Rebbie Jackson, the eldest sibling of the iconic Jackson family, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her soulful voice and captivating performances.
Discover her journey, from her beginnings in Las Vegas to her acclaimed albums and contributions to the soundtrack of “Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home.”
Explore the life and career of this legendary American singer.
Maureen Reillette “Rebbie” Jackson-Brown ( born May 29, 1950) is a renowned American singer and the eldest among the Jackson family of musicians.
Her journey into the spotlight began with performances alongside her siblings in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in 1974.
This exposure led to appearances in the television series “The Jacksons.”
Interestingly, her sister La Toya shares her birthday, born on her sixth birthday.
At 34, Jackson launched her debut album “Centipede” in 1984.
She featured tracks written by luminaries like Smokey Robinson, Prince, and her younger brother Michael, whose collaboration on the title track proved to be her most successful single.
In quick succession, she followed up with two more albums by the end of the 1980s: “Reaction” in 1986 and “R U Tuff Enuff” in 1988.
After seven years away, Jackson returned with a cover of “Forever Young” for the “Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home” soundtrack.
Following that, she released her 1998 album “Yours Faithfully.”
It was a collaborative project featuring artists and producers such as Spanky Williams of Men of Vizion, Keith Thomas, and Eliot Kennedy.
Notably, her children also contributed to the album.
In 2011, Rebbie embarked on the Pick Up the Phone Tour, aimed at addressing teen suicide across the United States.
Rebbie Jackson Early Life
Maureen Reillette Jackson was born on May 29, 1950, at 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, to Joseph Walter “Joe” (July 26, 1928 – June 27, 2018), and Katherine Esther (née Scruse, May 4, 1930).
She is the eldest of their ten children, including Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Brandon (deceased), Michael, Randy, and Janet.
Also Read: Sean Penn Brother: Unlocking the Untold Story of Sean Penn’s Enigmatic Brother
Joseph worked in a steel mill and performed in an R&B band called the Falcons, while Katherine, a Jehovah’s Witness, raised her children in the faith.
Rebbie played a significant role in her siblings’ lives, often acting as a caregiver, especially to her younger siblings.
She graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Gary in 1968.
Rebbie Jackson Early Career
Jackson’s musical journey began in 1974 when she joined her siblings onstage in Las Vegas.
Although initially sidelined due to a sprained ankle, she eventually became a part of the performances.
When the Jackson 5 left Motown in 1976, they rebranded themselves as The Jacksons under CBS Records.
Also Read: Emma Watson Brother, Alex Watson: A Close Look at His Life
The family also starred in a variety series, “The Jacksons,” which premiered in June 1976, marking the first time an African-American family starred in a television series.
Her experience on the show inspired her to pursue a professional music career.
Prior to this, she had considered singing merely a hobby.
Jackson worked as a backing vocalist for various artists and even performed as a cabaret singer before temporarily pausing her musical pursuits due to her second pregnancy.
Voice Type
Rebbie Jackson is recognized as a contralto with a three-octave range, showcasing an impressive belting ability reaching up to G#5 in her song “Reaction.”
Personal Life
At 18 years old, Rebbie announced her intention to marry her childhood sweetheart, Nathaniel Brown, in November 1968.
This decision caused tension within the Jackson family, with Joseph opposing the marriage.
While Katherine supported Rebbie’s desire for a family life, Joseph wanted her to pursue a career in music like her brothers.
Despite her musical talent showcased in singing contests, Rebbie prioritized a stable home over show business.
Eventually, she married Brown, with whom she had three children:
Stacee Brown (born May 5, 1971), Yashi Brown (born October 5, 1977), and Austin Brown (born November 22, 1985).
Nathaniel Brown passed away from cancer on January 6, 2013.
Rebbie Jackson Siblings
Explore the lives and careers of Rebbie Jackson siblings, including Michael, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, LaToya, Marlon, Randy, Janet, and his half-sister Joh’Vonnie.
Michael Jackson
While Michael pursued a highly successful solo career, his sisters Rebbie, LaToya, and Janet also ventured into solo singing, with Janet achieving the greatest success among the three.
Despite Michael’s tragic passing at the age of 50 on June 25, 2009, his enduring legacy lives on through his talented siblings and three children.
An iconic figure in pop music history, Michael Jackson’s influence extends from his early hits like “ABC” and “I Want You Back” with The Jackson Five to his solo triumphs, particularly with the groundbreaking album Thriller in 1982.
His musical catalog serves as the foundation for the Broadway show MJ: The Musical, ensuring that his impact continues to resonate with audiences.
Raised in a showbiz family, Michael fostered a strong connection with his siblings, particularly within the dynamic musical group.
Reflecting on his childhood, he remarked, “Well, you don’t get to do things that other children get to do, having friends and slumber parties and buddies.
There were none of that for me.
I didn’t have friends when I was little.
My brothers were my friends,” as quoted via BrainyQuote.
Although Michael passed away in 2009 at the age of 50, the majority of his siblings are still alive, carrying on his legacy.
Additionally, his children—Prince, 25, Paris, 24, and Blanket, 20—frequently speak of him, ensuring that his influence endures.
Also Read: Elon Musk Siblings: The Complicated Family Tree
Sigmund Esco “Jackie” Jackson
Sigmund Esco “Jackie” Jackson, 71, the eldest of the Jackson brothers, was a founding member of the Jackson Five.
Apart from his contributions to the group, he released solo albums, such as a self-titled one in 1973 and “Be The One” in 1989.
Jackie has remained active in the music industry as a producer.
And collaborated on projects like “Big City After Dark” in 2007.
Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson
Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson, 69, known for his guitar skills, joined his brothers to form the Jackson Five. Tito’s sons formed the musical group 3T in 1994.
Tito pursued a solo career later in life, releasing albums like “Tito Time” in 2016 .
And “Under Your Spell” in 2021, exploring R&B, soul, and blues genres.
Also Read: Siblings Rights After Parents Death: What happens to your parent’s estate when they die?
Jermaine La Juane Jackson
Jermaine La Juane Jackson, 67, contributed significantly to the Jackson Five’s hits.
And later pursued a solo career, releasing albums like the self-titled one in 1972 and “I Wish You Love” in 2012.
LaToya Yvonne Jackson, 66, started her career with The Jackson Five.
She later engaged in a solo career with albums like the self-titled one in 1980.
And an EP titled “Starting Over” in 2011.
Marlon David Jackson
Marlon David Jackson, 65, close to Michael, gave a tearful eulogy at his brother’s funeral.
David released the solo album “Baby Tonight” in 1987.
Marlon ventured into business, founding the Major Broadcasting Cable Network in 1999, later sold in 2007.
Randy Jackson
Randy Jackson, 61, joined the Jackson Five in 1971, played congas, and later became an official member.
He founded Randy & The Gypsys and engaged in business ventures;
Co-founding Total Multi-Media Inc. in 1990 and Rhythm Nation Records in 2018 with his sister Janet.
Janet Damita Jo Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson, 56, renowned for her musical career, released classic albums like “Control,” “Rhythm Nation 1814,” and “Janet.”
She continues to release music, with the latest being “Unbreakable” in 2015.
Joh’Vonnie Jackson, 48, Michael’s half-sister, revealed a distant relationship with the Jackson family;
Expressing feelings of being “hidden away” and “kept secret” in a 2018 interview.
Despite interacting with every family member, she experienced a lack of acceptance;
And connection, describing the situation as upsetting and hurtful.
