Jordan Knight rose to fame as the falsetto-voiced frontman of the legendary boy band New Kids on the Block, but long before stadium tours and teen magazine covers, he grew up as the youngest of six children in a bustling household in Worcester, Massachusetts. Understanding the family behind the pop star icon provides a clearer picture of how the Knight siblings shaped one another's lives and careers, especially given that two of the brothers shared the global spotlight.
The Knight family consists of six children born to parents Allan and Marlene Knight: Jonathan, David, Christopher, Sharon, Allison, and Jordan. While Jonathan joined Jordan in the music industry as a fellow member of New Kids on the Block, the other siblings pursued lives largely away from the intense glare of the tabloid media. Looking at the ages and backgrounds of the Knight family reveals a tight-knit upbringing rooted in community and music.
Overview of the Knight Family Structure
Raised by their parents—Allan Knight, an Episcopal priest, and Marlene Putnam, a social worker—the children grew up in a household that balanced spiritual discipline with public service. Because Marlene worked as a social worker, their home frequently welcomed people from various walks of life.
With six kids sharing limited space, bunk beds and chaotic family dinners were standard. The sibling lineup spans several years, creating a dynamic where the older children often helped look after the younger ones.
Jonathan Knight: The Older Brother in the Spotlight
- Birth Date: November 29, 1968
- Age: 57 years old
- Relationship to Jordan: Older brother and bandmate
Jonathan is the most prominent sibling alongside Jordan. Born roughly a year and a half before Jordan, Jonathan was the original member who paved the way into New Kids on the Block. Known for his quieter demeanor during the height of 1990s pop mania, Jonathan later found success in home renovation and real estate, starring in HGTV's Farmhouse Fixer. Despite the immense pressures of early fame, the bond between Jonathan and Jordan remained strong, forged from childhood bedroom-sharing to sharing international stages. You can learn more about official band history on the New Kids on the Block Official Website.
The Other Knight Siblings: Christopher, David, Sharon, and Allison
While Jonathan and Jordan captured global attention, the remaining four siblings chose paths outside of mainstream pop stardom. Exact birth dates for Christopher, David, Sharon, and Allison are largely private, but genealogical records and biographical notes place them within the sibling hierarchy as older brothers and sisters to Jordan.
- David Knight: One of the older brothers, David shared bunk beds and childhood chores with Jonathan and Jordan during their formative years in Massachusetts. He maintains a private life, avoiding public entertainment circles.
- Christopher Knight: Another brother who grew up alongside the future pop stars, Christopher participated in local family routines and community choirs before the boy band phenomenon took off.
- Sharon Knight: As one of the sisters in the large household, Sharon helped anchor a balanced home environment, sharing everyday childhood experiences with her five brothers.
- Allison Knight: The other sister in the Knight family, Allison grew up closely tied to her siblings during summers and holidays in Worcester, remaining out of the public eye in adulthood.
Childhood Influences and Family Dynamics
Growing up in Worcester, the Knight children weren't born into wealth or privilege. Their father's work in the church and their mother's commitment to social work instilled a grounded work ethic. Music played an early role in their lives, as local church and school choirs provided the initial outlet for vocal training.
When music producer Maurice Starr began assembling a group of young, talented performers in Boston, Jonathan was initially scouted, which soon opened the door for Jordan to join. The transition from a normal suburban household to international pop idols tested the family, but their collective background helped keep the brothers grounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many siblings does Jordan Knight have?
Jordan Knight has five siblings, making a total of six children born to Allan and Marlene Knight.
Are Jordan Knight and Jonathan Knight twins?
No, they are not twins. Jonathan was born on November 29, 1968, while Jordan was born on May 17, 1970, making Jonathan about a year and a half older.
Which other Knight sibling was in New Kids on the Block?
Only Jonathan Knight joined Jordan as a member of New Kids on the Block. The other siblings—David, Christopher, Sharon, and Allison—did not join the music industry.
What did Jordan Knight's parents do for a living?
Their father, Allan Knight, served as an Episcopal priest, and their mother, Marlene Putnam, worked as a social worker.
