Jackie Jackson

Early Life

Sigmund Esco "Jackie" Jackson was born on May 4, 1951, at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Gary, Indiana, coinciding with his mother Katherine's 21st birthday. He was affectionately nicknamed Jackie by his grandfather, Samuel Jackson. Growing up in a modest two-bedroom home, Jackie was the second child and oldest son in the Jackson family, which included siblings Michael, Marlon, Tito, Jermaine, Randy, Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet. His father, Joseph "Joe" Jackson, worked at a steel mill and played in an R&B band, while his mother was musically inclined, playing several instruments. Joe Jackson formed the Jackson Brothers singing group, which included Jackie and his brothers, setting the stage for their future success.

Career

Jackie Jackson is best known as a founding member of the iconic Jackson 5, where he showcased his high tenor voice. He contributed lead vocals to several hits, including "I Want You Back" and "ABC." After the group transitioned to CBS Records in 1976, Jackie’s role expanded as he began to write songs and perform more lead vocals, particularly on the hit "Enjoy Yourself." His songwriting prowess shone through with the international hit "Can You Feel It," co-written with Michael Jackson. Despite a knee injury during the 1984 Victory Tour, Jackie continued to perform and later reunited with his brothers to record the theme song for the film "Burglar" in 1987.

Personal Life

Jackie Jackson has been married three times and has four children. His first marriage to Enid Arden Spann in 1974 ended in divorce in 1986 after a tumultuous relationship. They had two children together, Sigmund Esco "Siggy" Jackson Jr. and Brandi Jackson. In 2001, he married Victoria Triggs, but they later divorced. Jackie found love again with Emily Besselink, whom he married in 2012, and they welcomed twin boys, River T Jackson and Jaylen Milan Jackson, on December 31, 2013. Throughout his life, Jackie has remained a significant figure in the music industry, celebrated for his contributions to the Jackson 5 and beyond.