Legacy, Loss & Lyrics: Austin Brown’s Journey Through Music and Family
WafricNews – June 1st, 2025
Los Angeles, USA – When your family tree includes Michael, Janet, and the Jackson 5, and your mother is Rebbie Jackson, the pressure to live up to a legacy can be immense. But for Austin Brown, music isn’t just inheritance—it’s survival, soulwork, and self-expression.
Los Angeles, USA – When your family tree includes Michael, Janet, and the Jackson 5, and your mother is Rebbie Jackson, the pressure to live up to a legacy can be immense. But for Austin Brown, music isn’t just inheritance—it’s survival, soulwork, and self-expression.
The singer, songwriter, and producer is making waves with his latest project, The Festival, a collaborative album with his band BLVK CVSTLE. While the Jackson name carries undeniable weight in the industry, Brown is clear: his journey is his own, and it hasn’t been easy.
“Music is just tough, tough, tough, tough,” he told CNN. “But for me, there wasn’t any other way. It makes me feel good about expressing myself.”
Legacy, But Not a Shortcut
Born into one of music’s most iconic dynasties, Brown grew up around excellence—but not excess. He says people often assume he had a life of luxury. The reality, he says, is more grounded.
“I didn’t grow up the way people think I did,” he laughs. “When people realize I went through the same stuff they did, I’m like, ‘It’s no different, bro.’”
That humility was shaped by watching his mother and father lead by example. Rebbie Jackson, whose 1984 hit “Centipede” remains a cult classic, showed him what resilience in the industry really looks like.
“My mom went through a lot in the music industry,” he said. “But she always kept a balanced head on her shoulders.”
Brown also credits his late father, Nathaniel Brown, a business owner, for teaching him discipline and work ethic. “I saw that example every day,” he added.
Art That Heals
His artistic roots run deep. One of his earliest musical memories is hearing Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed”—a moment that shaped his emotional connection to sound.
“Music allows me to get my emotions out,” he said. “That’s what keeps me in it.”
Years of quiet grinding—writing, performing, and refining his voice—have led to critical recognition. He recently headlined a residency at Anderson .Paak’s LA venue, and his momentum is only growing.
Cherishing the Quiet Moments
But beyond the music, Brown’s joy comes from simpler places—like playing board games with his 95-year-old grandmother, Katherine Jackson, the matriarch of the family legacy.
“I’m blessed that she’s still here and I get to have those moments with her,” he shared. “Especially when it’s me, her, and my mom playing. I cherish those moments big time.”
On the Next Generation of Jacksons
As the world awaits the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, attention has turned to Brown’s cousin, Jaafar Jackson, who’s portraying the King of Pop himself.
Austin, who’s seen the early screen tests, says fans should brace for greatness.
“It was emotional how great he was,” Brown said. “He’s gonna blow people’s minds.”
The Festival Is Just the Beginning
With The Festival now streaming, Brown is inviting listeners into his world—a mix of passion, purpose, and personal truth.
He may carry a legendary surname, but Austin Brown’s story is not a footnote in the Jackson saga. It’s its own chapter—real, raw, and rhythmically alive.
By WafricNews Desk.
By WafricNews Desk.
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