The
Jackson family is an American family of singers who originated in
Gary, Indiana. Performing as members of
The Jackson 5 and as solo artists, the children of
Joseph Walter and
Katherine Esther Jackson were very successful in the field of
popular music from the late 1960s onwards. As a group, the eldest sons
Jackie,
Tito,
Jermaine,
Marlon,
Randy and
Michael, made the family's reputation, facilitating the subsequent success of siblings
Rebbie,
La Toya, and
Janet. The Jackson 5 became known as the "
First Family of Soul" (a title first held by the
Five Stairsteps). The continued success of Michael and Janet's careers as solo artists led the Jacksons to become known as the "Royal Family of Pop". All nine of the Jackson siblings have gold records to their credits with La Toya holding the distinction of being the first Jackson sister to attain one (awarded by France's SNEP for "
Reggae Night", a song she co-wrote for
Jimmy Cliff).