Jackson family : Ask Biography

Home | Musical Artists | Jackson family

The Jackson family is an American family of singers who originated in Gary, Indiana. Performing as members of The Jackson 5 and as solo artists, the children of Joseph Walter and Katherine Esther Jackson influenced and shaped the sound of popular music. As a group, the eldest sons Jackie (Sigmund Esco "Jackie" Jackson), Tito (Toriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson ), Jermaine (Jermaine La Jaune Jackson), Marlon (Marlon David Jackson), and Michael (Michael Joseph Jackson), set the family on a path of musical success that spread among siblings Rebbie, La Toya, Randy, and Janet. The acclaim of The Jackson 5 led the group to become known as the "First Family of Soul" (a title first held by the Five Stairsteps); the continued success of Michael and Janet's careers as solo artists led the Jacksons to become known as the "Royal Family of Pop". Eight of the nine Jackson siblings (excluding La Toya) have gold records to their credits.

Members of the Jackson family have been the subject of heavily publicized controversies and legal imbroglios, most notably allegations of child abuse against Michael in 1993, his criminal trial in 2005, and Janet's controversial Super Bowl halftime performance in 2004. Some Jackson siblings have, at various times, publicly criticized one another and alleged abuse at the hands of their father. In spite of these circumstances and other troubles, the Jacksons have continued to be praised for shaping the world of entertainment with some of the siblings' own children taking the spotlight in various careers.

In recent years, certain members of the family have been honored for their work; in 1997 The Jackson 5 were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Michael would follow the group to the hall in 2001. In 2002, Joseph was acknowledged as "the best musical manager of all time" by the Hall in Cleveland. The Jacksons, Michael and Janet all received stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980, 1984 and 1990 respectively. In 2009 a new series from A&E entitled The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty premiered documenting the Jackson brothers dealing with the supposed loss of Michael and Preparing for a Jackson 5 Reunion tour.