Behind The Curtain Of The Jackson 5

The Jackson family gave us some of the world’s most loved pop hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s. The family group also birthed the late great King of Pop, the untouchable Michael Jackson. Here is the real story behind the Jackson 5 and one of the most famous fathers in Pop music, Joe Jackson.

In The Beginning

Long before Michael Jackson claimed his throne as the undisputed King of Pop, the young star was a member of the Jackson 5, the family boy band that would skyrocket to fame under the guidance of their father and manager, Joe Jackson.

Joe’s Dreams

Before he fathered children, Jackson had his own dreams of stardom. Young Joe was an aspiring boxer and blues musician. Jackson trained tirelessly in the ring while playing guitar for the Indiana-based blues band, The Falcons. But by the time his boxing career came to a halt, Joe was forced to look elsewhere for fame and fortune.

The Happy Couple

Joe and his love Katherine were married in 1949, with their first child welcomed the following year. Joe worked as a crane operator in a steel company to support his growing family. By 1960, Joe had 10 children.

An Early Start

By the early 1960s, Joe recognized his children’s musical talents. He began to train and teach his three eldest sons, Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine.

A Family Affair

Two of the younger Jackson boys, Michael and Marlon would later join the band, which Joe ultimately titled The Jackson 5. The younger boys would add the backing vocals for their older brothers.

Success Comes Knocking.

After years of performing at High School functions and talent contests, the Jackson 5 would sign their first record deal in 1967, with the release of their smash single ‘Big Boy.’ The boys became instant local celebrities.

Hollywood Calls

By 1969, the Jackson boys had arrived, landing a contract with Detroit’s iconic Motown Records. Joe discovered that little Michael had an especially apparent gift for singing, dancing and showmanship. With Michael in the lead, ‘I Want You Back’ was released in October 1969. The song skyrocketed to #1 on the charts and the boys were sudden superstars.

All About the Dollars

The hits just kept on coming. The group followed up with three more top-selling singles “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.”

Jacksonmania Dies Down

By 1973, Jacksonmania was beginning to decline. Michael’s solo career continued to soar, but the elder Jackson boys were losing interest.But what would happen next?

The Group Tranforms

In 1975, The Jackson 5 signed a new record deal and became known simply as The Jacksons. The group released 6 more albums between 1976 and 1984, though producing numerous chart-topping singles.

Michael Thrills

Michael continued to rise. Thriller now stands as the best-selling album of all time, with estimated sales of over 66 million copies worldwide. The music video that was released with the album’s title single is considered one of Michael’s greatest artistic contributions to music. The 14 minute zombie-themed video was credited with breaking racial boundaries and elevating the very medium of the music video.

Fatherly Love

Both Michael and Janet Jackson were particularly outspoken about their father. In later years, Michael would open up about their relationship. He said that his father was always by his side.

A Different Look

The media tabloids became obsessed with Jackson’s rapidly changing appearance. He was accused of bleaching his skin as his complexion became lighter and lighter. He confessed to having two rhinoplasties but denied the bleaching allegations. It was later confirmed that Jackson suffered from vitiligo, a skin condition which results in light patches on the sufferer’s skin.

A Manager, Not a Dad

Another rule of the Jackson house that was later revealed was that the use of the word ‘Dad,’ or ‘Daddy’, wasn’t allowed. Jackson wanted his children only refer to him as ‘Joseph.

Father Forever

Michael often publicly stated that he owed his successes largely to his father.

No Apologies

Both Joe and Katherine Jackson also said they owed their incredible successes to his fathering methods.

Continued Success

Joe’s son always desperately yearned for his father’s attention and approval. Michael continued to make musical history with his subsequent albums. Jackson released another four chart-topping genre-defying albums from 1987 to 2001.

A Devastating Loss

On June 25, 2009 Michael Jackson stopped breathing while attempting to sleep under the care of his physician. The world was shocked by the devastating and premature loss of the musical icon. With an estimated US audience of 31 million people, Michael was laid to rest in a publicly broadcast memorial service.

Joe’s Legacy

Joe Jackson is credited as the patriarch of one of the world’s most beloved musical families. Jackson led the late great Michael Jackson down the gilded path of stardom. In Joe’s later years he was recognized by numerous musical institutions and has been inducted into multiple Musical Halls of Fame.

The Ultimate End

On June 27, 2018, Joe Jackson would pass after a long battle with terminal pancreatic cancer. The estate of Michael Jackson confirmed Jackson’s death. “We are deeply saddened by Mr. Jackson’s passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Katherine Jackson and the family.” The musical patriarch was 89.