La Toya Jackson
May 29, 1956 — Gary, Indiana
La Toya Yvonne Jackson is an American singer and television personality who first gained fame as part of the legendary Jackson family and went on to build a solo career spanning nine studio albums and more than three decades in the spotlight.
The Jackson Family Legacy
Born on May 29, 1956 in Gary, Indiana, La Toya is the fifth child and middle daughter of Joe and Katherine Jackson. Growing up in the household that also produced Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson, La Toya participated in the family's music from an early age, appearing alongside her siblings on The Jacksons, the variety television series that aired on CBS between 1976 and 1977. The show introduced the broader Jackson family to mainstream America and gave La Toya her first significant national platform.
Her family upbringing was both a launching pad and a long shadow. The Jackson name guaranteed her access to the music industry, but it also meant that her solo career would forever be viewed in comparison to the extraordinary achievements of her siblings — particularly Michael, who became one of the most famous entertainers in history.
Solo Career
La Toya launched her solo recording career in 1980 with her self-titled debut album on Polydor Records, establishing an R&B-pop sound that was distinct from the Jackson 5's earlier work. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s she released a succession of albums on labels including Polydor, Sony Music, and RCA, accumulating nine studio albums over fifteen years. Her most successful releases in the United States were the 1980 self-titled debut and the 1984 single "Heart Don't Lie." Other fan-favorite tracks included "Night Time Lover," "If You Feel the Funk," "Bet'cha Gonna Need My Lovin'," "Hot Potato," and "You're Gonna Get Rocked!" In a more socially conscious vein, she wrote "Just Say No" for the Reagan administration's anti-drug campaign.
Did You Know?
La Toya's 1984 single "Heart Don't Lie" was co-written by Randy Jackson and produced while the entire Jackson family was experiencing the heights of global Jacksonmania following Thriller. The timing gave it broad airplay, making it her biggest U.S. charting success.
Television and Later Career
Beyond recording, La Toya built a substantial television presence, appearing on reality programs including Celebrity Big Brother in the United Kingdom and competing on The Celebrity Apprentice in the United States. She has been a fixture in entertainment media for decades, frequently speaking about her family's complex private dynamics and advocating on behalf of her brother Michael's legacy following his death in 2009. La Toya has also pursued acting, publishing, and business ventures, demonstrating a versatility that has kept her relevant long after the peak of her recording career.