Taj Jackson is one of the three sons of Tito Jackson, who was an older brother of Michael Jackson. This morning, Taj answered a fan’s question on social media about growing up with Michael as the star of the family.
Taj’s response was strong. He said it felt like everyone told them they were not important without Michael and that they should be thankful to him. Michael was the youngest in the Jackson 5, which included Tito, Marlon, Jackie, and Jermaine. Even though the other brothers could sing and play instruments, Michael quickly became the main focus.
Michael started his solo career when he was just 13 years old. In the group’s hit “I’ll Be There,” Jermaine had a part, but he and the others often felt like they were not as valued. Later, Taj and his brothers formed their group, 3T, with Michael’s support. However, Michael also blocked Jermaine from having a solo career in the 1980s.
Taj claims the movie about the Jackson 5 does not properly show his brothers. They have no speaking parts and appear as minor characters. Taj feels disappointed by this, especially after the loss of his father, Tito, who died suddenly two years ago at the age of 70. Taj knows it was hard to live in Michael’s shadow.
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