The album was released in 1969 by Warner Bros. Records, following the successful 1969 re-release by Warner Bros. of Jackson's 1966 hit single, "But It's Alright".

Warner Bros. had acquired from Jackson's former record company, Calla Records, the rights to Jackson's first album, which included "But It's Alright".

The balance of the album consisted of non-album singles released on Calla Records, plus A-sides and B-sides of singles Jackson had released in 1968 and 1969 on Loma Records, a Warner Bros. affiliate label, and Warner Bros. Records.

The music is regarded as being consistent across periods, with Jackson being described as "a man devoted to old-school soul", rather than following trends.

The re-release included as additional tracks the remaining songs from Jackson's first album on Calla Records that had not been included in the original release of The Great J. J.