What Happened to The Jackson 5 / The Jacksons?

The Jackson 5 originated in Gary, Indiana, in 1964, comprising brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and the prodigious Michael Jackson. Under the guidance of their father, Joe Jackson, the group honed their electrifying stage presence and vocal harmonies, eventually signing with Motown Records in 1968. Their debut single, "I Want You Back," released in 1969, immediately soared to number one, marking the beginning of an unprecedented run of four consecutive Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers, including "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There." This period, dubbed "Jacksonmania," established them as a global phenomenon, influencing generations of musicians across genres.

By the mid-1970s, creative differences and a desire for more artistic control led the group to depart Motown for Epic Records in 1975. Due to Motown retaining rights to the "Jackson 5" name, the group rebranded as "The Jacksons," with younger brother Randy officially replacing Jermaine, who initially remained with Motown. This transition allowed them greater creative freedom, leading to hits like "Enjoy Yourself" and "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)." However, Michael Jackson's burgeoning solo career, particularly after the monumental success of his 1982 album Thriller, gradually overshadowed the group's collective efforts. The Jacksons continued to record and tour, notably with their highly successful Victory Tour in 1984, which featured all six brothers.

After their last album, 2300 Jackson Street, in 1989, the group's activities became sporadic. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, a testament to their groundbreaking impact on music and culture. The tragic death of Michael Jackson in June 2009 profoundly impacted the family and the music world. Despite this loss, the remaining brothers, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon, reunited for the Unity Tour in 2012, celebrating their shared history and music.

The Jackson family faced another significant loss with the passing of Tito Jackson on September 15, 2024, at the age of 70, due to a heart attack. In 2026, the legacy of Michael Jackson was revisited with the release of the biopic Michael in April, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson. The remaining active members, Jackie and Marlon Jackson, continue to tour as The Jacksons, with several UK and Cyprus dates scheduled for November and October 2026, respectively. Marlon Jackson experienced a fall on stage during a May 2026 performance but continued the show without major injury. Separately, Jermaine Jackson was involved in a sexual assault lawsuit filed in 2023, where a $6.5 million default judgment against him was set aside in July 2026 by a Los Angeles judge, citing issues with the legal name used in service of process. Randy Jackson's health also drew fan concern in May 2026 after a guest appearance on American Idol, though no official diagnosis was confirmed. The Jacksons' enduring presence in 2026 underscores their lasting impact and commitment to their musical heritage.