Following the passing of Joe Jackson at the age of 89, it’s important to reflect on the extensive family legacy he leaves behind. As the patriarch of one of the world’s most famous families, Joe Jackson molded a musical dynasty that continues to influence generations. He and his wife Katherine had ten children, though sadly, Brandon, Marlon Jackson’s twin brother, passed away shortly after birth. Despite further tragedy with the untimely death of Michael Jackson in 2009, the Jackson family members persevere, carrying forward the incredible heritage that Joe Jackson initiated in the 1960s.
This article delves into the lives and contributions of the surviving members of the Jackson family, exploring their individual achievements and collective impact on music and popular culture.
The Matriarch: Katherine Jackson
Alt: Katherine Jackson, matriarch of the Jackson family, attending a public event.
Katherine Jackson, at 88 years old, is the enduring heart of the Jackson family. Her marriage to Joe Jackson lasted for 68 years, and together they raised ten children. While Katherine filed for divorce in the 1970s due to Joe’s infidelity, as detailed in her 1990 autobiography, My Family, she ultimately remained married to him, guided by her faith as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Beyond her role as wife and mother, Katherine is also the devoted guardian of Michael Jackson’s three children. Her strength and unwavering support have been crucial to the family’s resilience through personal and public challenges.
The Eldest Daughter: Rebbie Jackson
Rebbie Jackson, born Maureen Reillette, is Joe and Katherine’s first child. At 68 years old, Rebbie carved her own path in the music industry. Her debut album, Centipede, released in 1984, featured songs penned by music icons Prince and her brother Michael, showcasing her talent and the family’s collaborative spirit. She released three more albums until 1998, establishing herself as a respected vocalist.
In 1968, Rebbie married Nathaniel Brown, her childhood sweetheart. Despite Joe Jackson’s initial disapproval, Rebbie’s commitment to her love life reflects her independent spirit. Rebbie’s family includes three children: Stacee, Yashi, and Austin, and a grandchild, London Blue Salas, extending the Jackson family lineage.
The Eldest Son: Jackie Jackson
Jackie Jackson, whose full name is Sigmund Esco, is Joe’s eldest son. A versatile talent at 67 years old, Jackie is a singer and former baseball player. He was an original member of the Jackson Brothers group, alongside Tito and Jermaine, which predated the global phenomenon of the Jackson 5.
Alt: The Jackson brothers Jackie, Tito, and Marlon Jackson performing on stage together.
Jackie’s athletic prowess was evident when he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1970, demonstrating his abilities extended beyond music. In his music career, he released two solo albums and ventured into entrepreneurship by founding two record companies, Jesco Records and Futurist Entertainment.
His personal life has also been subject to public scrutiny. Margaret Maldonado’s 1995 book, Jackson Family Values, recounted a tumultuous incident where Jackie was injured by his then-wife, Enid Jackson, after she reportedly caught him with Paula Abdul. Jackie has four children: Sigmund “Siggy”, Jr., Brandi, and twins River and Jaylen, continuing the family’s growth into another generation.
Tito Jackson: Blues and Beyond
Tito Jackson, born Toriano Adaryll, is the third child in the Jackson family. As a singer and accomplished guitarist, Tito, now 64, was a vital member of the Jackson 5. In recent years, he has stepped into the solo spotlight, releasing his debut solo album, Tito Time. The album features the single “Get It Baby,” showcasing his enduring musical talent. Tito also broadened his entertainment presence as a judge on the BBC singing competition, Just the Two of Us, in 2002.
Tito’s children, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, have also made their mark in music, forming the successful band 3T. 3T has released three studio albums, keeping the Jackson family’s musical legacy alive within their own generation and adding six grandchildren to Tito’s growing family.
Jermaine Jackson: From Jackson 5 to Solo Star
Jermaine Jackson, the fourth Jackson child at 63, was initially the lead singer of the Jackson Brothers before Michael took over. Jermaine established a successful solo career, releasing 13 albums and earning a GRAMMY nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his 1980 album Let’s Get Serious.
Alt: Singer Jermaine Jackson performing live on stage during a concert.
