Joseph Walter Jackson was born in Fountain Hill, Arkansas, to CrystalLee King and Samuel Jackson, a schoolteacher. He grew up during theGreat Depression in Oakland, California, where he learned the value ofhard work at a young age. In the 1950s, he formed a band with hisbrother and played guitar, laying the foundation for his future success.
As the years passed, Jackson worked multiple jobs to support his ninechildren, including six boys and three girls. He also spent countlesshours rehearsing his eldest five sons, preparing them for local talentcontests. The boys' hard work paid off, as they won numerous competitions,including the prestigious Harlem's Apollo Theater.
Jackson's success with his sons caught the attention of Steeltown Records,which signed the Jackson 5 to their first record deal. In 1969, he drovehis sons to a secret audition at Motown in Detroit, where they impressedindustry professionals with their talent. The Jackson 5's first single,"I Want You Back," reached number one on the charts, and their first fouralbums sold an astonishing 10 million copies in just 10 months, settinga world record for sales.
But Jackson's impact on the music industry didn't stop there. He alsofinanced the recording of his daughter Janet Jackson's first demo, whichled to her signing with A&M Records. Janet went on to release hit albumssuch as "Control" and "Rhythm Nation," which were produced in conjunctionwith her father's production company.
Jackson also helped his daughter La Toya Jackson record her first albumat Private I Records and assisted Rebbie Jackson in securing a recorddeal with Michael's label MJJ. In recognition of his outstandingcontributions to the music industry, Jackson was awarded a proclamation inthe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the Best Entertainment Manager ofAll Time by Jane L. Campbell, mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, in October 2002.
In addition to his work in the music industry, Jackson has also pursuedother ventures. He has made several trips to Africa and testified onMichael Jackson's behalf in a trial where a jury agreed with him thatMichael co-wrote the hit song "We Are the World." Jackson has alsoco-produced a film, "Destination Fame," and co-created a television sitcomcalled "Blended," a family comedy about a young interracial couple andtheir two opposite families blending.
