At 22, Michael Jackson’s Son FINALLY Confirms What We Knew All Along
Michael Jackson, the iconic King of Pop, left a lasting mark on music, culture, and entertainment. His ethereal voice, groundbreaking stage presence, and moonwalking moves captivated audiences worldwide for decades. But what about his children? How did they perceive their father’s legacy? Now, at 22, Michael Jackson’s son finally confirms what we all knew all along.
His mother, Katherine Esther Jackson, was a Jehovah’s Witness who played the clarinet and piano. She also worked part-time at Sears but had dreams of becoming a country-western performer, though she never achieved it. Michael’s father, Joseph Walter Jackson, was a former boxer who worked as a crane operator at U.S. Steel. He also loved music and played guitar in a local rhythm and blues band called The Falcons to earn extra income for his large family.
Michael grew up with three sisters—Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet—and five brothers—Tito, Jackie, Randy, Marlon, and Jermaine. In 1964, the family became a sensation when their father, Joe, formed the group known as the Jackson Brothers, later renamed the Jackson 5. Michael and Marlon joined the band as backup musicians, playing congas and tambourine. Joe was a strict disciplinarian and single-handedly spearheaded the boys’ rehearsals, ensuring no mistakes were made. In a shocking revelation, Michael claimed that his father physically and emotionally abused him, even criticizing his appearance during rehearsals.
While Michael recalled traumatic experiences from his childhood, his siblings denied that their father was overly harsh, claiming that the discipline kept them out of trouble. Despite his challenges, Michael’s talent was undeniable. He quickly became the lead singer of the Jackson 5, and the band enjoyed significant success. In 1967, they won an amateur talent competition at New York’s Apollo Theater, leading to a contract with Motown Records and a move to Los Angeles.
The Jackson 5 dominated the airwaves in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like “I’ll Be There,” “I Want You Back,” and “ABC,” selling over 100 million records worldwide. Michael’s unique voice, smooth dance style, and stage charisma made him a standout, even compared to other musical prodigies like Stevie Wonder. However, despite his talent, Michael regretted the price he paid for his success, feeling that his childhood was stolen from him.
As an adult, Michael Jackson became a father, and it was clear that he took his role seriously. He married Debbie Rowe in 1996, and they had two children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (Prince) and Paris Jackson, before their divorce in 2000. Michael also had a third child, Prince Michael Jackson II (Blanket), through surrogacy. Despite his fame and busy life, Michael prioritized his children, often expressing his joy in being a father and ensuring that his stardom did not negatively impact their lives.
Michael’s first child, Prince, grew up in the shadow of his father’s fame but chose a different path. Although music was a significant part of his life, Prince pursued a career in production and directing, staying out of the limelight as much as possible. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University, marking a clear departure from his father’s career path.
Prince’s choice to forge his own way confirms what many suspected—Michael Jackson, despite his complex relationship with his own father, allowed his children to pursue their passions without forcing them into the music industry.
