Katherine Jackson is best known for being the mother of international pop superstar Michael Jackson and the rest of the famous Jackson family. Katherine Jackson is
Best known as the matriarch of the famed Jackson family, Katherine Jackson and husband Joseph Jackson had 10 children together.
She encouraged her children’s musical talents, and when sons Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael and Tito became the Jackson 5, she acted as costume designer. Katherine remained supportive to her most famous son, Michael, through his success as well as his troubles. After Michael’s death in June 2009, she became the legal guardian of his three children, Paris Michael Katherine, Michael Joseph “Prince” Jr. and Prince
Katherine Esther Jackson was born Kattie B. Screws on May 4, 1930, in Barbour County, Alabama. The daughter of Martha Mattie Upshaw and Prince Albert Screws. Katherine Jackson met Joseph when she was still a teenager, Joseph was a boxer and aspiring musician who was married when the two first met.
Katherine raised the children in her faith, and with strict discipline. A pianist and singer, she also encouraged the family’s musical talents. Her son, Michael, would later credit his mother with giving him his vocal gifts. Soon after noticing his children’s various musical abilities, Joseph devoted himself to molding them into a well-rehearsed group.
Katherine took a backseat on the group’s affairs, but continued to be a supportive mother. As her son, Michael, skyrockted to fame as a solo artist, she stuck by his side through his highs and lows, from his success with the album Thriller to his 2005 struggle with child molestation charges.
She also continued to be a supportive wife through her husband’s public indiscretions with women. Despite several tumultuous moments in their relationship, they remain together, residing in a mansion in Encino, California.