Jermaine has also ventured into reality television, appearing on Celebrity Big Brother UK, Gone Country, and Celebrity Wife Swap. He served as executive producer for the A&E series, The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty, offering an inside look into their lives. His memoir, You Are Not Alone: Michael Through a Brother’s Eyes, published in 2011, provided a personal perspective on his relationship with his brother Michael. Jermaine’s large family includes nine children: Jermajesty, Jaafar, Jaimy, Donte Randall, Jermaine, Jr., Jeremy Maldonado, Autumn, Dawn, and Jourdynn Michael, reflecting the expansive nature of the Jackson family tree.
La Toya Jackson: Entertainment and Advocacy
La Toya Jackson, Joe’s middle daughter at 62, has had a diverse career in entertainment. She starred in The Jacksons, a CBS variety show with her siblings in 1976-1977. Her solo music career began in 1980 with her self-titled album, and she went on to release nine studio albums.
La Toya has also explored reality TV, appearing in Armed & Famous and Celebrity Big Brother UK, following in Jermaine’s footsteps. She participated in Celebrity Apprentice in 2011 and starred in her own reality show, Life With La Toya, on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network in 2013. As an author, La Toya has penned two autobiographies: La Toya: Growing Up in the Jackson Family (1991) and Starting Over (2011), sharing her experiences within the famous family.
Marlon Jackson: From Music to Real Estate
Marlon Jackson, 61, known by some as “The Dancingest Jackson,” contributed significantly to the Jackson 5’s iconic performances with his dance moves. He released a solo album, Baby Tonight, in 1987. However, Marlon later transitioned away from the music industry and now works as a real estate agent, demonstrating a career shift while remaining part of the Jackson family narrative. Marlon has three children: Valencia, Brittany Shauntee, and Marlon Jr.
Randy Jackson: Musicality and Entrepreneurship
Randy Jackson, born Steven Randall, at 56, was not an original member of the Jackson 5 but joined later, adding his musical talents as a singer and pianist. He formed his own band, Randy & the Gypsy, releasing a self-titled album in 1989. Randy also ventured into the business side of music, launching his own record label, Modern Records, in 1998, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Randy has three children: Genevieve, Stevanna, and Steven Jr.
Janet Jackson: A Global Icon
Janet Jackson, 52, is arguably one of the most successful female artists of all time, achieving global superstardom. She has won five GRAMMY Awards and received an Oscar nomination for the song “Again” from the Poetic Justice soundtrack. Janet has also acted in films like Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls (2010).
Alt: Janet Jackson, iconic pop star, performing on stage during a concert.
Her early television roles included Penny on Good Times and Charlene DuPrey on Diff’rent Strokes, establishing her presence across entertainment mediums. Janet’s personal life has been widely followed, including her marriages and recent divorce from Wissam Al Mana. She has one son, Eissa, born shortly before her split with Al Mana.
Joh’Vonnie Jackson: The Youngest Sibling
Joh’Vonnie Jackson, Joe’s youngest child at 43, was born during his long-term affair with Cheryl Terrell. While she grew up outside of the immediate spotlight of her siblings, Joh’Vonnie is recognized as part of the Jackson family, adding another layer to the family’s complex history.
Michael Jackson’s Children: The Next Generation
Alt: Prince Michael Jackson Jr., Paris Jackson, and Prince Michael Jackson II “Blanket”, Michael Jackson’s children.
Joe Jackson’s grandchildren, Michael Jackson’s children, are stepping into their own public roles. Prince Jackson, 21, Paris Jackson, 20, and Prince Michael “Blanket” Jackson II, 16, have appeared in The Jacksons: Next Generation, a docuseries exploring their lives and the Jackson legacy. Prince has worked as a correspondent for ET and ventured into acting. Paris has spoken publicly about her father’s death and forged her own path in modeling and activism. Blanket, who now prefers to be called Bigi, has remained more private, focusing on his education.
Continuing the Jackson Family Legacy
The Jackson family, from Joe and Katherine’s children to their grandchildren, represents an extraordinary dynasty in music and entertainment. Despite facing personal tragedies and public scrutiny, their collective talent, resilience, and enduring family bonds have cemented their place in cultural history. The legacy of “All Of The Jackson Family” continues to evolve through their individual endeavors and shared heritage, promising further chapters in their ongoing story.
