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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. 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 sudden loss of Michael and preparing for a Jackson 5 Reunion tour.

First generation
Joseph Walter Jackson was born on July 26, 1928 in Fountain Hill, Arkansas. the eldest of four to Samuel Jackson (1893-1993) and Crystal Lee King (1907-1992). When Joe was twelve, his parents split up and Joe and his father, Samuel Jackson, moved to Oakland. After graduating from high school, Joe left California and moved to East Chicago, Indiana to take care of his mother. It was there that he met Katherine Scruse (born May 4, 1930), an Alabama native who was raised in East Chicago from age four. Katherine's family came from Alabama and are descended of African slaves and Cherokee Indians. The couple married on November 5, 1949 and moved into a two-room house of 2300 Jackson St. (near Roosevelt Park) in Gary, Indiana. During his early years in Gary, Joe formed a rhythm and blues band called The Falcons. His performance career lasted a brief two years. Joe then took up work as a crane operator for the U.S. Steel Company, before eventually managing his sons' careers.

Second generation
Together, Joseph and Katherine Jackson had ten children. Their son, Brandon, died at birth. The other nine grew up to become professional musicians.


 * Maureen Reillette "Rebbie" Jackson (born May 29, 1950)
 * Sigmund Esco "Jackie" Jackson (born May 4, 1951)
 * Toriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson (born October 15, 1953)
 * Jermaine La Jaune Jackson (born December 11, 1954)
 * La Toya Yvonne Jackson (born May 29, 1956)
 * Marlon David Jackson (born March 12, 1957)
 * Brandon Jackson (born March 12, 1957) – Died shortly after birth.
 * Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)
 * Steven Randall "Randy" Jackson (born October 29, 1961)
 * Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966)