The Jackson family, hailing from Gary, Indiana, has left an indelible mark on the music world, especially during the late 20th century. With their unique blend of soul, pop, and R&B, they have become a cultural phenomenon. Known as “The First Family of Soul” and the “Royal Family of Pop,”
the Jacksons have captivated audiences worldwide. From the success of the Jackson 5 to the legendary careers of Michael and Janet Jackson, their legacy continues to thrive. But how many of the Jackson family members are still alive today? Let’s explore their story.
The Jackson 5 and Their Rise to Fame
The Jackson 5 was originally formed by brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. With Joe Jackson, their father, as their manager, they took the music world by storm in the late 1960s.
Their Motown hits, such as “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There,” quickly catapulted them into the spotlight. Michael, the youngest, soon emerged as the group’s standout star. In 1975, Jermaine was replaced by his younger brother, Randy, when the group switched from Motown to CBS Records, changing their name to “The Jacksons.”
Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson went on to have the most prominent solo careers, cementing their positions as two of the most influential pop and R&B artists in history. Michael became globally recognized as the “King of Pop,” while Janet broke barriers as one of the most successful female performers of her era.
The Jackson Family Legacy in Music
Throughout the years, the Jackson family has continued to influence the music industry. Together, they have produced 27 U.S. number-one hits. All nine of the Jackson siblings have earned gold records, and their impact extends across generations. La Toya Jackson, for example, was the first Jackson sister to earn a gold record for her co-writing on “Reggae Night,” performed by Jimmy Cliff. Janet Jackson achieved another milestone as the first Black woman to receive the Billboard Icon Award.
The Jackson 5’s influence in music was recognized with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Michael was later inducted as a solo artist in 2001, while Janet joined them in the Hall of Fame in 2019.
A Family of Survivors: Who Is Still Alive Today?
Despite the fame and fortune, the Jackson family has faced numerous challenges. Michael Jackson tragically passed away in 2009, sending shockwaves across the globe. But many members of the Jackson family are still alive today, continuing their artistic pursuits or leading more private lives. Let’s take a closer look at the remaining Jackson siblings:
Rebbie Jackson (born May 29, 1950) – The eldest Jackson sibling, Rebbie, had a music career in the 1980s and 1990s, with her most notable hit being “Centipede.” She remains active in her personal life and family.
Jackie Jackson (born May 4, 1951) – Jackie, a member of the Jackson 5, continues to perform occasionally and has worked on various musical projects.
Tito Jackson (born October 15, 1953) – Tito pursued a career in blues and R&B after the Jackson 5. Sadly, as of 2024, Tito passed away.
Jermaine Jackson (born December 11, 1954) – Jermaine had his solo career while also being part of the Jackson 5. He continues to be involved in music and various media projects.
La Toya Jackson (born May 29, 1956) – La Toya remains active in entertainment and has authored several books. She has often spoken about her life experiences, including her complex relationship with her family.
Marlon Jackson (born March 12, 1957) – Marlon, who was part of the original Jackson 5, has since moved away from the entertainment industry but still engages in occasional musical endeavors.
Randy Jackson (born October 29, 1961) – Randy became a member of the Jacksons in the mid-1970s, replacing Jermaine. He remains active in music production and other behind-the-scenes roles.
Janet Jackson (born May 16, 1966) – One of the most iconic female artists of all time, Janet continues to tour, release new music, and act. She remains one of the most influential entertainers of her generation.
The Impact of Michael Jackson’s Death
Michael Jackson’s death in 2009 was one of the most shocking moments in music history. As the “King of Pop,” his contributions to music, dance, and popular culture were unmatched. Even after his death, his influence remains omnipresent, with new generations discovering his iconic hits such as “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Beat It.” His children—Prince, Paris, and Bigi (formerly known as Blanket)—continue to live in the public eye, maintaining the Jackson legacy.
Continuing the Legacy: The Third Generation of Jacksons
The third generation of Jacksons is also making strides in entertainment. Michael’s children, Prince, Paris, and Bigi, have occasionally stepped into the spotlight. Paris Jackson has established herself as a singer, model, and actress, while Prince focuses on charity work and media production.
Tito’s sons—Taj, Taryll, and TJ—formed the R&B group 3T, which had success during the 1990s and early 2000s. Jermaine’s sons, Jay and Jaafar, have also ventured into entertainment, with Jaafar set to portray Michael Jackson in an upcoming biopic.
Conclusion: The Everlasting Jackson Legacy
The Jackson family has left an unparalleled mark on the music industry. From their early beginnings as the Jackson 5 to the solo success of Michael and Janet, their contributions continue to influence artists worldwide. While Michael’s passing was a tremendous loss, the Jackson family remains vibrant and continues to inspire future generations of musicians and entertainers. Despite the ups and downs, their legacy will continue to shine for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Jackson siblings are still alive? Seven out of the nine Jackson siblings are still alive. They are Rebbie, Jackie, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Randy, and Janet Jackson. Tito Jackson passed away in 2024, and Michael Jackson died in 2009.
2. What was the original lineup of the Jackson 5? The original lineup consisted of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. Randy later replaced Jermaine when the group became “The Jacksons.”
3. How many children does Michael Jackson have? Michael Jackson has three children: Prince (born 1997), Paris (born 1998), and Bigi (formerly known as Blanket, born 2002).
4. Who are the most famous members of the Jackson family? Michael and Janet Jackson are the most famous members due to their groundbreaking solo careers.
5. What was the Jackson family’s influence on pop culture? The Jackson family has significantly impacted music, particularly in the genres of pop, R&B, and soul. Their contributions to entertainment, from the Jackson 5’s Motown hits to Michael and Janet’s solo careers, are deeply embedded in pop culture history.
