Blues & Soul - April 25 1988

"No, I don't feel any pressure", says Rebbie Jackson, referring to the fact that she's a member of music's First Family. Indeed, even if she did, Rebbie could feel quite proud that her current album (her third) stands on its own merits. With the single 'Plaything' shaping up to be possibly her biggest hit, the singer - who's also a mother, homemaker and wife - feels very good about her latest piece of wax.

"The thing that's different with this LP is that I was more involved with yhe songs. I can really identify with them - especially with a song like 'R U Tuff Enuff', which may give the impression of a woman who's going to walk all over you. But that's not what it's saying at all. It's a different kind of toughness, one that implies patience, understanding and love."

For the album, rebbie chose to work with Dave Conley and David Townsend, two members of the group Surface, who enjoyed major success last year with this hit 'Happy', following their participation in her latest LP, 'Reaction'. "Thw first time we worked together, I found the both to very down-to-earth. It's not that I couldn't relate to the other producers for that album, but them seemed to plug into the direction I wanted to take with music. "

Rebbie says that once the trio had agreed to do a whole LP together, "they really took time to observe me, watch me, check out my personality, to find what I'm all about."

Some of the current album was recorded whilst out on the road - touring with, amongst others, Roger Troutman. "That meant it took a little more time and I ended up staying out in New Jersey, which is where we did most of the recording. I found that both the guys were really innovative and I felt like I had a relationship with them similar to the one I have with my brothers."

Rebbie says that brother Michael really enccouraged her when she decided to launch a musical career in her own right. As a part of the Jackson Family Show, Rebbie actually made her professional stage debut in Las Vegas in 1974, but it was after the Jacksons' television series in 1976 that she put her musical aspirations on the backburner and concentrated on raising a family of her own. "I was motivated by seeing my family all perform together in the first place, and the truth is, I really, really liked it. So I though, why not take advantage of it and get back to it."

First time out, Rebbie scored with the hit 'Centipede', although she says she didn't expect the kind of immediate response that record received in 1985. "I was a bit surprised at the way it took off but I felt very positive about it from the start."

Her secomd LP, released in 1986, brought Rebbie together with a variety of producers, including Reggie Lucas and Howie Rice, and included a duet with Isaac Hayes.

Aside from working on her album, Rebbie spent most of 1987 on the road: "I really love touring although I don't like being away from my children", she says. "My husband and my 2-year-old son travelled with me everywhere whilst the two other girls, aged 17 and 10, would join me whenever they could. They realise that this is how I make myliving so they understand. My family really gets involved with my career, rigth down to how I dress, how I come across on television, how I'm marketed. It's almost like I have my own in-built, corrective criticism system!"

Amongst the diverse acts that Rebbie toured with last year were Klymaxx, Alexander O'Neil, Najee, The Force M.D.s, Ray, Goodman & Brown and, of course, Surface.

"I did track dates during last year but this year, I'll be putting a full band together for a summer tour", Rebbie says. "I enjoy being on tour because of the public. I've been very fortunatebecause people have been very receptive wherever i've performed. "

And comparisons with Michael and Janet? "I don't believe in egotism. I believe it's a privilege for me to be singing and performing, and I try not to take advantage. Some people may compare me with other members of the family, but that's just the way it is. "Sure, I would love to hook up with other members of the family if that's what evolved in the future: I think it would be great. "