Michael Jackson’s First Studio Recording To Be Digitally Released

One of Michael Jackson's earliest known recordings is becoming available to fans through a blockchain-based music and royalty marketplace.

One of Michael Jackson’s earliest known recordings is becoming available to fans through a blockchain-based music and royalty marketplace.

The King of Pop’s “Big Boy (One-derful Version)” was recorded in 1967, a few years before the Jackson 5 made their mainstream debut. Jackson recorded the song when he was just 8 years old and singing into a microphone for the first time.

The song was recorded in Chicago’s One-derful Studios, which gives the track its special name. Now MJ fans will be able to stream the song digitally. But not on iTunes or any major streaming provider, Forbes reports.

Instead, the exclusive track will be available on anotherblock, a blockchain-based music and royalty marketplace based in Sweden. There will be two packages with premium rates for access to the song.

The $25 option comes with a copy of the song, track stems, photos connected to the song, and several musical memorabilia pieces related to Jackson’s early music. The $100 option includes more special add-ons, nine additional songs Jackson recorded in 1967, along with a digital copy of “Big Boy (One-derful Version).”

The digital stream will only be available for purchase for a limited time. Fans will have only two days to purchase the song, beginnning on Thursday, December 7 at 12:00 PM EST.

The song had previously been pressed on a somewhat obscure vinyl compilation, and was never made public until a journalist recently rediscovered the single. The Jackson Estate appears to be on board with the song’s release as a press release included a statement from the family matriarch Katherine Jackson.

“This was their first step in music with ‘Big Boy,’ empowered by the voice of the youngest and the best to ever do it. I can’t believe his voice, along with his brothers’, would echo for decades,” she said.

“Through anotherblock’s endeavor, the Jackson family’s initial recordings of our musical heritage find a new rhythm for the digital age. It is a testament that the Jacksons’ story, just like our music, remains timeless. And the best part is that some proceeds will go to a local foundation to help the families of Gary, Indiana.”