List of the Jackson 5 band members

The American pop group the Jackson 5 has had 7 band members over their 6 decade career. Releasing music under the names the Jackson Brothers (1964–1965), the Jackson 5 (1965–1975, with Motown), and the Jacksons (1975–1989, with CBS),^[1] the group predominantly featured brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael Jackson. The group has also included youngest brother Randy.

The original group began with the three eldest brothers of the Jackson family—Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine. In 1964, their father Joe Jackson caught Tito playing his guitar. Rather than punishing Tito, he let him show his skill which led to the purchasing of Tito's guitar. Jackie, and Jermaine also showed interests in music which led to the creation of the Jackson Brothers with little Michael playing congas, childhood friends Reynaud Jones and Milford Hite playing keyboards and drums, and little Marlon playing the tambourine.^[2] Both Marlon and Michael would join the group and it would become the Jackson 5.

In 1964, Marlon and Michael joined the group. It is said that Jermaine was supposed to be the lead singer but when the group's mother Katherine Jackson heard Michael singing when he was doing chores she insisted that he be made the lead singer but this fact is disputed. Between 1965-1967 the group played many talent shows across the country and opened up for bigger acts. However on July 23, 1968 the group auditioned for Motown Records and was awarded a contract that lasted from March 1969 to March 1976.^[3] By the time they left Motown most of the group would be adults except Michael who was nearing his 18th birthday.

Their first album Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5 was released in October 1969 and spawned the group's most popular single to date I Want You Back released that December. The next two albums ABC, and Third Album spawned three more number one songs after I Want You Back.^[4] Their success continued on a smaller scale with songs Maybe Tomorrow and Mama's Pearl. Michael and Jermaine enjoyed solo success between 1971 and 1975 as well. The group's records began to fall from the charts by 1972 and the group was becoming at odds with Motown due to their low royalty rate and lack of creative control.^[5] The group's last major hit was Dancing Machine in 1974.

By 1975, Joe Jackson and the group were fed up with Motown and decided to leave Motown after recording their final album titled Moving Violation in May. Jermaine, having married the CEO—Berry Gordy's daughter Hazel decided to stay with Motown. Since the group left almost a year before their contract ended Motown sued the group for 'breach of contract'. Motown ended up winning the rights to the title 'the Jackson 5' so the group changed their name to 'the Jacksons' and youngest brother and longtime conga player Randy replaced Jermaine.

Jackie Jackson

Active: 1962–1990, 2001, 2012–present

Instruments: lead vocals, percussion

Tito Jackson

Active: 1962–1990, 2001, 2012–2024; his death

Instruments: vocals, lead guitar, synthesizers

Jermaine Jackson

Active: 1962–1975, 1983–1990, 2001, 2012–2020

Instruments: lead vocals, bass guitar

Marlon Jackson

Active: 1964–1985, 2001, 2012–present

Instruments: vocals, synthesizers, percussion

Michael Jackson

Active: 1964–1984, 2001

Instruments: lead vocals, percussion

Randy Jackson

Active: 1972–1989, 2001

Instruments: vocals, piano, keyboards, percussion