The Jackson Family Tree, Explained

The Jacksons are the first family of American pop. From a small house in Gary, Indiana, Joe and Katherine raised a brood of singers who became the Jackson 5 — and from that group rose two of the biggest solo stars in history, Michael and Janet. This guide walks through three generations of the dynasty, from the parents who started it to the grandchildren who carry the name today.

How to read the graph

Each circle is a person. Lines connect parents to children, and spouses to each other. Click a node to focus on it; drag to rearrange the layout.

First generation — Joe and Katherine

Joe Jackson, a former amateur boxer and steel-mill worker, and Katherine, a devout Jehovah's Witness, married in 1949 and raised ten children in Gary, Indiana. Joe's relentless drive turned his sons' garage rehearsals into a Motown sensation, while Katherine anchored the family and later became guardian of Michael's children.

Second generation — the Jackson siblings

Nine of the Jackson children appear here, spanning Rebbie, the eldest, to Janet, the youngest. The brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael formed the core of the Jackson 5, with Randy joining later; the sisters Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet each built careers of their own.

Michael — the King of Pop

Michael Jackson became the best-selling music artist of all time, redefining pop, dance, and the music video with 'Thriller.' He married twice — to Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis, and to nurse Debbie Rowe — and had three children: Prince, Paris, and Bigi.

Third generation — Michael's children

Prince, Paris, and Bigi grew up largely shielded from the spotlight. Paris has since pursued acting, modeling, and music, while Prince runs charitable ventures honoring his father and Bigi keeps a low public profile.

A dynasty in dates

Generation by generation

From Joe to Paris

The line from the family's patriarch to a third-generation grandchild runs straight through its most famous member.