Michael Jackson’s father, the infamously domineering Joe Jackson, dies at 89
Joe Jackson guided his children to pop stardom with the Jackson 5 during the 1970s, but spent the rest of his life fending off allegations of abusive parenting
Joe Jackson, who guided his children to pop stardom with the Jackson 5 during the 1970s and spent the rest of his life fending off allegations of abusive parenting, has died. He was 89.
The Associated Press reported his death, citing an unnamed family source who did not provide additional details. He had received treatment for pancreatic cancer, according to People magazine.
A former crane operator at US Steel Corp, Jackson led his family out of poverty in Gary, Indiana, when he founded the quintet with sons Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael. The group, signed by Berry Gordy of Motown Records, dominated the music charts for much of the decade with its blend of pop, soul and R&B on hits such as I Want You Back, ABC and I’ll Be There.
Jackson worked several jobs to keep the family fed and invested his savings in the band. He spent endless hours perfecting their stage act and organised their tours and recording contracts, according to his 2004 memoir.
The Jackson 5’s diminutive lead singer and dance prodigy, Michael – who joined the Jackson 5 at age eight – would become the main beneficiary and victim of his father’s harsh discipline as he slipped from superstardom to a premature death in 2009.