by The Matriarch of the Jackson Family: The Life and Legacy of Katherine Jackson
Katherine Jackson is best known as the mother of legendary pop icon Michael Jackson and matriarch of the immensely talented Jackson family. While her children gained worldwide fame for their musical talents, Katherine played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in supporting and guiding their careers from an early age. Her dedication to her family’s success came despite facing numerous personal hardships throughout her own life. Now aged 91, Katherine remains a revered figure and continues to look after the interests of the Jackson estate following Michael’s tragic death in 2009. This article will explore Katherine’s remarkable life story and examine her enduring impact and legacy within the Jackson family dynasty.
Early Life and Family Background
Katherine was born Kattie B. Screws in Barbour County, Alabama on May 4, 1930. She was one of four children born to Prince Albert and Martha Anna Screws, sharecropping farmers of modest means. Katherine’s childhood was marked by poverty and ill health. At just five years old, she contracted polio which left her with a permanent limp. Despite this setback, Katherine was determined to overcome adversity. She graduated high school as her class valedictorian and dreamed of pursuing a career in country music or acting.
In the late 1940s, Katherine met a young man named Joseph Jackson while visiting relatives in East Chicago, Indiana. Joseph was a guitarist who also had aspirations of making it big in the music industry. The pair married in 1949 when Katherine was only 18 years old. They initially struggled financially and lived with Katherine’s mother for a period of time. However, their family quickly grew as Katherine and Joseph had ten children together between 1950 and 1966 – Maureen, Sigmund, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, Randy, Steven and Janet.
While the Jacksons faced hardships as a large, working-class family in Gary, Indiana, Katherine was fiercely devoted to caring for her children. She worked multiple jobs including a school bus driver to support the family financially. Meanwhile, Joseph took on an increasingly authoritarian parenting style, pushing the children to pursue musical excellence from a young age. Katherine played a more nurturing role, helping to balance her husband’s stern demands with unconditional love and encouragement.
Rise to Stardom with The Jackson 5
By the 1960s, Katherine’s sons Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael had formed a band called The Jackson Brothers. With Joseph as their manager, the group began performing in local talent shows and clubs around Gary. Seeing their raw musical talents, Katherine worked tirelessly to help promote the band’s career. She designed their early costumes by hand, made promotional flyers and coordinated their bookings.
In 1968, The Jackson 5 entered a talent show in Gary and wowed the judges with their rendition of “I Want You Back” by The Temptations. This performance helped secure their first record deal with Motown Records. Now going by The Jackson 5, the group’s star rose rapidly. Their first four Motown singles – “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There” – all topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
The Jackson 5 became one of the biggest pop acts in the world during the early 1970s. They toured internationally, appeared on numerous TV shows and sold millions of records. Meanwhile, young Michael emerged as the breakout star with his dazzling dance moves and soaring vocals. Through it all, Katherine played a behind-the-scenes support role, traveling with the band, helping to manage their growing fame and protecting her sons. Her dedication was a key factor in the group achieving mainstream success at such a young age.
Later Career and Family Tragedies
While The Jackson 5’s popularity waned in the late 1970s, Michael went on to even greater heights as a solo artist in the 1980s. His albums Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad shattered sales records and cemented his status as the “King of Pop.” Katherine continued supporting Michael’s career from the sidelines, helping to shield him from various controversies and scandals.
In the 1990s and 2000s, the Jackson family faced numerous personal tragedies. Michael became embroiled in allegations of child sexual abuse, though he was ultimately acquitted in his 2005 criminal trial. Two of Katherine’s sons, Michael and Marlon, underwent skin lightening procedures which altered their appearance. In 2009, Michael died at age 50 from an overdose of propofol and benzodiazepines, sending shockwaves around the world.
That same year, Katherine gained full custody of Michael’s three children – Prince, Paris and Blanket – following his death. She has since acted as their primary guardian and caregiver. In 2013, Katherine’s son Randy also passed away at age 55 from an apparent heart attack. These losses took an immense emotional toll, though Katherine’s strength and resilience has continued to inspire those close to her.
Later Life and Legacy
Now aged 91, Katherine remains active and looks after Michael’s children, while also overseeing the Michael Jackson Estate. She resides in Hidden Hills, California along with Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson. In 2012, Katherine published her memoir “Never Can Say Goodbye” which detailed her life experiences and close relationship with Michael.
Despite facing immense personal challenges throughout her life, Katherine’s dedication to her family’s well-being and success has cemented her legacy as the backbone of the Jackson dynasty. Her unconditional love and support played a vital role in nurturing her children’s talents at a young age. As the matriarch of one of the most famous musical families in history, Katherine’s influence will endure for generations to come. Even in her later years, she remains a revered figure who continues carrying on Michael’s legacy and protecting the interests of her beloved family. Katherine’s remarkable story serves as an inspiration for overcoming adversity through strength, compassion and devotion to loved ones.
