Joe Jackson’s Untold Story, 11 Children, Abandoned House, SAD DEATH, Net Worth Revealed | HO
In the world of music, Joe Jackson is remembered not just as the patriarch of one of the most iconic families in entertainment but as a man whose relentless ambition shaped the careers of his children—most notably Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. Yet behind the towering success was a complicated life marked by triumph and tragedy.
In his later years, as his health declined and his once-grand mansion stood eerily abandoned, the world watched the slow, sad unraveling of a figure who had been both revered and criticized. His passing in 2018 closed a chapter on an era of music history, leaving behind questions about his legacy and a surprising net worth that reflected his complex influence on the industry.
Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the Jackson family, remains a figure whose influence shaped the course of music history in profound and complex ways. Known for his relentless ambition, Joe not only propelled his children, notably Michael and Janet Jackson, to international superstardom, but also faced personal and financial struggles that left an indelible mark on his legacy.
His story is filled with triumphs, challenges, and contradictions, making it one of the most compelling and sometimes tragic in the world of entertainment.
Born on July 26, 1928, in Fountain Hill, Arkansas, Joe was the eldest of five children in a household led by his strict and authoritarian father, Samuel Joseph Jackson, a school teacher. The rigid upbringing he experienced, combined with the harsh realities of growing up during the Great Depression, deeply influenced Joe’s character.
His childhood was reportedly lonely, with few close friends, and it’s speculated that this isolation shaped the stoic and determined persona he would later display as an adult. At the age of 12, Joe’s parents separated, and his mother moved to East Chicago, while Joe stayed with his father in Oakland, California. This division marked a significant turning point in Joe’s life.
As a young man, Joe worked hard to build a future for himself. He took on various jobs, including working at a domestic steel company, which offered him insight into the working-class life he was eager to transcend. During this time, he developed a passion for boxing and joined the Golden Gloves program, where he gained recognition for his skill.
However, his dreams of turning professional in boxing were dashed when he met Katherine “Katherine” Screws, a 17-year-old high school student. Katherine would later become his wife, and together, they would raise a family that would forever change the landscape of the music industry.
Despite Joe’s humble beginnings, his ambition was unyielding. Though he did not finish high school, Joe pursued a career in music and played guitar in a local band called the Falcons alongside his brother. While the band didn’t achieve mainstream success, this early experience in music would eventually set the stage for Joe’s most significant and enduring legacy: managing the careers of his children.
By the early 1960s, Joe noticed the exceptional musical talent of his children. His three oldest sons—Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie—showed remarkable abilities, prompting Joe to take on the role of their manager. His efforts to turn them into stars culminated in the formation of the Jackson Five, which eventually expanded to include his younger sons, Michael and Marlon.
Joe’s drive to make his children successful was not passive; he was involved in every aspect of their career, booking them for local talent shows and performances at school functions. His tireless work eventually led the Jackson 5 to significant recognition, performing at prestigious venues such as the Apollo Theater, where they earned standing ovations.
In 1967, the Jackson 5 signed their first recording contract with the small label Steeltown Records. Although their first single, Big Boy, didn’t achieve success, Joe’s unwavering belief in his children propelled them forward. In 1969, their big break came when they won an amateur night contest at the Apollo Theater, catching the attention of Motown Records. This led to a recording contract with the legendary label, and the Jackson 5’s hit single I Want You Back launched them into international stardom.
The success of the Jackson 5 was meteoric, with a series of chart-topping hits following closely behind, including ABC, The Love You Save, and I’ll Be There. Michael, in particular, emerged as the group’s breakout star, and the Jackson 5 became one of the biggest acts in pop music. However, as the group continued to grow in fame, tensions with Motown also began to surface.
The Jackson 5 wanted greater creative control over their music, but Motown’s founder, Berry Gordy, was reluctant to relinquish that power. In 1975, the Jackson 5 left Motown and signed with Epic Records, rebranding themselves as the Jacksons.
During this time, Michael Jackson began his solo career, which would eventually eclipse the success of the Jackson 5 and propel him to become one of the most influential and successful artists in history. However, Joe continued to manage his children’s careers, including that of his daughter Janet Jackson, whom he helped launch as a pop icon in the 1980s.
Despite his successes as a manager, Joe Jackson’s personal life was marked by controversy and turmoil. He was known for his harsh and demanding approach to parenting, which, in the eyes of some, bordered on abusive. His relationship with his children, especially Michael, was fraught with tension.
Michael Jackson, in particular, spoke openly about his strained relationship with his father, describing the emotional and physical abuse he suffered during his upbringing.
Joe’s financial situation also took a downturn in his later years. Despite his earlier successes, he faced mounting financial troubles and filed for bankruptcy in 1999, reporting debts of $24 million. In the years following, Joe continued to seek ways to capitalize on the Jackson family’s fame, including selling Jackson-branded perfumes at a mall kiosk.
As his health declined, he struggled to maintain his lifestyle and even sought financial support from Michael Jackson’s estate. His attorney filed a claim for alimony from the estate, requesting nearly $200,000 annually to cover basic living expenses, including rent and allowances for dining, entertainment, and travel.
Joe’s health continued to deteriorate, and he passed away on June 27, 2018, at the age of 89, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His death marked the end of an era in the Jackson family saga. Despite his controversial legacy, Joe was honored for his contributions to music, particularly for his role in shaping the careers of his children.
In 2011, he was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, and in 2014, he accepted a posthumous honor for his late son Michael at the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame.
Joe Jackson’s final years were marked by a sense of decline and abandonment. The mansion that once stood as a symbol of his success now sits eerily empty. The family’s former home in Gary, Indiana, where the Jackson 5 first rose to fame, remains a landmark for fans, while Joe’s secluded log cabin in Arkansas, once a retreat from the spotlight, stands as a symbol of neglect and decay.
Through all the triumphs and tragedies, Joe Jackson’s legacy is undeniably complex. He played a pivotal role in creating one of the most iconic families in music history, yet his approach to parenting and management remains a point of contention. His net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $500,000, a far cry from the immense wealth his children would go on to amass.
Nevertheless, Joe’s impact on the music industry is undeniable, and his story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices, struggles, and complexities that often lie behind the glitz and glamour of fame.
As we reflect on Joe Jackson’s life, it’s clear that his legacy is one of both triumph and tragedy. He may have been a controversial figure, but he was also a man whose ambition, drive, and vision shaped the course of modern pop music. His story is a testament to the cost of success, and the ways in which ambition can both build empires and leave lasting scars.
