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Taj Jackson
TajJackson 1.jpg
Jackson in 2022
Born
Tariano Adaryll Jackson II

(1973-08-04) August 4, 1973 (age 51)
Other names
  • Taj
Occupation
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
  • director
  • producer
Years active 1992–present
Spouse(s)
Thayana Sco Jackson
(m. 2013)
Children 3
Parent(s)
Family Jackson
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
Labels

Tariano Adaryll "Taj" Jackson II (born August 4, 1973) is an American singer, songwriter, and director. He is a member of the music group 3T with his brothers Taryll and TJ Jackson. Taj has also worked as a producer for a reality television series. He continues to tour with 3T and speaks out for the Jackson family.

Early Life and Education

Taj Jackson was born on August 4, 1973, in Los Angeles, California. His father is Tito Jackson, and his mother was Delores "Dee Dee" Martes. Taj is part of the famous Jackson family. His uncles and aunts include Michael, Janet, and Jackie.

He has two younger brothers, Taryll and Tito Joe ("TJ"). Their father, Tito, helped them learn to play baseball. Taj graduated from Buckley School in 1991. He later studied television production and music at Loyola Marymount University.

Music Career with 3T

Taj and his brothers formed the group 3T. Their father, Tito Jackson, and uncle, Michael, guided them. Michael Jackson signed them to his record label, MJJ Music.

Their first album, Brotherhood, came out in 1995. It sold over three million copies around the world. Their first hit song was "Anything".

3T has also created music for movies. These films include Free Willy, Men in Black, and Trippin'. Taj has used his skills in television to direct music videos for the group. As of 2022, 3T still performs concerts and at music festivals.

TV and Film Projects

From 2015 to 2016, Taj and his brothers, Taryll and TJ, starred in a reality television series. It was called The Jacksons: Next Generation. They also helped produce the show. It aired on the Lifetime (TV network) channel in several countries.

In 2014, Taj directed a short film called Code Z. He also worked as an executive producer for The Jacksons: Next Generation. In 2018, Taj directed the music video for 3T's song "Fire." He also enjoys photography. His uncle Michael bought him his first camera.

Taj is currently working on a new documentary series. He wants to share his perspective about his uncle Michael Jackson.

Personal Life

Family Life

Taj Jackson married Thayana Sco Jackson on June 16, 2013. They got married at the Jackson family home, Hayvenhurst. His uncle Jermaine Jackson performed for the couple. Taj and Thayana have three daughters.

When Taj was a child, he experienced a difficult time. His uncle Michael was very supportive and caring during this period. Taj and his brothers grew up watching their uncles perform in the Jackson 5. This inspired them to pursue music.

In 1994, Taj's mother, Dee Dee, passed away. After this loss, Taj and his brothers started a non-profit organization. It is called the Dee Dee Jackson Foundation. This foundation helps people who have lost family members. They offer support through community events and music therapy. In 2021, the Dee Dee Jackson Foundation received an award for its helpful work.

Speaking Out for Michael Jackson

Taj Jackson wearing a shirt depicting his uncle Michael Jackson
Taj Jackson wearing a shirt depicting his uncle Michael Jackson

Taj Jackson has spoken out to defend his uncle Michael Jackson. He did this especially after the 2019 film Leaving Neverland was released. Taj believes the film showed only one side of the story. He gave interviews with other Jackson family members to share their views.

Taj has stated that the claims against Michael Jackson were false. He points to the FBI files on Michael Jackson. He says that the FBI found no evidence of wrongdoing by his uncle. Taj felt let down by Wade Robson, who had asked for help getting tickets to Michael's memorial. Taj said he had known Robson for many years. He also mentioned that his cousin Brandi Jackson had a relationship with Robson when they were younger. Both Taj and Brandi Jackson appeared in a documentary called Neverland Firsthand: Investigating the Michael Jackson Documentary. This film looked into the claims made against Michael Jackson.

Taj is also working on a documentary series to further defend his uncle.

In 2020, British journalist Martin Bashir was criticized for how he got an interview with Princess Diana. Taj and his family then looked into how Bashir got his interview with Michael Jackson. This interview led to the 2003 documentary, Living with Michael Jackson.

In 2022, Rolling Stone magazine called Harry Styles the "new King of Pop." Many Jackson fans and Taj Jackson disagreed. Taj suggested that Harry Styles could have his own unique title. He also said that "King of Pop" is a name linked to Michael Jackson's companies.

Taj has also spoken about how his family has been treated by comedian Chris Rock. He wrote that Chris Rock has used his family as targets for jokes for a long time. Taj questioned why his family was constantly bullied with jokes. He thanked Will Smith for his actions at the Academy Awards.

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