"Destiny" is the thirteenth studio album by the American band The Jacksons, released in November 1978 on Epic Records. The album marked a significant turning point for the group as it was the first time they had complete artistic control, allowing them to produce the album themselves after years of working under the supervision of producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International. The Jacksons had previously been with Motown, but after leaving the label in 1975 (except for Jermaine, who stayed with Motown), they signed with Epic and began recording Destiny at their own home studio in their Hayvenhurst mansion. The album was completed in just two months.
The album features the Jacksons’ own songwriting, with all songs credited to the band, except for the lead single, “Blame It on the Boogie,” which was co-written by British singer-songwriter Mick Jackson. Destiny was highly successful, thanks in part to the international hits “Blame It on the Boogie” and “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground),” which helped the album sell over four million copies worldwide. It reached number 11 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and number 3 on the Black Albums chart, earning the Jacksons their first RIAA-certified platinum album.
The album’s success was bolstered by the world tour that followed its release, which helped the group re-establish themselves as a top-selling act after leaving Motown. Although the single “Blame It on the Boogie” did not make a huge impact on the pop charts, peaking at No. 54, it reached No. 3 on the R&B charts and became a popular track in clubs. The true commercial breakthrough came with the release of the second single, “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground),” which became a Top 10 hit in 1979. The song helped solidify the album’s success and its place in the Jacksons’ catalog.
The album's cover art, painted by Gary Meyer, features the five Jackson brothers standing atop the word "DESTINY," which is carved in stone during a dramatic storm, symbolizing the group's rise to success. On the back cover, a peacock is featured, with a message from Michael and Jackie Jackson explaining the symbolism of the peacock, which represents integration of races and the power of love through music.
In 2009, Destiny was re-released for its 30th anniversary, including two bonus tracks of rare 12-inch disco mixes. The album was later re-released again in digital format in 2021, along with The Jacksons and Goin' Places. The album remains one of the defining moments in the Jacksons' career, showcasing their transition from Motown's strict control to a more independent and self-directed creative path.
