Tito, Jermaine, Michael, Marlon and Jackie Jackson in 1978
With the passing of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop leaves behind eight siblings, each of whom has at once point been a recording artist. From the Jackson 5, to Michael and Jermaine's solo careers, to Janet becoming one of the leading female artists of her generation, the Jacksons seemed born with music in their bones.
Rebbie (May 29, 1950)
The oldest of the nine Jackson siblings, Rebbie didn't get a shot at stardom with her brothers. It wasn't until 1976 that she began a professional singing career, albeit one in the background: She was a backup vocalist on albums by the Emotions and other R&B acts. In 1984, fresh off the record-breaking success of Thriller, Michael produced Rebbie's hit single "Centipede," which rose to #4 on the R&B chart. Since then, she's come out with several albums, the last — 1998's Yours Faithfully — on Michael's MJJ record label.
Jackie (May 4, 1951)
Along with Michael, he was lead singer of the Jackson 5. After recording 13 albums for Motown, the group signed with CBS Records in 1976 and became the Jacksons. Their first few efforts faltered, but the 1978 album Destiny re-established their reputation and produced a top-10 single in 1979, "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)." As a solo artist, Jackie released a self-titled debut in 1973 and Be the One in 1989.
Tito (October 15, 1953)
After the success of Destiny, Tito and the Jacksons released the platinum-selling Triumph in 1980 and the multiplatinum-selling Victoryin 1984. After Michael and then Marlon left the band, Tito became a successful studio musician. In 1989, the Jacksons returned for a largely Michael-free album called 2300 Jackson Street, the final Jacksons album.
Jermaine (December 11, 1954)
In 1972, while continuing to perform with his brothers, Jermaine released his first solo record, which produced the top-10 single "Daddy's Home." When the Jacksons left Motown, Jermaine left the band, as he was married to Motown founder Berry Gordy's daughter. Subsequently, he carried on releasing solo material, including hit singles like the Stevie Wonder-produced "Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming" and the dance track "Dynamite."
LaToya (May 29, 1956)
LaToya got her start singing backup vocals for the Jackson 5 and went solo with a 1980 self-titled album. She continued to churn out solo music but is perhaps best known for posing nude for Playboy in 1989 and writing a tell-all autobiography that led to estrangement from some siblings.
Marlon (March 12, 1957)
The guitarist for the family group, Marlon left in 1987 to pursue a solo career. His first single "Don't Go" — from debut album Baby Tonight— climbed as high as #2 on the Hot R&B chart. But Marlon's subsequent efforts proved considerably less successful. He appeared on only one track on 2300.
Michael (August 29, 1958)
He's the King of Pop for a reason: More than 750 million records sold worldwide, eight platinum or multiplatinum albums, 13 #1 singles and 13 Grammy Awards. Read more about his legendary career.
Randy Jackson (October 29, 1961)
Randy joined the group after Jermaine left in 1976, though he'd been performing with his brothers as a percussionist for some time. He performed on hit Jacksons albums like TriumphVictory. Following the band's dissolution, Randy became a successful studio musician and also formed his own band, Randy & the Gypsys, which put out an album in 1989. He reunited with his brothers for 2300. and
Janet Jackson (May 16, 1966)
The youngest Jackson appeared with her siblings onstage and on television but embarked on a solo career starting with a 1982 self-titled record. 1986's Control proved to be her breakout album, eventually going platinum five times and spawning hit singles like "When I Think of You." Her next two discs, 1989's Janet Jackson' s Rhythm Nation 1814 and 1993's Janet, became even more successful, each going platinum six times.
