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Are the Jackson 5 really related? Discover 6 bands’ origin stories


Published on April 19, 2025


Credit: Mick Haupt

Just because someone presents themselves as "brothers" in the showbiz, does not mean they are related by blood. The same goes for many other fake relationships invented for the sake of having a compelling storyline for the public. The following six bands suggested a family connection among its members. Can you tell which ones were real?

1

The Jackson 5

Credit: Call Me Fred

Let us start this list with a very popular American pop band formed in the 1970s, and responsible for launching the career of Michael Jackson. Were the Jackson 5 really related?

2

The Walker Brothers

Credit: Jace & Afsoon

The Walker Brothers were an American pop group from the 1960s that made it big in Great Britain where they had several Top 10 albums and singles there, including the No. 1 hits "Make It Easy on Yourself" and "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore)".

3

The Beach Boys

Credit: Rita Malçok

The Beach Boys were formed -unsurprisingly- in California in 1961 and swept over the country with their brand of surf pop-rock with great hooks and distinctive vocal harmonies.

4

The Doobie Brothers

Credit: Mick Haupt

The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band also formed in California, in 1970, and also known for having great vocal harmonies and their flexibility in performing across numerous genres.

5

The Bee Gees

Credit: Greyson Joralemon

The kingpins of the disco era, The Bee Gees were a musical group formed in 1958, famous for songs like "Stayin’ Alive", "How Deep is Your Love", or "Night Fever".

6

The White Stripes

Credit: Duncan Shaffer

The White Stripes were an American rock duo comprised of a drummer and singer/guitar player formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1997 and responsible for the hit song "Seven Nation Army" among other famous tunes.

7

The Jackson 5? Brothers

Credit: Mathew Browne

Yes, the Jackson 5 was a family band started by members of the Jackson family and it included Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael Jackson. The band was even managed by their father, Joe Jackson.

8

The Walker Brothers? Not really brothers.

Credit: Valentino Funghi

No, the Walker brothers were not really brothers and they adopted the moniker as a show business touch even though they were unrelated. The band was responsible for launching the career of Scott Walker -who apparently liked the pseudonym enough to make it his own- one of the greatest and most elegant voices of rock and roll.

9

The Beach Boys? Three brothers, a cousin, and a friend

Credit: John Price

The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and a mutual friend, Al Jardine, for good measure.

10

The Doobie Brothers? Nope, unrelated.

Credit: Clay Banks

The Doobie Brothers have been around for a long time now and have had many members among its ranks but no, they are not related by blood to each other. The name was suggested by a mutual friend a the start of their career.

11

The Bee Gees? Yep, three actual brothers.

Credit: Edward Howell

Yes, the Bee Gees were formed by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. Their name is the initials of Barry Gibb, spelled phonetically.

12

The White Stripes? A divorced couple.

Credit: Brooke Cagle

This one takes the cake as the strangest one. Drummer Meg and singer/guitarist Jack claimed to be brother and sister at the start of their career but it was soon found out that they were actually a former couple who had divorced and kept playing together.


Warning: cuteness overload!

How come Great Danes are not Danish? Read about these dog breeds' names!


Published on April 19, 2025


Credit: Hannah Lim

Dog breeds come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. However, they have at least two things in common: they are all super cute, and their names have a backstory. Do you know how the name "Bloodhound" came to be? And what about "Poodle"? Let’s dig into the history behind some of the most popular dog breed names and uncover the stories they have to tell. You might even discover a fun fact to impress your fellow dog lovers!

1

Basset Hound

Credit: Will Thomas

The Basset Hound gets its name from the French word bas, meaning "low." These short-legged scent hounds were bred in 6th-century France and likely descended from St. Hubert Hounds raised in monasteries.

In case you were wondering, their low-to-the-ground build is perfect for tracking scents close to the earth. Despite their solemn appearance, Bassets are gentle and friendly companions.

2

Bulldog

Credit: Matt ODell

The Bulldog’s name harks back to a grittier time when these dogs participated in bullbaiting—a blood sport that was outlawed in Great Britain in 1835 for obvious reasons. Their sturdy build and fearless attitude made them ideal for the task, but thankfully, they’ve left that history behind. Today, Bulldogs are adored for their loyalty and goofy charm. Who doesn’t love their wrinkly faces and stubborn streak?

