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The DM Festiv’ (Festival)
Celebrating the Disco Era with Dancing Machine
The Robot became popular around the world after Michael Jackson performed it during a performance of the Jackson 5's "Dancing Machine
In 1969 Jack Wild did the robot in the "Mechanical Boy" episode of H.R. Pufnstuf. The Jackson 5 first performed "Dancing Machine" on Soul Train in late October 1973, where Michael Jackson performed a robot dance during the song's musical break. The group again performed the routine on The Mike Douglas Show and the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour in 1974.
Lehman, Christopher P. A Critical History of Soul Train on Television, p. 84 (2008)
McMillian, Stephen (22 October 2013). Soul Train History Book Presents: Michael Jackson Debuts the Robot, SoulTrain.com
In 1974, a remixed version of "Dancing Machine" was released as a single and went to #2 on the Hot 100. It also topped the R&B chart, giving the group their sixth and final #1 on that tally.
The funky track hinted at the disco sound that was on the horizon in 1973.
This website aims to be an immersive experience for fans, combining historical context, interactive elements, and multimedia content to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Dancing Machine" by the Jackson Five.