Johnny Jackson is best known as drummer in The Jackson 5 (also spelled The Jackson Five or The Jackson 5ive, abbreviated as J5, and later known simply as The Jacksons), notable for launching the career of its lead singer, Michael Jackson.

Johnny Jackson joined The Jackson 5 in 1967, replacing original drummer Milford Hite. The label promoted Jackson and keyboardist Ronnie Rancifer as the cousins of The Jackson Five, however neither Ronnie Rancifer nor Johnny Jackson are actually related to the Jacksons.

AFter his time with The Jackson 5, Johnny joined White Dove featuring Gregory Hoskins, vocalist and keyboard player and Anthony Acoff, flutist and lead vocalist.

On March 1, 2006 Jackson died at a home in Gary after being stabbed by his girlfriend, Yolanda Davis, following a quarrel. Davis was later pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 2 years in prison.