RARE PHOTO OF KATHERINE JACKSON!

A young Katherine Jackson (right), matriarch of The Jackson Family, with her Father and younger Sister. Prince Albert Scruse (1907 – 1997) Hattie Mae Whitehead (Scruse) (1931 - 1979).

The older of two daughters, Jackson contracted polio at age two, which left her with a noticeable permanent limp. As a child, Jackson aspired to become an actress or country singer, but was dismayed to find no notable black country stars.

In 1949, she married Joseph "Joe" Jackson. From 1950 until 1966, Katherine gave birth to 10 children, including Michael and Janet Jackson.

Katherine's family, both as a musical group and as solo artists, have achieved success in the field of popular music from the late 1960s and onward. The Jacksons are one of the most influential families in music history.

In 1997, the Jackson 5 was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Michael was inducted as a solo artist in 2001, making him one of the few who have been inducted twice. Joining her brothers, Janet was inducted in 2019. Michael, Janet and the Jacksons were awarded stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984, 1990 and 1980, respectively.

Katherine Jackson was portrayed by Angela Bassett in the 1992 miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream.