Joe Jackson

Joseph Walter “Joe” Jackson was an American talent manager best known for launching the careers of his children as The Jackson 5. He was born in Fountain Hill, Arkansas, and later moved with his father to Oakland, California, before settling in Gary, Indiana, as a teen. Jackson attended Washington High School but left before graduating. Before entering music management, he worked as a crane operator at a steel mill.

Joe began managing his sons Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael Jackson in the early 1960s, organizing them into The Jackson 5. Under his direction, they secured an audition with Motown Records and signed in 1968, going on to release hits like “I’ll Be There,” “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “I Want You Back.” Their success helped propel the family into international stardom. Joe continued managing the group when they rebranded as The Jacksons under Epic Records and later guided the early solo careers of Michael and Janet Jackson. He was also credited as a producer on the family’s CBS show, The Jacksons (1976-1977).

The executive was involved in the early development leading to Michael’s solo breakthrough albums Off the Wall (1979) and Thriller (1982). He was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2014 for his contributions to the industry.

Joe married Katherine Scruse in 1949. They welcomed 10 children: Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Brandon (died in 1957), Michael, Randy and Janet. Jackson also had a daughter, Joh’Vonnie, from another relationship.

He died on June 27, 2018, at the age of 89 after battling pancreatic cancer.