How Good Were Michael Jackson’s Brothers and Sisters?
The Jackson family is often regarded as the most successful musical family of all time.
With all nine Jackson siblings achieving solo hits on the Billboard charts, their collective legacy is impressive.
However, only a few remain household names today.
One intriguing question that often arises is which sibling managed to outshine Michael Jackson on the R&B charts.
In this article, we will delve into the careers of Michael’s brothers and sisters, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and the impact they made in the music industry.
Janet Jackson: The Second Most Famous Jackson
Janet Jackson stands out as the second most famous member of the Jackson family.
With over 100 million records sold, ten number one singles on Billboard, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, her career is remarkable.
However, many people may not remember that Janet’s early career was not without its struggles.
Her first two albums, released when she was just 16, failed to achieve commercial success.
Her debut album, released in 1982, sold only 250,000 copies, and her single “Young Love” peaked at number 64 on the Hot 100.
This was not the kind of performance that her father, Joe Jackson, expected as her manager.
In 1984, Janet released her second album, “Dream Street,” produced by her brother Marlon.
Unfortunately, it peaked at number 147 on the Billboard 200 and did not produce any Hot 100 singles.
By 1985, at just 19 years old, Janet’s career appeared to be over before it had truly begun.
However, in a pivotal moment, Janet decided to part ways with her family’s management and hired executive John McClain to oversee her career.
This decision led her to work with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who would help redefine her sound.
The album “Control,” released in just six weeks, debuted at number 84 but quickly climbed to the top, selling 250,000 copies in its first week—a record for a female artist at the time.
It produced five top ten hits on the Hot 100 and eventually sold over ten million copies worldwide.
Janet followed this success with “Rhythm Nation 1814,” which made history by producing seven top five hits on the Hot 100, a feat no other album had accomplished.
In 1991, she signed a groundbreaking contract with Virgin Records, reportedly worth $40 million, making her the highest-paid musical artist in the world.
Despite her successes, Janet faced challenges.
While she had a unique style and stage presence, her vocal abilities were often overshadowed by powerhouse singers like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
However, Janet’s breathy tone and exceptional dance skills set her apart, allowing her to create a distinctive identity in the music industry.
Jermaine Jackson: The Forgotten Brother
Jermaine Jackson, often overshadowed by his more famous siblings, had a successful career of his own.
With 16 charted singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and a Grammy nomination, he was one of the few brothers besides Michael to establish a pop career.
Jermaine was the second lead vocalist of the Jackson 5, contributing a warm and rich voice to the group’s harmonies.
His solo career began with the single “Daddy’s Home,” which reached number nine on the Hot 100 in 1972.
However, after the Jackson 5 left Motown for Epic Records in 1975, Jermaine chose to stay with Motown due to his loyalty to Barry Gordy, the label’s founder.
This decision proved detrimental to his career, as his first three solo albums flopped.
However, Jermaine found success again when he collaborated with Stevie Wonder on the album “Let’s Get Serious,” earning a Grammy nomination and even managing to outshine Michael on the Billboard year-end R&B chart in 1980.
Despite his early successes, Jermaine struggled to adapt to the changing music landscape in the 1990s.
His 1992 album “You Said” was a commercial failure, and he never regained his mainstream popularity.
Nevertheless, his warm tone and production skills remain noteworthy, and he is often remembered as one of the best vocalists in the Jackson family.
Rebbie Jackson: The Unsung Hero
Rebbie Jackson, the eldest sibling, is often overlooked in discussions about the Jackson family’s musical legacy.
Despite having two top ten hits on the R&B charts and a gold-certified single, Rebbie’s career was unique because she initially did not pursue music professionally.
After marrying in 1968 and raising a family, Rebbie released her debut album in 1984 at the age of 34, with Michael as her songwriter and producer.
Her single “Centipede” reached number four on the Billboard R&B chart, and she followed it up with several other successful singles.
However, by the late 1990s, her focus shifted away from music, and she prioritized her family life.
Rebbie’s strength lies in her dedication to motherhood, which she values as highly as a music career.
While she may not have pursued the spotlight, her contributions to the Jackson legacy are still significant.
La Toya Jackson: The Controversial Figure
La Toya Jackson, known for her unconventional approach, was the first Jackson sister to go solo.
She gained attention not only for her music but also for her bold choices, including posing for Playboy and marrying a businessman with ties to the mafia.
Despite her unconventional career path, La Toya had some success in the music industry, with nine charted singles on Billboard.
However, after leaving Joe’s management, her career took a downturn when she hired a criminal businessman instead of a professional manager.
La Toya’s struggles culminated in a tumultuous marriage that led to bankruptcy and personal challenges.
Nevertheless, she later found success in reality television and health advocacy, proving her resilience and ability to reinvent herself.
Marlon Jackson: The Hardworking Sibling
Marlon Jackson, often seen as the hardest working sibling, faced challenges in his early career due to a lack of natural talent compared to his brothers.
However, he became a key choreographer for the Jackson 5, helping to shape their iconic dance moves.
In 1987, Marlon released his solo album “Baby Tonight,” which included the hit single “Don’t Go.”
While the album did not achieve significant commercial success, Marlon’s dedication to music and dance remains an essential part of his legacy.
He occasionally tours with Jackie as part of the Jacksons.
Randy Jackson: The Overlooked Talent
Randy Jackson, the youngest sibling, grew up watching his brothers perform before eventually joining the Jacksons.
He contributed to the group’s songwriting and production, earning a nomination for his work on the “Triumph” album.
In 1989, Randy released his solo album, but it faced challenges due to the overwhelming success of Janet’s “Rhythm Nation.”
Despite this setback, Randy’s contributions to the family legacy are recognized, especially his close relationship with Janet.
Tito Jackson: The Respected Guitarist
Tito Jackson, known for his guitar skills, played a vital role in the Jackson 5’s early years.
Although he did not release a solo album until later in life, his contributions to the family legacy are noteworthy.
In 2016, Tito released “Tito Time,” and the lead single “Get It Baby” achieved chart success.
His later blues album, “Under Your Spell,” showcased his talent and respect within the music industry.
Tito’s dedication to his family and music is commendable.
Jackie Jackson: The Legacy Keeper
Jackie Jackson, the eldest brother, always had a passion for sports but ultimately pursued music.
He co-wrote several songs for the Jackson 5 and enjoyed a brief solo career.
While Jackie did not achieve the same level of success as his siblings, he remains integral to the Jackson legacy.
He works as a consultant for the Michael Jackson estate and continues to tour with Marlon as part of the Jacksons.
Conclusion: A Family of Talent and Resilience
Every Jackson sibling experienced moments of stardom, yet many remain overshadowed by Michael’s immense legacy.
Their individual strengths, struggles, and contributions to music are significant in their own right.
While Michael Jackson will always be remembered as the King of Pop, the Jackson family’s collective journey showcases the resilience and talent of a remarkable musical dynasty.
Each sibling’s story reflects their unique path, proving that the legacy of the Jackson family extends far beyond just one name.
