Joe Jackson is remembered not just as the patriarch of one of the most iconic families in entertainment, but as a man whose relentless ambition shaped the careers of his children, most notably Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.

Yet behind the towering success was a complicated life marked by triumph and tragedy.

In his later years, as his health declined and his once grand mansion stood eerily abandoned, the world watched the slow, sad unraveling of a figure who had been both revered and criticized.

His passing in 2018 closed a chapter on an era of music history, leaving behind questions about his legacy and a surprising net worth that reflected his complex influence on the industry.

Joe Jackson’s Financial Struggles

At the time of his death, Joe Jackson had a net worth of $500,000.

Throughout his life, he was involved in various business ventures aimed at capitalizing on the Jackson family’s fame.

However, financial difficulties plagued him, leading him and his wife, Katherine Jackson, to file for bankruptcy in 1999, with the couple reporting $24 million in debt.

Despite these challenges, Joe continued to seek opportunities to profit from the Jackson name, as seen in 2012 when he was spotted selling Jackson perfumes at a mall kiosk, although he was prohibited from using Michael Jackson’s image on the packaging.

In addition to his business efforts, Joe published a photo book titled Precious Moments, chronicling his family’s career.

Despite his declining health, he attended promotional events and book signings for the release.

Later in life, Jackson’s financial situation worsened, prompting his attorney to file a claim for alimony from Michael Jackson’s estate.

The claim detailed that Joe had minimal income and was seeking funds to cover his basic living expenses, including more than $1,000 monthly rent for his Las Vegas home, along with additional allowances totaling over $115,000 per month for dining, entertainment, travel, and accommodations.

In total, Jackson requested nearly $200,000 annually to maintain his lifestyle in his final years.

Early Life and Ambitions

Joe Jackson was born on July 26, 1928, in Fountain Hill, Arkansas.

He was the eldest of five children, raised in a strict household.

His father’s authoritarian approach and the challenges of growing up during the Great Depression shaped Joe’s early years.

Reportedly, he had a lonely childhood with few close friends, which perhaps contributed to the stoic and driven personality he would later become known for.

When Joe was 12 years old, his parents separated.

His mother moved with his siblings to East Chicago, Indiana, while Joe relocated to Oakland, California, to live with his father.

This transition marked a turning point in Joe’s life.

He took a job at a domestic steel company, which offered a glimpse into the working-class life he was determined to transcend.

During this time, he nurtured a passion for boxing, joining the Golden Gloves program where he found success.

Joe had ambitions of turning professional in the sport, but fate would intervene in a different way when he met a 17-year-old high school student named Katherine Screws.

Katherine, who attended Washington High School in East Chicago, would later become his wife.

Their lives together had humble beginnings, as Joe did not finish high school.

After his father remarried when Joe was 18, he rejoined his family in East Chicago.

The Rise of the Jackson Family

By the early 1960s, Joe started to notice the remarkable musical talent of his children.

His three eldest sons, Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie, showed a natural gift for music, prompting Joe to take on the role of their manager.

This decision would change the course of his family’s future.

He formed a group initially called the Jackson Brothers, but as his younger sons Michael and Marlon grew older, they were recruited into the band, which eventually became known as the Jackson 5.

Joe was not a passive manager; he was relentless in his efforts to push his children to succeed.

He booked them for local talent shows and performances at school functions.

As the group gained recognition, Joe expanded their reach, securing performances at prestigious venues like New York’s Apollo Theater, where they earned standing ovations.

His persistence paid off when the Jackson 5 signed their first recording contract in November 1967 with Steeltown Records, a small label based in Gary, Indiana.

The Jackson 5 released their first single, “Big Boy,” under the Steeltown label in 1968, but the song did not achieve the success they had hoped for.

However, this initial setback did little to dampen their spirits or Joe’s determination to see his sons succeed.

In 1969, their big break came when the Jackson 5 won an amateur night contest, catching the attention of Motown Records.

By March of that year, the group had secured a recording contract with the legendary label.

This moment marked a significant turning point for the family, leading them to relocate from Gary, Indiana, to Los Angeles, California, to be closer to the heart of the music industry.

Legacy and Controversy

Joe Jackson’s influence extended beyond just his sons.

In 1982, he turned his attention to his daughter, Janet Jackson, launching her career as both an actress and recording artist.

Joe financed Janet’s first demo, which led to her signing a recording contract with A&M Records.

Under his guidance, Janet would go on to become one of the most successful and influential artists of her generation.

However, Joe’s legacy is not without controversy.

In the late 1980s, he found himself at the center of public scrutiny as allegations surfaced claiming he had subjected his children to abuse during their upbringing.

These revelations, particularly from Michael Jackson, painted a grim picture of Michael’s childhood, marked by strict discipline and emotional distance.

Despite the pain Michael endured, he eventually came to terms with his father’s methods.

In a gesture of reconciliation, he honored Joe with an annual Joseph Jackson Day at his Neverland Ranch, recognizing the sacrifices Joe made for the family.

Health and Death

On July 27, 2015, Joe Jackson faced a severe health crisis while celebrating his 87th birthday in Brazil.

He suffered a stroke and cardiac arrhythmia, making it impossible for him to be transported back to the United States immediately.

It wasn’t until two weeks later, on August 11, that he was stable enough to board a flight to Los Angeles for further medical treatment.

Upon his arrival, Jackson was admitted to Cedar Sinai Medical Center, where doctors addressed complications stemming from his stroke.

Despite initial optimism, his health continued to deteriorate.

On June 22, 2018, he was hospitalized in Las Vegas, battling terminal pancreatic cancer.

At 3:30 a.m. PDT on June 27, Joe Jackson passed away at a Las Vegas hospital, leaving behind a complex legacy intertwined with the world of music and family.

In the wake of his death, Jackson’s family released a poignant statement, expressing gratitude for the public’s support and acknowledging the profound impact Joe had on their lives and careers.

Joe Jackson was laid to rest on July 2, 2018, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, alongside his son Michael Jackson.

This burial underscores the deep bond within the Jackson family and the enduring legacy they share.

As his family continues to honor his memory, Joe Jackson’s impact resonates through the stories and achievements of his children.