The Jacksons: An American Dream
The Jacksons are your average working-class family in Gary, Indiana; but when their father Joseph discovers the kids have an extraordinary musical talent, they form a band. Winning talent show after talent show, they soon hit it big when Motown comes calling. From there, they become the now famous Jackson 5. But along the way, their success brings trouble and turmoil.
Overview
The Jacksons are your average working-class family in Gary, Indiana; but when their father Joseph discovers the kids have an extraordinary musical talent, they form a band. Winning talent show after talent show, they soon hit it big when Motown comes calling. From there, they become the now famous Jackson 5. But along the way, their success brings trouble and turmoil.
Suzanne de Passe
Producer
Episodes
1. Part I
How Joseph and Katherine managed to raise their children, first in Gary, Indiana, then later dealing with The Jackson 5's early fame and its consequences.
2. Part II
The struggles of young Michael Jackson as he deals with his brothers marrying early, into The Jackson 5 success, his problems with acne as a teenager, his eventual solo superstardom based on the success of his albums Off the Wall and Thriller and his legendary Motown 25 performance of "Billie Jean" as well as his difficult relationship with his father.
Cast & Crew
Angela Bassett
Katherine Jackson
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs
Joseph Jackson
Billy Dee Williams
Berry Gordy
Jason Weaver
Michael Jackson (ages 9-14)
Bumper Robinson
Jackie Jackson (ages 13-17)
Terrence Howard
Jackie Jackson (adult)
