Taj Jackson Says Question of Jackson 5's Success Affected Late Father Tito Jackson

Taj Jackson, the oldest child of late Jackson 5 member Tito Jackson, is speaking about the success of the group’s members compared to lead vocalist Michael Jackson.

Taj Jackson, who’s been vocal around the release of the King of Pop’s first theatrical biopic, Michael, responded to a tweet about MJ’s finding greater bigger success than fellow Jackson 5 members and his brothers, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Tito Jackson, and Marlon Jackson. The boy band revamped in the 1980s as The Jacksons and included their youngest brother, Randy Jackson.

Although Michael Jackson would beginning releasing solo albums in the early 1970s while in the Jackson 5, his breakthrough solo record was Off the Wall in 1979. The album would go on to sell over 10 million equivalent units in the United States and was RIAA-certified Diamond.

Michael’s 1982 follow-up, Thriller, is 34 times multi-platinum and the best selling album of all-time with over 30 million physical copies sold globally. The album has also returned to No. 1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for the first time since 1984 following the debut of Michael.

In a tweet, a social media user questioned why the remaining members of Jackson 5 couldn’t capture similar success as Michael Jackson following the group’s disbandment.

Taj Jackson explained that the topic was a “very sensitive subject” for him and revealed that it also impacted his father, Tito Jackson, who passed away in September 1970.

“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,” Taj Jackson tweeted.

“That’s exactly what my dad had to deal with his whole life. He told me that personally on multiple occasions,” he continued. “What do you think that does to your self esteem and life?”