3

Beagle

Credit: Anthony Fomin

The origin of the Beagle’s name is uncertain, but some theories suggest it comes from the French word beugler, meaning "to bellow," a reference to their distinctive howl. These British scent hounds are famous for their loud, expressive voices, which helped hunters locate them during hunts.

Compact and curious, Beagles were bred for tracking and sniffing out game. Their vocal skills are so unique that they’ve inspired legends and stories for centuries.

4

Dobermann Pinscher

Credit: Ryan Hyde

Louis Dobermann, a 19th-century German tax collector, bred these dogs to assist him on his rounds. He wanted a companion that was both protective and obedient, and his namesake breed fit the bill. Little did he know that this breed would become widely popular as a working and service dog!

As for the "Pinscher" in their name, it refers to their terrier-like qualities, but it’s Dobermann’s legacy that truly defines them.

5

Bloodhound

Credit: choxyltd

Contrary to popular belief, Bloodhounds aren’t named for their ability to track blood—thankfully! Instead, their name reflects their "blooded," or purebred lineage, which was carefully maintained by European monks.

These dogs were bred for their incredible scent-tracking skills, used for everything from hunting to search and rescue.

6

Poodle

Credit: Herman Aasly

Hey, down here! We know the picture is cute, but here’s the backstory behind the Poodle’s name: It comes from the German word pudel, meaning "to splash in water," which makes sense since they were bred as water retrievers.

Their famous curls weren’t just for show—they helped keep them warm and buoyant in chilly waters. Whether Poodles originated in France or Germany is still up for debate, but there’s no arguing that we all want to pet them!

7

Cocker Spaniel

Credit: Bonnie Kittle

The "cocker" in Cocker Spaniel refers to their talent for flushing out woodcocks, a type of bird. These cheerful dogs were originally bred to assist hunters by gently driving game out of hiding.

With a history stretching back centuries, the Cocker Spaniel is one of the oldest recognized breeds.

8

Corgi

Credit: Joshua Patton

Yes, we did work hard to curate the pictures here. You’re getting both the facts and the cuteness! Now, as for Corgis, they get their name from the Welsh words cor (dwarf) and gi **(dog)**—a fitting description of their short, sturdy stature, don’t you think?

Tiny dog, but big personality and energy, for sure. Today, they’re beloved as affectionate family pets with a royal seal of approval—thanks to Queen Elizabeth!

9

Shih Tzu

Credit: Karsten Winegeart

The name Shih Tzu roughly translates to "little lion" in Chinese, inspired by their resemblance to the majestic king of the jungle. You can’t make this up!

These ancient dogs were often associated with Buddhist legends. Despite their fierce name, Shih Tzus couldn’t be more gentle and affectionate companions. They’ve gone from palace pets to beloved lapdogs around the world.

10

Jack Russell Terrier

Credit: Egor Gordeev

Named after Reverend John "Jack" Russell, these terriers were bred for hunting foxes in England’s hilly countryside.

Legend has it that the reverend wanted a dog that was agile and determined, and the breed certainly delivers. With their short legs and boundless energy, Jack Russell Terriers excel at navigating tough terrain.

11

Schnauzer

Credit: Sebastian Coman Travel

The Schnauzer’s name comes from the German word schnauze, meaning "snout" or "mustache." Their facial hair gives them a distinctive, wise appearance that’s hard to miss.

Originally bred in Germany as farm dogs, Schnauzers were valued for their versatility and intelligence. Today, their charming "mustaches" remain one of their most recognizable features.

12

Great Dane

Credit: Atanas Teodosiev

Despite their name, Great Danes aren’t Danish—they’re German through and through. However, their name most likely originated from a French naturalist who mistook them for a Danish variation of the greyhound.

These gentle giants were once used to hunt boars, a task that required both strength and courage. Today, they’re known for their affectionate, easygoing nature. Their name might be a mix-up, but their reputation as "gentle giants" is spot on, don’t you think?

Looking for an extra scoop of literary fun?

Learn more with our Word of the day

neologism

/niˈɑləˌdʒɪzəm/