The Mizell bloodline is thick: two prominent early 20th century black leaders, Andy Razaf (the composer of "Ain’t Misbehavin"), The Ronettes, Don Mizell, and the great Jam Master Jay. Success seems to run in their genes. So here’s a story of family values. It begins with a little hit by a little boy and his four big brothers. The boy is named Michael Jackson, the brothers are the Jackson 5, the song they are about to record is one co-written by Fonce Mizell called "I Want You Back", and, in a last-minute bit of Motown intrigue, it’s plucked from the hands of Gladys Knight in their favor. (Larry says Gladys still may not know the song was meant for her.). Born in 1944, Larry Mizell grew up with his brothers Alphonso ("Fonce") and Rod between Manhattan and Englewood, New Jersey. Together, they went on to have a profound impact on the sound of ’70s American R&B and jazz.
