Sigmund “Jackie” Jackson has spent more than six decades as one of the essential voices and steady presences in the first family of pop and soul. Jackie was the oldest of the performing Jackson brothers and a founding member of the Jackson 5, the Motown group that exploded at the turn of the 1970s with “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.” The group’s blend of youthful energy, tight choreography and family harmonies made them international stars, and Jackie’s high tenor was an important part of that unmistakable sound. The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
When the brothers left Motown and became The Jacksons in the mid-1970s, Jackie’s role grew. He took more lead vocal parts and became more active as a songwriter, including work during the Epic Records period that produced favorites such as “Enjoy Yourself,” “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “Can You Feel It.”
Jackie also recorded on his own. He released his debut solo album, Jackie Jackson, in 1973, and returned in 1989 with Be the One, which included the R&B singles “Stay” and “Cruzin’.” He later issued the 2010 single “We Know What’s Going On,” including a collaborative version with South African artist Jacques Terre’Blanche.
In recent years, Jackie has remained active behind the scenes as a producer, label executive and keeper of the Jackson legacy. He has worked with artists through his Critically Amused label, produced with Steve DuBerry, and served as a consultant on projects tied to Michael Jackson’s estate, including the Cirque du Soleil collaboration. Now in his 70s, Jackie and brothers Marlon and sometimes Jermaine continue to perform tour as The Jacksons, carrying the music forward for longtime fans and new generations.
