At ten years of age, Tito was caught playing his father’s guitar after he broke a string. After fixing the string, Joe demanded that he play for him. Once he was finished, Joe bought him his own guitar, and convinced Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine to form a singing group. He was impressed with the vocals of Jackie and Jermaine.

• INT. JACKSON HOUSE - DAY


• TITO JACKSON (10) opens the door to his dad’s study. It’s empty. A narrow sliver of light from the hallway illuminates a GUITAR lying across the good chair. The floorboards creak as Tito makes his way there.
• Tito picks up the guitar and STRUMS! He’s a musician! The dusty room comes alive as he plays some SOUL CHORDS and LICKS. Lost in the groove, he BREAKS THE E STRING.
• JOE JACKSON (35), a stern and disciplinarian father, stands in the doorway. Tito shrinks away behind the good chair.
• JOE
• Hand it over, Tito.
• Tito hands the instrument over to his father, who fixes the string and hands it back.
• JOE
• I demand that you play for me!
• Undaunted, Tito launches into a struttin’ tune of his own.
• JOE
• You know what, kid? ’Bout time you got your own guitar.
• Tito can’t contain his excitement, as Joe grabs his wallet and leaves the room.


• INT. JACKSON HOUSE - NIGHT


• Tito’s fingering the frets of a BRAND-NEW GUITAR.
• JOE
• It’s a good one, ain’t it?
• TITO
• Yes, father.
• JOE
• Jackie! Jermaine! Come on in here!
• Tito’s brothers JACKIE (12) and JERMAINE (9) trot into the room.
• JOE
• You guys gon’ form a singing group.
• TITO, JACKIE, JERMAINE
• (in unison)
• Yes, father.
• The three boys strike a Motown trio pose.
• JACKIE, JERMAINE
• (singing)
• Wait!
• TITO
• (singing)
• Oh yes, wait a minute, Mr. Postman
• JACKIE, JERMAINE
• Wait!
• TITO
• Wa-a-a-ait, Mr. Postman
• JACKIE, JERMAINE
• Please Mr. Postman, look and see
• TITO
• Whoa yeah
• JACKIE, JERMAINE
• Is there a letter in your bag for me?
• Joe stops the performance right there.
• JOE
• I am impressed with the vocals of Jackie and Jermaine.
• FADE TO BLACK.