Joe Jackson was born on July 26, 1928, in a small town in Arkansas. He later moved to Indiana, where he spent much of his childhood. Growing up, Joe had big dreams of making it in the music industry, but his early years were far from glamorous. After finishing high school, he started working as a crane operator at the Inland Steel Company, a job that provided him with the means to support himself and his family.
Joe's big break came when he decided to start his own talent management company, Joe Jackson Productions. With a keen eye for talent and a relentless work ethic, Joe quickly made a name for himself in the music industry. He saw potential in his children and decided to guide their music careers, shaping them into the iconic pop stars they would later become.
In 1949, Joe married Katherine Scruse, and the couple went on to have nine surviving children together. Their children, Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Michael, Randy, and Janet, would go on to make music history. Joe's dedication to his family and their careers was unwavering, and he played a pivotal role in shaping their success.
Despite his professional success, Joe's personal life was not without controversy. He had a long-running extramarital affair with Cheryl Terrell, which resulted in the birth of his youngest child, Joh'Vonnie Jackson. This scandal rocked his family and strained his relationship with his wife and children, but Joe remained committed to supporting all of his children, no matter the circumstances.
As his children's careers continued to soar, Joe remained a constant presence in their lives, providing guidance and support every step of the way. He was portrayed by actor Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs in the 1992 ABC miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream, which chronicled the rise of his famous family.
Joe Jackson's impact on the music industry and his own family cannot be overstated. As a talent manager, he played a crucial role in shaping the careers of some of the biggest names in pop music. Despite the challenges and controversies he faced, Joe remained a devoted father and mentor to his children until his passing in 2018.
His legacy lives on through the music of his talented children and the lasting impact he had on the entertainment industry.