Michael Jackson's Nephew Taj Reveals Heartbreaking Reason Why Other Jackson 5 Brothers Weren't as Successful

Ilana KaplanFri, May 15, 2026 at 5:04 PM UTC

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Taj Jackson in January 2020 in Amsterdam
Credit: REMKO DE WAAL/ANP/AFP via Getty -

Taj Jackson spoke out about why the other members of the Jackson 5 weren't as successful as Michael Jackson

In an X post on Thursday, May 14, he wrote that his father was "told by everyone that you are worthless without your younger brother"

Tito Jackson, Taj's father, was the catalyst for the Jackson 5's formation

Taj Jackson has revealed the heartbreaking reason why not all of the Jackson 5 brothers were as successful as Michael Jackson.

On Thursday, May 14, Michael's nephew shared a post on X in response to a fan account questioning why the other bandmates didn't have as fruitful careers.

"I'll answer since this is a very sensitive subject to me," Taj, 52, began the post. "Imagine since you were a teenager being told by everyone that you are worthless without your younger brother and you should thank him for everything you have. That's exactly what my dad [Tito] had to deal with his whole life."

Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Michael Jackson and Jermaine Jackson of the Jackson 5 in September 1973
Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

The singer and producer added that his father "told me that personally on multiple occasions."

"What do you think that does to your self esteem and life?" Taj asked.

Tito, who died in 2024 at the age of 70, was the catalyst for creating the Jackson 5 and the third-eldest son of the family.

The Jackson 5 was founded after the Jackson children's father Joe Jackson discovered Tito playing guitar one day. He recognized his son's talent, and then the family band was formed. The Jackson 5 found fame in the 1960s and 1970s.

Songs like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There" all featured Tito on guitar, synths, and backing vocals.

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In 1997, the Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

By 2003, Tito launched his solo blues career. He also earned three Grammy Award nominations during his career.

After his father's death in 2024, Taj shared an emotional Facebook post.

"The truth is I am not okay, and I don't know if I ever will be. My dad and I shared the same name, Tariano Adaryll Jackson, and people often called me his twin. He was the man I've looked up to my entire life—my father, my hero," he wrote at the time.

Tito Jackson and Taj Jackson in July 2018 in Encino, Calif.
Credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty

Taj then wrote that he admired Tito's "genuine humbleness and humility."

"For all the legendary things he accomplished with his brothers, you'd never know it just by talking to him," he continued. "Besides performing on stage, my dad loved to coach baseball, fish, and work on vintage cars."

Taj continued, "Everyone loved Tito, and in a way, it brings me comfort to know the world also shares in this sorrow and pain. It's a reminder of how great a loss we've all suffered."

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”