The Making of I Want You Back | 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💯

[@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 👍🏿

[@piperjohn_3]

My face actually hurts from smiling so long listening to Louie play that full guitar part

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@wyomingdude-b2q]

So it seems many songs that lifted my spirit all through the late 60's and 70's are mainly because of Studio Musicians like Louie Shelton. THANK YOU 💗💗💗💗

[@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.

[@phoenixjim0527]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@gladtidings6020]

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

[@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.

[@izelhood3461]

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

[@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!

[@FrazySting]

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

[@foofoorab]

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

[@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.

[@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... 🙏

[@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!

[@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. ❤

[@ronaldpapa8182]

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

[@professorhamamoto]

Mr. Louie Shelton; without a doubt The King.

[@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.

[@steelydan42]

Awesome Guitar 🎸🎸🎸 player 👍👍👍👍

[@Mick-Dempsey]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Musiccafe5890]

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

[@shanewikaira9014]

So humble with his god given gift. ❤

[@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?

[@cp112358]

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

[@leonedantonio]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@Fogon59]

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

[@premierflutes9254]

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

[@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 .

[@alexanthony62]

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

[@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.

[@youvetube]

Mr. Louie Shelton … I am a 63 year old black-man raise in the projects of Hartford Connecticut … I want thank you for bring so much joy in my life via your excellent and top notch guitar playing from the time I was a little kid … I am enjoying watching your content … I mean you are responsible for what I love in music with the Jackson 5, Boz Scaggs, Lionel Richie and countless others to numerous to mention or I don’t even know about … You are straight 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥… I have and continue to play your music over and over … I love these back stories they tell you whose really responsible for the music you like.

[@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!!

[@edzappia2892]

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

[@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!

[@jvz773]

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

[@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. 😀 🎶 🎸

[@midnitelitecompany]

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

[@garyhoffman1]

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

[@TheDistanceDuo]

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

[@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?

[@tdkdgh]

Never tire of this guitar part. Brilliant.

[@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 !

[@rrobinson1969ss]

Was awesome to see the real player doing that song!!! Thanks Louie!!

[@ChuckDeCarlo]

Priceless! Thanks, Louie 🙏😎🎸

[@MrTaurrean]

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

[@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?

[@brushstroke3733]

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

[@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.

[@philipkelly7369]

the way he plays, I just can't help but smile

[@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!

[@linkedup7346]

Absolutely amazing how the rhythm guitar dropped from the heavens. It really does fill up a bass line that breathes so much...

[@Nightsat44]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@AddLoveTM126]

Louie, YOU play SOOO AWESOMELY WONDERFUL!😎🎸👏🏼🥰 I worked; with The Jackson Five in 1971. Did You record; with "The CORPORATION"? Thanks A Million 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!

[@adc2327]

It doesn't get any better than this. Thanks Mr.Shelton for all of the classic music you have given us.

[@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!

[@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!!!👍🏻❤️🎸 🎼😉

[@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!❤

[@MichaelJones1527]

So glad we have Louie around to show us his masterful techniques of guitar playing. Love all the tunes that I grew up with being showcased by this great guitarist.

[@LivingWatersUtube]

This makes me want to say, "And I, too, am a guitar player", because this is a thing of beauty. - Mark

[@Badhands55]

How could you not be a guitar player having grown up listening to this guy - unwittingly ( he played on everything) and at 62 I’m just now finding that out . Louie is the greatest !

[@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.

[@michaelstradford545]

Bobby Caldwell died today and I needed an uplift. This did the trick! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@hootch2]

How can you possibly thank someone who has enriched countless people’s lives for the past 60 years. Much love and admiration to you sir. I will pass this on and attempt to educate as many as I can as to your genius.

[@craigblakes5499]

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

[@oscarmere1365]

I'm a guitar player, but i have to say, this is masterpiece.. thank you Sir for your great works.. we are happy to see you more

[@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 💖💝💘❤️‍🩹💕💞💓💯💢💯💢

[@Gargaslicer]

Still the greatest pop tune I've ever heard. Brilliant guitar work, Louie. Thank you for sharing.

[@rodhall1454]

Sheer brilliance! Some people were just born to play guitar and Louie you're one of the best.

[@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.

[@1ftsports678]

Wow, the sound off that guitar is incredible - takes you back to the good ole days.

[@kevinleysath2489]

I always believed this was the greatest song recorded ever …. This video and play was magic to hear as well! Thank you

[@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.

[@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.

[@grwuk]

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

[@jamesh8648]

This brought a big smile to my face. Louie you are an amazing melodic session player and play so effortlessly this wonderful tune with precision and clarity. Thankyou so much. May God bless you.

[@jimsilvey5432]

This guy plays so cleanly and precisely. Amazing.

[@thankyouforyourcompliance7386]

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

[@RobSwain92]

I could watch this over and over. I Want You Back has always been one of my favourite songs and to be able to see how the melody was written is an absolute privilege. Thank you, Louie!

[@makeit-takeit6707]

I'm 68 years old. I was fifteen when that song came out. That guitar intro, was what sets the song in it's proper groove. They just don't do it like that no more. A melody, plus some rhythm.

[@krisinpa8302]

The first record I ever bought was the 45, "I Want You Back" with money earned babysitting. .. All of these years I found it remarkable that the boys were able to play instruments while they sang and danced. Thanks for sharing the back story! The guitar and bass make the song!!

[@Guitarist888]

It’s amazing that we’ve came this far in life to be able to easily connect to Musicains on social media that worked with some of the greatest. And it’s such a pleasure to hear their personal side of the story!

[@DMG1723]

I remember the first time hearing this song I was 8 living in Milwaukee, listening to an old tube radio I fixed that my neighbor let have. Thank you for sharing the story and bringing back the memories.

[@dewildemukadi7713]

Sir, you are genius! You still have the speed and dexterity of your youth. Thank you for blessing humanity with this eternal hit.