When you hear the name “Jackson,” you likely think of one person: Michael, the undisputed King of Pop. But behind the larger-than-life icon was a family that formed one of the most influential musical dynasties in American history.
Born in Gary, Indiana, to parents Joe and Katherine Jackson, the siblings went from humble beginnings to global superstardom, forever changing the landscape of music, dance, and celebrity.
This guide will introduce you to each of Michael Jackson’s nine remarkable siblings, exploring their roles in the family’s shared history and their individual journeys.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Jackson had nine siblings who survived infancy: Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Randy, and Janet.
- The family’s musical journey began with The Jackson 5 (Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael) at Motown Records.
- They later became The Jacksons after moving to a new record label, with Randy replacing Jermaine.
- Besides Michael, Janet Jackson became a global superstar in her own right, achieving a level of fame comparable to her brother’s.
- As of 2025, the siblings continue to honor their family’s legacy through music, performances, and public appearances, navigating a complex and enduring bond.
The Jackson Siblings at a Glance
How Many Siblings Did Michael Jackson Have?
Joe and Katherine Jackson had ten children in total. Michael’s brother Marlon had a twin, Brandon, who tragically died shortly after birth. Therefore, Michael grew up with nine living siblings—six brothers and three sisters.
A Quick List: The Siblings in Birth Order
- Maureen “Rebbie” Jackson (Born 1950)
- Sigmund “Jackie” Jackson (Born 1951)
- Toriano “Tito” Jackson (Born 1953)
- Jermaine Jackson (Born 1954)
- La Toya Jackson (Born 1956)
- Marlon Jackson (Born 1957)
- Michael Jackson (1958–2009)
- Steven “Randy” Jackson (Born 1961)
- Janet Jackson (Born 1966)
Meet the Brothers and Sisters: Who Are They?
Each Jackson sibling has carved out their own unique path, both inside and outside the shadow of their family’s immense fame.
Maureen “Rebbie” Jackson: The Eldest Sibling
As the oldest, Rebbie was the last to embark on a music career, waiting until her siblings were already established. She is best known for her 1984 hit single “Centipede,” which was written and produced by her brother Michael. Though she maintains a more private life than her younger siblings, she has periodically performed with the family and remains a respected matriarchal figure.
Sigmund “Jackie” Jackson: The Oldest Brother and Original Jackson 5 Member
A founding member of The Jackson 5, Jackie was known for his smooth high tenor voice. He was a constant presence throughout the group’s evolution. After the band’s peak, he worked as a producer and released a solo album. As of 2025, he actively performs with his brothers Tito and Marlon as “The Jacksons.”
Toriano “Tito” Jackson: The Guitarist and Bluesman
Tito was the stoic guitarist whose steady hand provided the musical foundation for The Jackson 5’s sound. While he always remained a core part of the family group, his personal passion has always been the blues. In recent years, he has found success as a solo blues artist, releasing albums and touring clubs, finally putting his own musical identity front and center.
Jermaine Jackson: The Original Lead Singer and Solo Star
Before Michael took the world by storm, Jermaine was the original lead singer of The Jackson 5. His smooth, soulful voice defined their early hits. When his brothers left Motown Records, Jermaine stayed, launching a successful solo career with hits like “Let’s Get Serious” and “Do What You Do.” He later rejoined The Jacksons and has remained a prominent public figure, often defending his family’s legacy.
La Toya Jackson: The Outspoken Star of Stage and Reality TV
La Toya carved her own path with a solo career in the 1980s and became famous for her outspoken nature. She gained notoriety for her tell-all book and a Playboy pictorial, distancing herself from the family’s carefully crafted image. In more recent years, she has reconnected with her family and found a new audience through reality television shows like Armed & Famous and Life with La Toya.
Marlon Jackson: The Twin and “The Dancingest Jackson”
Often called the most gifted dancer in the group next to Michael, Marlon was a key performer in The Jackson 5. His twin brother, Brandon, died at birth, a tragedy that has deeply shaped his life. He released a moderately successful solo album, Baby Tonight, in 1987. After stepping back from the spotlight, he pursued a career in real estate and other business ventures but has since returned to the stage to tour with his brothers.
Steven “Randy” Jackson: The Youngest Brother in the Band
Too young to be in the original Jackson 5, Randy officially joined the group when they rebranded as “The Jacksons.” A talented multi-instrumentalist, he co-wrote some of the group’s biggest post-Motown hits, including “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground).” He has been heavily involved in family and estate matters over the years.
Janet Jackson: The Global Icon and Youngest Sibling
The youngest of the Jackson clan, Janet initially started as an actress before launching a music career that would make her an icon in her own right. With groundbreaking albums like Control and Rhythm Nation 1814, she fused pop, R&B, and funk with socially conscious lyrics and trailblazing choreography. A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Janet Jackson is a global superstar who built her own empire, solidifying the Jacksons as a family with not one, but two musical legends.
The Musical Groups: The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons
Who Was in the Original Jackson 5?
The Jackson 5, signed to Detroit’s legendary Motown Records in 1969, consisted of the five eldest brothers: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. They made history with their first four singles—”I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There”—all hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Move to CBS and the Name Change to “The Jacksons”
In 1975, seeking more creative freedom, the group left Motown for CBS Records. However, Motown owned the name “The Jackson 5,” forcing them to rebrand as The Jacksons. Jermaine, who was married to Motown founder Berry Gordy’s daughter, opted to stay with the label. His youngest brother, Randy, officially joined the group, creating the new lineup that would go on to release hits like “Enjoy Yourself” and “Blame It on the Boogie.”
The “Other” Sibling: Understanding Joh’Vonnie Jackson
Who Is Joh’Vonnie Jackson?
Joh’Vonnie Jackson is the paternal half-sister of the Jackson siblings. She is the daughter of Joe Jackson and a long-term affair he had. For decades, her existence was a private family matter, but she introduced herself to the public with her 2018 book, Bastard Child. She has spoken about her difficult journey to be accepted by her half-siblings and adds another complex layer to the Jackson family saga.
Where Are the Jackson Siblings Now (As of 2025)?
Do They Still Perform?
Yes. Jackie, Tito, and Marlon continue to tour the world as The Jacksons, performing their iconic catalog of hits to devoted fans. Janet Jackson also continues to tour, selling out arenas and stadiums as one of music’s most revered living legends. Jermaine also makes occasional solo and festival appearances.
Family Life and Preserving the Legacy
The other siblings lead more private lives but remain deeply connected. Many are now grandparents, focused on their own children and grandchildren while collectively working to preserve the incredible legacy of their brother Michael and the family name.
Conclusion: The Unbreakable Bond of the Jackson Family
From a small house in Gary, Indiana, to every corner of the globe, the Jackson family’s story is a profound chapter in the American songbook. It’s a tale of extraordinary talent, immense pressure, public triumphs, and private tragedies.
While Michael’s light often shone the brightest, the journeys of Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Randy, and Janet are integral parts of that legacy. T
hey are not just the siblings of a king, but a royal family of pop music in their own right, bound by blood, harmony, and a history unlike any other.