Katherine Jackson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Katherine Jackson
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|---|---|
| Born |
Katherine Esther Screws
May 4, 1930 Clayton, Alabama, U.S.
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| Occupation | Author |
| Spouse(s) |
Joe Jackson
(m. 1949; died 2018) |
| Children | |
| Family | Jackson |
Katherine Esther Jackson (born May 4, 1930) is known as the mother of the famous Jackson family of entertainers. Her children include music superstars Michael and Janet Jackson. Michael dedicated his album Thriller (1982) to her. Janet also dedicated her album Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989) to her. In 1985, a magazine called Essence honored her as "Mother of the Year." This was to recognize her positive influence on her children's successful music careers.
Contents
Early Life and Dreams
Katherine E. Scruse was born in Clayton, Alabama on May 4, 1930. When she was two years old, she got polio, which caused her to have a slight limp. As a child, Katherine dreamed of becoming an actress or a country singer. However, she noticed there were no famous Black country stars at that time.
Her parents divorced when she was young. She went to Washington High School in East Chicago, Indiana. There, she joined the school band and orchestra.
The Jackson Family Matriarch
In 1947, Katherine met Joseph "Joe" Jackson in East Chicago, Indiana. They started dating and married on November 5, 1949. In January 1950, they bought a house at 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana. It was a small house with only two bedrooms.
Between 1950 and 1966, Katherine and Joe had ten children. One son, Brandon, was Marlon's twin but sadly passed away just hours after birth.
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- Maureen Reillette "Rebbie" Jackson (born May 29, 1950)
- Sigmund Esco "Jackie" Jackson (born May 4, 1951)
- Toriano Adaryll "Tito" Jackson (October 15, 1953 – September 15, 2024)
- Jermaine La Jaune Jackson (born December 11, 1954)
- La Toya Yvonne Jackson (born May 29, 1956)
- Marlon David Jackson (born March 12, 1957)
- Brandon David Jackson (March 12, 1957 – March 12, 1957)
- Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)
- Steven Randall "Randy" Jackson (born October 29, 1961)
- Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966)
The Jackson 5: A Family Band
The famous group The Jackson 5 started in 1964 in Gary, Indiana. It first included brothers Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine. Later, younger brothers Marlon and Michael joined them. The Jackson 5 performed in talent shows and clubs. They signed with Steeltown Records in 1967.
In 1968, the group signed with Motown and Berry Gordy. They made history by being the first group to have four number one hits in a row on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. These songs were "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There".
Katherine played a huge role in the family's music journey. She sang with Joe as he played guitar. She also worked part-time at Sears and played clarinet and piano. Katherine noticed Michael's love for music and rhythm from a young age. She even saw him dancing to their old washing machine!
Her son Tito would secretly play Joe's guitar. One day, he broke a string. After the guitar was fixed, Tito played for Joe. This moment helped inspire the family group, first called "The Jackson Brothers 5," which later became The Jackson 5. While Joe led rehearsals, Katherine designed and sewed the boys' stage outfits. She also sang harmonies with them around the kitchen table. Katherine was truly the backbone of the family.
Later Life and Family
Katherine wrote her autobiography called My Family, The Jacksons in 1990. This book shared stories about her early life and her relationships with her husband and children. Eight of her children wrote special messages to her in the book's beginning.
On June 25, 2009, Katherine's son Michael passed away. In July 2009, Katherine became the main guardian for Michael's children, Prince, Paris, and Bigi. She lived in Calabasas, California, with her grandson TJ Jackson and his family.
In 2017, Katherine decided to step down as co-guardian for Michael's youngest son, Bigi. She explained that she was getting older, and Michael's older children were now adults. Bigi was also 15 years old at the time. TJ Jackson then became Bigi's sole guardian.
On September 15, 2024, Katherine's second son, Tito, passed away.
Portrayals in Media
Katherine Jackson has been played by different actresses in movies and TV shows:
- Angela Bassett in The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992 mini-series)
- Patricia Idlette in Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story (2004 TV movie)
- Nia Long in Michael (2025 film)
