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Michael Jackson: The Early Years

The Jackson Family on the Cover of LIFE

The Jackson Family on the Cover of LIFE

Michael Jackson (top) poses on the stairs of his family home in Encino, Calif., in 1971, with his brothers Marlon, Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie, and their parents Joe and Katherine.

In this photo: Joseph Jackson

Photo: John Olson/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Sep 24, 1971