Jackie Jackson Reflects On ‘Sad’ Loss Of Brothers Michael And Tito

Jackie Jackson,

Founding member of The Jacksons, shares his relatable dad moments while juggling his sons’ basketball camp schedules. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in pursuing passions, whether in sports or music. Jackie reminisces about his brothers Michael and Tito Jackson, and their iconic music career. Despite his age, Jackie remains energetic and looks forward to The Jacksons’ upcoming performances in the UK, drawing inspiration from legends like Mick Jagger to keep the music alive.

“They play AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball,” Jackie reveals of his boys, who he shares with his third wife Emily Besselink. “Most of the players who play pro basketball today started in AAU.”

Jackie, who is also dad to his son Sigmund Esco Jr., 48, and daughter Brandi, 43, from his first marriage, says his youngest children share his passion for singing and dancing, but “mostly they play a lot of basketball.”Whether it’s sport or singing, Jackie – birth name Sigmund Esco – shares this advice with his children: “[It’s] the same advice that my father gave us: to work hard at it. I try to tell them the same thing. We became famous at a young age because we worked at it.”

Jackie may be in his seventies, but he’s as vivacious as ever and eagerly looking forward to The Jacksons’ performances in the UK this summer. The group are playing at Berkshire’s Englefield House and Audley End House & Gardens, Essex this July as part of Heritage Live Festivals.

Here, he talks about living with The Jacksons fame, remembering his brothers Michael and Tito Jackson and why The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger is one of his idols…

Jackie, lovely to meet you. Tell us about your UK shows this summer…

It’s going to be like all of our shows we’ve done in the past, high energy, just singing all the hit songs. That’s what we’ve always done and we’re going to continue doing that.

I love to see the fans enjoying themselves, but at the same time, it’s like going to the gym and working out.