Joe Jackson
Joe Jackson, the father of late King of Pop, Michael Jackson is said to be in bad shape due to an undisclosed illness.
At 89, Joe is famous for guiding his children to showbiz success as The Jackson 5, however as success followed, controversy has also surrounded his famous last name. Get to know below the top ten facts about the Jackson family patriarch, Joe Jackson.
#1 He is an Arkansas native
Joseph Walter Jackson was born in Fountain Hill, Arkansas; the eldest of five children to Crystal Lee (King) and Samuel Jackson, a schoolteacher. He was raised in California by his father after his parents separated. His siblings include Samuel, Helen, Luther and Alfred.
#2 Katherine Jackson is his second wife
While living in Chicago, Indiana –he he met his future wife Katherine Scruse. After a brief marriage to and subsequent annulment from another woman, Joseph and Katherine continued an affair, resulting in his second marriage on November 5, 1949.
#3 He is a former boxer
Joe had dreamed of becoming a boxer and trained to become a professional but after his marriage he worked two jobs to support his family. He was employed as a crane operator at Gary’s U.S. Steel company, while Katherine tended to their children.
#4 He and Katherine welcomed 10 kids
Joe and Katherine Jackson are the proud parents of six sons; Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Jermaine, Randy and Michael; and three daughters Maureen, LaToya and Janet. The couple lost a son, Brandon Jackson.
#5 He cheated on his wife
Joe is also the father of daughter, Joh’Vonnie Jackson – the product of an extra-marital affair with Cheryl Terrell.
#6 He used to be in a band
In the mid-1950s, Joseph started a music career with his brother Luther, playing guitar in a band called The Ford Falcons. The group split up a couple of years later after failing to get a recording deal. Joseph returned full time to his job at U.S. Steel.
#7 He is best known as their children manager
Joe is credited with launching the singing careers of many of his talented children, including Michael, Janet, LaToya, Jermaine, Jackie, Tito and Randy. After realizing his eldest sons had musical talent he had them play for him. The group known as The Jackson 5 got signed to Motown Records in 1968. Within a few years, however, Joseph’s sons each left his management company to sign for other managers.
#8 He was accused by his children of being abusive
In the early 90’s King of Pop Michael Jackson spoke of his father’s strict leadership which included according to Michael, enduring incessant rehearsals, whippings and name-calling. Joe later admitted to whipping his children. Michael later implied his father’s deep-South upbringing during the Great Depression hardened him emotionally.
#9 He was always supportive of his children
Despite not having the best relationship with his children, Joe also supported and helped launched the musical careers of his daughters LaToya and Janet. He was also by Michael’s side during his legal problems and was awarded a proclamation in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame as the Best Entertainment Manager of All Time by Jane L. Campbell, mayor of Cleveland, Ohio in October 2002.
#10 His handlers have barred family members from seeing him
Joe, who has been ailing for months, but took a turn for the worse in the past week, is said not to have much longer to live. Joe’s handlers allegedly barred senior family members from visiting him, including his wife Katherine and daughter Rebbie. Apparently Joe himself gave verbal instructions making clear he didn’t want visitors or family members to see him or his medical records.
