The Dark Reality Behind the Jackson 5’s Rise to Fame
The Jackson 5 is undeniably one of the most influential music groups in history. From their string of Motown hits like ABC, I’ll Be There, and The Love You Save, to their status as cultural icons, they cemented themselves in the annals of music.
However, behind the scenes, their story was filled with hardship, control, jealousy, and mistreatment, primarily at the hands of their father, Joe Jackson.
Through various interviews and memoirs, family members, including Jermaine and Michael Jackson, have revealed the disturbing reality of their early years.
The Early Years: A Dream Fueled by Hard Work and Sacrifice
Jermaine Jackson once reflected on their childhood, saying, “I go back to when we were just kids with a dream of getting on stage, never knowing what was in store for us.”
The Jackson 5’s career took off when they signed with Motown Records in 1969.
Their rapid success skyrocketed Motown back to the top of the charts, making them one of the most successful acts of the time.
However, their fame came at a cost. The Jacksons’ father, Joe Jackson, was a strict disciplinarian who reportedly subjected his children to harsh training routines, punishments, and relentless pressure to succeed.
According to multiple reports, Joe Jackson managed his children’s careers with an iron fist, limiting their childhood experiences and forcing them to practice for hours daily.
The Struggles with Control: Fighting for Freedom
By the mid-70s, as the Jacksons matured, they sought more control over their music and a larger share of royalties. In 1975, they made a pivotal decision—to leave Motown Records and sign with CBS’s Epic Records for more creative freedom.
However, their decision caused a rift within the family. Jermaine Jackson, who was married to Hazel Gordy (the daughter of Motown’s founder Berry Gordy), decided to stay with Motown.
This separation caused resentment and tension among the brothers, with Jermaine’s departure from the group being blamed for their subsequent struggle to recapture their earlier success.
Jermaine, however, remained steadfast in his belief that staying with Motown was the right choice, saying that the label had done everything for their careers and family.
Jealousy and Rivalry: Jermaine vs. Michael
The rift between Jermaine and Michael Jackson was another layer of drama within the Jackson family.
In 1991, Jermaine released a diss track, Word to the Badd!, where he took jabs at Michael’s changing appearance and alleged self-centeredness.
While Jermaine later insisted that the song wasn’t meant to attack his younger brother, the lyrics and timing told a different story.
Reports suggest that Jermaine’s anger was triggered when Michael chose to work with producers L.A. Reid and Babyface—who had initially agreed to collaborate with Jermaine.
Family friend Stacy Brown once claimed that Jermaine had been jealous of Michael’s success, often expressing frustration that he should have been the one to achieve worldwide superstardom.
Their sister LaToya Jackson also confirmed that Jermaine had long resented Michael’s fame.
Michael was the undeniable star of the Jackson 5, leading vocals at just five years old.
Even their eldest brother, Jackie Jackson, acknowledged that the family quickly realized Michael was the real talent.
Michael’s ability to replicate the moves of James Brown and other greats made him the frontman, and that created resentment.
Jermaine’s Betrayal: The Love Triangle with Randy Jackson
If sibling rivalry over fame wasn’t enough, Jermaine Jackson also sparked controversy by pursuing a relationship with his younger brother Randy Jackson’s girlfriend, Alejandra Oaziaza.
Randy and Alejandra had two children together, but Jermaine reportedly pursued her while Randy was away, eventually marrying her in 1995 and having three children of his own with her.
This betrayal permanently fractured the relationship between the two brothers.
Joe Jackson’s Cruelty: The Dark Side of Fame
Joe Jackson’s abusive parenting methods have been widely documented.
Jermaine detailed in his memoir, You Are Not Alone: Michael, Through a Brother’s Eyes, that their father’s approach was strict, unyielding, and often terrifying.
The Jackson children never celebrated birthdays or Christmas due to their religious beliefs.
Joe Jackson prohibited his children from calling him “Dad”, making them address him formally.
He never expressed love or affection, often using intimidation instead.
Joe’s brutal discipline methods included:
Physical punishments with belts, electrical cords, and tree branches.
Verbal abuse, often calling Michael “big nose” and insulting his appearance.
Strict rehearsals lasting for hours, even after long performances.
Michael Jackson’s Trauma
Michael later revealed in his infamous 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey that he was so afraid of his father that he would vomit at the sight of him.
He described how missing a step in rehearsals resulted in brutal beatings. In another 2003 interview with Martin Bashir, Michael admitted that his father threw him against the wall and physically abused him.
One of the most disturbing allegations came from a leaked phone recording, where Michael claimed that Joe Jackson would strip him naked, oil him down, and then beat him.
“He would oil you down… so when the flip of the ironing cord hit you… you would just… you know. It was like me dying. He flipped it all over my face, my back—everywhere.”
These stories were later corroborated by LaToya Jackson, who said their father was feared by all the siblings.
She also claimed that Joe continued beating Michael well into adulthood, even during the peak of Thriller’s success.
The Jackson 5’s Lost Childhood
Between Joe Jackson’s control and the pressures of fame, the Jackson 5 members never truly had a normal childhood.
They spent their weekends touring and performing, often returning home at 2 AM before attending school the next day.
Their childhood was so controlled that even when Joe Jackson was attacked by a group of men, he forced the brothers to continue their performance, pretending as if nothing had happened.
The Disturbing Hotel Stories
Another shocking revelation came when it was reported that while on tour, Michael’s older brothers would bring women back to their hotel rooms and hook up with them while Michael pretended to sleep in the same room. One woman recalled hearing Michael say:
“Nice. Now will you please go to sleep?”
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Pain and Success
The Jackson 5’s story is one of immense success and deep suffering. While they revolutionized the music industry and became cultural icons, the price they paid was their childhood and emotional well-being.
The lasting effects of Joe Jackson’s brutal discipline, the family’s internal rivalries, and the music industry’s exploitation still linger in the memories of those who lived it.
What do you think? Were the Jacksons’ sacrifices worth their success? And do you believe that Joe Jackson’s methods helped or harmed his children in the long run? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
