEST POP SONG EVER!!! Iconic guitar parts!! Thank you!

[@joelfildes5544]

Used to cover this in an Indie band 30 years ago…but I gotta say,you are WAY busier than I ever got on it…absolutely brilliant,non stop quality,Jimmy Bryant would be proud of you…cheers from Manchester,Uk.

[@securethebag1613]

wow. i love utube for this. louie shelton, bobby watson...many of the session guitarists from the 60s and 70s r poppin up with utube channels. and they still can play!! god is good! i wish reggie young could have had a channel

[@garyhelsinger]

That was my utmost pleasure listening and watching you play! Thank you so much for your insight here and for your magic on all of those albums!!

[@mitchellbaird5761]

Louie play a session on our golf tour, he played golf with us as well. The session he played for us on the Saturday night was brilliant. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to hear him play. Great bloke and awesome guitarist.

[@ronaldpapa8182]

As soon as this song kicks in, you’re up on your feet. Louie’s playing is absolute perfection.

[@reekyflapperbaade4071]

My brother and I discovered you with the silk degrees and loved it. We both try and play like you, but we have a way to go. Thank you you are our favorite guitarist and your a very nice and wonderful man.

[@theultimateblack]

Tito plays this live even better than the original and that’s saying a lot these days. Once The J5 got to perform this they took it to a whole different level and they were just teenagers!❤

[@cp112358]

I would like to give 1 zillion likes!!! That is one of the harmonies and melodies in the pop music.

[@Dreyno]

Wow! One of the best Motown songs. Thanks for this. Session players and producers never get the appreciation they deserve. Louis Shelton, Gerry NcGee, Hank Garland, Hal Blaine, Carole Kaye, Jim Keltner, Jessie Ed Davis. A few became famous later like Jimmy Page or Glen Campbell but most were relatively unknown compared to the music they produced. KZbin is finally giving these people their due.

[@NYCTraditionalWingChun]

Well... I just laid my guitar down and walked away. I'll be back after I've licked my wounds😅

[@peexstile]

This is really a gift to us Louie! Thank you!

[@Builderboy2620]

Wow! Just wow! I can’t remember when a 7:20s video brought me so much joy. Shelton is a genius and this song has one of the most infectious beats in all of pop music. You simply can’t sit down when this song is played.

[@Suri-o7w]

Without videos such as these how is one too ever really know ...who was really behind these platinum selling hit songs we all love sing 💥🔥 💥 we need more videos to show us whose really behind the music 💖💝💘❤️‍🩹💕💞💓💯💢💯💢

[@searchlight17]

Thanks for a great video (and guitar lines). We also all need to pay props to the man who made the groove. Bass player Wilton Felder.

[@ComicArtistProSecrets]

Boy, I enjoyed that. Thank you.

[@Vulf]

the greatest ostinato in history

[@djcoolcliff]

Awesome video!!! Shout to my uncle Melvin Ragin aka Wah Wah Watson! RIP!!!

[@michaelgossett1415]

Sounds like an entirely different song!!! Very full, intricate and subtle nuances.

[@edzappia2892]

100% totally fully completely wholly entirely f’n amazing.

[@angusbabb4913]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💙😀 just fabulous! Thank you 💙

[@jvz773]

THIS is what is amazing about the internet! Absolutely legendary. Thank you! 🙏👍🏼

[@grwuk]

One of my favourite songs ever . What a very interesting and talented man ❤

[@thankyouforyourcompliance7386]

Amazing! Still got it in his fingers. Thank you!

[@MrTaurrean]

If this doesn't make u feel warm inside and put the biggest smile on your face,Lovely feel on the guitar 😊

[@Fogon59]

Fabulous, the best 7 minutes and 19 seconds on youtube.

[@michaelshearer3559]

Absolutely the best thing I have seen in years, and I not only play guitar every day but watch videos every day for years. I can't thank you enough. I will be working out all the beautiful parts for weeks to come.

[@craigblakes5499]

Never knew this. You helped create one of the greatest songs ever. Thank you for contributing to music history

[@kevinalford272]

Amazing that Jermaine and Tito had to play this,sing, and dance as Teenagers during live performances

[@YippeeSkippie426]

...all the time knowing that they didn't come up with these parts.

