Joseph Walter Jackson was born on July 26, 1928, in Fountain Hill, Arkansas, the eldest of five children. Before navigating the music industry, he worked at the Inland Steel Company and pursued boxing, where he found success through the Golden Gloves program. This trajectory established his early life experiences long before he became a prominent talent manager.
Early Career and Music Beginnings
During the 1950s, Jackson performed in a blues band called the Falcons with his brother Luther. The ensemble failed to secure a recording contract and disbanded after bandmate Thornton Pookie Hudson departed to form the Spaniels in 1952. Jackson later turned his focus toward his children, pushing his sons into music after noticing them playing with his instruments during his absences.
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Jackson organized his eldest sons, Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine, into a musical act, eventually incorporating Marlon and Michael. Under his management, the group performed at local venues, notably earning a television set in a talent contest. On November 21, 1967, he signed them to Steeltown Records, leading to the release of their debut single, Big Boy. In 1969, they moved to Motown Records, resulting in a string of four consecutive number-one hits.
Business Expansion and Family Career Oversight
By 1974, Jackson sought greater independence by establishing his own label, Ivory Tower International Records. He also expanded his management scope to include his daughters, Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet, coordinating performances in Las Vegas. He later managed Janet Jackson, financing her initial demo and securing her a recording contract with A&M Records in 1982.
Personal Life and Family Dynamics
He married Katherine Scruse on November 5, 1949, and the couple settled in Gary, Indiana, where they raised 10 children. Despite filing for divorce twice, in 1973 and 1982, the couple remained legally married until his death. Jackson also fathered a daughter, Joh'Vonnie, with Cheryle Terrell in 1974. He eventually relocated to Las Vegas, where he resided until his passing on June 27, 2018.
Fast facts
- Born: July 26, 1928, Fountain Hill
- Died: June 27, 2018, Las Vegas
- Spouse: Katherine Scruse
- Inducted: Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, 2014
- Burial site: Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Questions readers ask
How many children did Joe Jackson have?
He had 10 children with his wife, Katherine, and one daughter, Joh'Vonnie, from another relationship.
What was his professional background before music?
He worked for the Inland Steel Company and was a participant in the Golden Gloves boxing program.
