La Toya Jackson is an American singer and television personality, the fifth child and middle daughter of the Jackson family. She first gained recognition on the family's CBS variety series The Jacksons in 1976 and 1977. She then pursued a solo recording career across several record labels in the 1980s and 1990s, releasing nine studio albums over about fifteen years. She later became known for reality television appearances and for writing books.
Early life and family
Born in Gary, Indiana, La Toya is the middle female child among ten children of Joe and Katherine Jackson. She appeared with her sisters Rebbie and Janet and her brothers on The Jacksons, a variety program that ran for twelve episodes. The family's group performances, which included singing, dancing and skits, gave her early exposure to show business. Before beginning her solo career, she also worked briefly with her sisters in a musical trio that never performed live.
Solo career
Her self-titled debut album appeared in 1980 and remains her most successful release in the United States. Her 1984 single Heart Don't Lie produced her biggest Billboard Hot 100 hit, peaking at number 56. Her later career brought reality television appearances, including the British Celebrity Big Brother and The Celebrity Apprentice, as well as her own series on the Oprah Winfrey Network. She also published autobiographical books that became bestsellers.