[@kevinalford272]

@@YippeeSkippie426 The Jackson 5 were a self contained band. Jermaine and Tito on bass and guitar, Two guys from their neighborhood on drums and keyboards. Jackie on tambourine Only main Motown group who played their own instruments during live performances..

[@kevinalford272]

@@YippeeSkippie426 They were pre teens and teenagers. Motown had some of the best musicians and song writers of that era. They eventually left Motown so they could write their own material. We all know what happened in the 80s

[@tomsan7742]

wow, just hearing it is one thing, but seeing you play it was truly amazing.

[@lilkhush]

LOVE the robert johnson poster in the back!!

[@greatgoogamooga1]

I no longer think Eddie Van Halen is great.....

[@brushstroke3733]

Damn, that is one hell of a funky riff you played! Hats off to you sir!

[@Asshat237]

My jaw dropped when he started playing the descending part with the flourishes and it stayed there until he was finished. That's how to play melodically. Wow

[@tonyonbass]

WOW!!!!!! Absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!! THANK YOU Mr Shelton!!!💙💚💙

[@kewbag5115]

nothing but a privalidge to watch.

[@soulstalgiarecords77740]

Wow, thanks for this upload.

[@shanewikaira9014]

So humble with his god given gift. ❤

[@TheDistanceDuo]

Oh my god, those double stops in the chorus!!! You're a master, Louie!!!

[@mwyatt222]

My first concert was the Jackson 5 ABC tour. l was around 9. l still remember they opened with a drum solo and l was a drummer so it blew me away. l still have their vinyl and play it. The ABC album is greatness from start to finish.

[@PresidentofPop]

Thank you, Louie (if you see this.) You're inspirational and fantastic! A thousand thumbs ups. OMG. WoW etc... PS My gf went to a Juliard-like place, and is a kind of music snob. I, on the other hand, wish I had this guy's (Louie's) hands, and think there's more genuine music here than in most symphony halls. (But what do I know...? :). Thank you Louie, again, for playing this, posting this,and telling the story...

[@got2bharmony]

Wonderful that you have taken the time to share your incredible talent and contribution to music that will last forever. Wishing you a long and healthy life down under and look forward to seeing more from you. Also thanks for pointing out the other amazing musicians on this song, Joe Sample and Wilton Felder like you have given us so much amazing music.

[@toniswain1]

Hi Louie! It's wonderful to hear you play, and the stories. More please. Xx love to you and Donny.

[@dalesimon5542]

The true unsung geniuses behind the creation of the music that we grew up on. Thanks for sharing your talent with the world sir, you are highly appreciated and respected .

[@Greg-om2hb]

I grew up watching little Michael Jackson on TV, and this song means a lot to me. Just beautiful. And that sweet solo at the end. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@KSC6981]

If you’re not a guitar player, I don’t think you can understand just how incredible Louie is! What he’s playing is a very difficult piece! I’ve been trying to get it down, as I’ve been playing for quite a few years - with no such luck! Louie, you are one badass cat!!!👍🏻❤️🎸 🎼😉

[@midnitelitecompany]

As a long time guitar player, this blows me away. This is special.

[@pokemonbluepikachu6445]

wow. just wow. i have 'played' the guitar for 15 or so years and think i can play quite well, but then i see a true musician and it is so humbling as to be depressing. Amazing, sir, i cannot imagine how much time, dedication and sacrifice you have made/ put in to be able to play like that. bravo.

[@annettebelisle]

Beautiful! What an epic contribution to this song! So talented dude!

[@andrea22213]

Brilliant, I love it!

[@DaveLL500]

I used to think Prince's solo on My Guitar Gently Weeps was the best guitar playing on YT. Not any more...

[@somethingdifferent4u247]

Wow, that was Fantastic! Thank you for sharing 👍😊

[@emeliosantana9769]

Jermain and Tito didn't play anything? 😳😳

[@kevinalford272]

They played during live performances

[@darleneschneck]

From your fingers to my 13 year old brain in 1969, forever to remain there and remind me, whenever I hear it, of my youth. To see you actually play this is such a treat. ❤

[@PierreHaessler]

that is absolutely delicious, Mr Shelton. It just feels so nice hearing you play !

[@jackjustice1731]

Just incredible playing and feel - none better.