Royal Families Of Hollywood: The Jacksons
If the Kennedys are White America’s royal family, then the Jackson family is indeed ours. The Jackson’s meteoric rise to fame from a poor family in Gary, Indiana to the most visible music dynasty has come with a bittersweet mix of success and tragedy. Four years later, the world is still reeling from the tragic loss of Michael Jackson and the family has had their every move played out in press. But what makes this family so compelling is that the truth is often times stranger than the fiction perpetrated.
Michael Jackson
The undisputed King of Pop is recognized as the greatest entertainer of all time in the Guinness World Book of Records. Michael not only changed the face of music but the world as well, supporting up to 39 charities around the time of his death. But even with his fame, fortune and philanthropy, MJ could never escape the specter of gossip and criticism until he lost his life at the hands of his own doctor.
Janet Jackson
The most successful female solo artist of the Jackson clan, Janet has proven to be just as dynamic and influential as her brother, Michael. The Recording Industry Association of America listed Janet as the eleventh best selling female artist in the U.S., with over 26 million certified albums. While being one of the most famous women in the world, Janet is extremely selective in her love life. Her two past marriages include James DeBarge and Rene Elizondo and most recently billionaire Wissam Al Mana in 2012.
LaToya Jackson
The eldest of the Jackson sisters, Latoya launched her own solo singing career in 1980. Her most successful single was 1984′s ” Heart Don’t Lie” which peaked at #56 on the Billboard charts. After a hiatus, she continued her career in 2004 releasing ”Just Wanna Dance” and “Free the World” and an EP called Starting Over was released on June 21, 2011.
Jermaine Jackson
A talented vocalist and bass player, Jermaine was originally the lead singer of The Jackson Brothers until 1968 when little brother Michael joined the group, becoming The Jackson Five. Jermaine has enjoyed some success in his solo career throughout the 70′s and 80′s with hits like “Daddy’s Home” “Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming” and nabbing a Best Male Vocalist Grammy nomination for his 1980 album “Let’s Get Serious.” After ending his marriage to Hazel Gordy in 1988, he shacked up with Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaz, the ex-girlfriend of younger brother Randy. Jermaine recently changed his last name to “Jacksun” citing the switch was for artistic reasons.
Katherine & Joe Jackson
The matriarch of the Jackson family, Katherine has proven to be the backbone of her eccentric family. She maintained close relationships with all nine children, and was granted custody of Michael’s three children upon his sudden death in 2009.
The most infamous of show biz dads, Joe Jackson’s tough love approach to raising his talented brood is legendary. While many may argue that Jackson’s domineering approach to parenting helped propel his children to stardom, there’s no denying that this family is a study in dysfunction.
Prince Jackson, Paris Jackson, Prince Jackson II
Michael’s daughter Paris seems to have inherited her family’s flair for the dramatic when she went on a Twitter rant in 2012 with the disappearance of her grandmother from Michael’s estate. Prince Jackson has for the most part, stayed under the radar but recently signed on as a special correspondent for Entertainment Tonight.
Royal Families Of Hollywood: The Jacksons was originally published on theurbandaily.com