Joseph Walter Jackson, a notable figure in the world of music, was born in Fountain Hill, Arkansas, to CrystalLee King, a mother who would play a significant role in shaping his early life, and Samuel Jackson, a dedicated schoolteacher who instilled valuable lessons in his children. Growing up during the challenging times of the Great Depression in Oakland, California, Joseph Walter Jackson learned the importance of hard work and perseverance at a tender age, values that would serve him well throughout his life. In the 1950s, he embarked on a musical journey, forming and playing guitar with his band, which featured his brother, and meticulously honed his musical skills, laying the foundation for a successful career in the music industry.
As the pivotal decade of the 1960s gradually unfolded, Michael Jackson, driven by an unwavering dedication to his family, assumed the responsibility of supporting his burgeoning brood of nine children, all while meticulously rehearsing his eldest five sons for an extended period, meticulously preparing them for local talent contests.
The Jackson 5's remarkable performances, marked by their unparalleled precision and energetic stage presence, soon captured the attention of astute bookers, and they began to secure a string of lucrative gigs across the Eastern United States, sharing the stage with established acts of repute, including the illustrious Gladys Knight & The Pips, who were already recording for the esteemed Motown label.
As the Jackson 5's fame and notoriety continued to escalate, Joseph Jackson made the necessary personal sacrifices to expertly manage his sons' burgeoning music careers, ultimately putting his own aspirations as a musician on the backburner. This selfless decision allowed him to focus on nurturing the talents of his children, guiding them through the treacherous waters of the entertainment industry.
After the group's impressive string of victories in numerous talent contests, including the highly coveted spot at Harlem's renowned Apollo Theater, Joseph Jackson leveraged their success to secure their first record deal with the prestigious Steeltown Records.
It was the year 1969 that proved to be a pivotal moment in the career of the Jackson 5, as they embarked on a clandestine mission to secure a spot at the esteemed Motown headquarters in Detroit. With the guidance of their trusted mentor, they navigated the treacherous terrain of the music industry, ultimately landing a coveted audition with the iconic label. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a lucrative partnership that would propel the group to unprecedented heights of success.
The Jackson 5's inaugural single, "I Want You Back," catapulted to the top of the charts, securing the coveted #1 spot. The subsequent four singles that followed in its wake achieved an astonishing sales figure of 10 million copies in a remarkably short period of 10 months, shattering the previous record for sales and cementing their status as one of the most successful musical acts of all time.
Joseph Walter Jackson
Joseph Jackson, driven by his unwavering ambition to catapult his sons to international stardom, redirected his focus towards his daughters, pouring his resources into nurturing their musical talents. He financially backed the recording of Janet Jackson's inaugural demo, subsequently securing her a contract with A&M Records. Furthermore, Joseph Jackson played a pivotal role in La Toya Jackson's debut album, offering his guidance and expertise throughout the creative process. Additionally, he leveraged his influence to facilitate a recording deal for his eldest daughter, Rebbie Jackson, partnering with his son Michael's label, MJJ Productions, to further her musical career.
Joseph Jackson's remarkable career has been punctuated by an abundance of esteemed recognitions, with a particularly notable distinction being bestowed upon him by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the year 2002, wherein he was officially proclaimed the Best Entertainment Manager of All Time, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for the entertainment industry.
In more recent years, Joseph Jackson has embarked on a journey of personal growth and exploration, traveling to the vast and storied continent of Africa, where he has had the opportunity to immerse himself in the rich cultural heritage and storied traditions of this ancient and majestic land.
Furthermore, Joseph Jackson has also played a pivotal role in a high-profile trial, where he provided crucial testimony on behalf of his son, the legendary musician Michael Jackson, in a case involving the iconic song "We Are the World", a global phenomenon that brought together some of the most talented and influential musicians of all time to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian causes.
Noted television personality and creative force, Jackson, has not only made a mark in the entertainment industry but has also ventured into filmmaking, serving as a co-producer for the movie "Destination Fame". Furthermore, Jackson has showcased his talents as a television writer and creator, co-developing the sitcom "Blended", a heartwarming family comedy that delves into the lives of a young interracial couple and their blended families, offering a unique and relatable portrayal of modern family dynamics.
