Last updated on: August 23, 2025
Joe Jackson was the patriarch of the internationally renowned Jackson family. He controlled his children’s early careers, such as Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. Joe contributed extensively to their success, but his approach was tough and came under heavy criticism.
Quick Facts About Joe Jackson
| Full Name | Joseph Walter Jackson |
| Birthdate | July 26, 1928 |
| Death | June 27, 2018 |
| Age at Death | 89 years |
| Birthplace | Fountain Hill, Arkansas, USA |
| Occupation | Talent Manager, Former Boxer |
| Husband/Wife | Katherine Jackson (m. 1949) |
| Education | High School Graduate (East Chicago) |
| Parents | Samuel Joseph Jackson, Crystal Lee King |
| Siblings | Luther Jackson, Lula Mae Jackson, Verna Mae Jackson, Lawrence Jackson |
| Children | La Toya Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Brandon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Randy Jackson |
| Half-Child | Joh’Vonnie Jackson |
| Net Worth | Around $5 million |
Early Life
Joe Jackson was born Joseph Walter Jackson on July 26, 1928, in Fountain Hill, Arkansas. He had five siblings and was the eldest among them. His parents were Samuel Joseph Jackson, a school teacher, and Crystal Lee King.
When Joe was 12 years old, his parents divorced. He and his father moved to Oakland, California, and then to East Chicago, Indiana. Things were not easy, but Joe remained steadfast. He did boxing for a short while, and then he worked as a crane operator in a steel plant.
Marriage and Family
Joe met Katherine Scruse while in Indiana. They were married on November 5, 1949. The pair had ten children:
Rebbie Jackson (b. 1950)
Jackie Jackson (b. 1951)
Tito Jackson (1953–2024)
Jermaine Jackson (b. 1954)
La Toya Jackson (b. 1956)
Marlon Jackson (b. 1957)
Brandon Jackson (twin of Marlon, died at birth)
Michael Jackson (1958–2009)
Randy Jackson (b. 1961)
Janet Jackson (b. 1966)
Joe had another daughter, Joh’Vonnie Jackson, from a different relationship.
Career and The Jackson 5
Joe was a music enthusiast. In the 1960s, he saw that his sons were talented. He created The Jackson 5 with Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. Joe was their manager.
With his help, the band signed a contract with Motown Records in 1969. They produced huge hits such as ABC and I Want You Back. The Jackson 5 was one of the most successful groups during that era.
Joe also assisted Janet Jackson in launching her career. He financed her initial demo and her first album. Janet went on to become a superstar, selling millions of albums.
Strict Parenting and Criticism
Joe Jackson was strict. He confessed that he used a strap to punish his children. He asserted it kept them out of trouble.
But a few of his children discussed brutal treatment. Michael Jackson and La Toya reported Joe was physically and emotionally stringent. These allegations turned Joe into a controversial figure. He never apologized, explaining that his rules made his children successful.
READ ALSO: Janet Jackson Net worth, Age, Husband, Family, Facts & More
Later Years and Death
Joe Jackson lived to witness the worldwide success of his family. He also witnessed heartache when Michael passed away in 2009.
Joe died on June 27, 2018, at Las Vegas, Nevada. Joe was 89 years old and had cancer. His death closed the era of the Jackson family.
