Marlon Jackson

For the American Football player, see Marlin Jackson.

Marlon Jackson

Marlon David Jackson (born March 12, 1957) is an American singer, dancer, former member of The Jackson 5, and elder brother of American pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.

Personal life

Marlon was born in Gary, Indiana, to Joseph and Katherine Jackson as the sixth child of the Jackson family.

Marlon's identical twin brother Brandon died stillborn. They were several weeks premature.

On August 16, 1975 Jackson married Carol Ann Parker, a girl he corresponded with since 1968 before his rise to fame.

He has three children with wife Carol Ann Parker.

• Valencia (b. 1976)
• Brittany (b. 1978)
• Marlon, Jr. (b. September 23, 1981)

He also has two grandchildren

• Noah (b. August 15, 2006) for Valencia Jackson
• Sophia (b. 2007) for Valencia Jackson

He and sister Rebbie Jackson are the only Jackson siblings to have not divorced. Jackson currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia..

Michael's Memorial

On July 7, 2009, he and his family offered their final eulogies for Michael, saying he was the "soul" of the family, and breaking down as he tearfully addressed the crowd: "Maybe now Michael, they will leave you alone" and "I would like for you to give our brother, my twin brother, Brandon, a hug for me". Marlon fought back tears as he said "I love you Michael & I miss you".

Career

The Jackson 5

Main article: The Jackson 5

While Marlon was still a child, his older brothers Jackie, Tito and Jermaine formed an early incarnation of what would become The Jackson 5. Marlon and younger brother Michael would soon join the group, initially as percussionists. In the early years of the group it was said that Marlon had trouble singing and keeping up with his brothers dance steps. However through his perseverance he would become a proficient singer, songwriter, producer and dancer. In brother Michael's 1987 book Moonwalk, he would say of Marlon...

Marlon was and is one of the most determined people I've ever met. He, too, was a real joker and prankster. He used to be the one who'd always get in trouble in the early days because he'd be out of step or miss a note, but that was far from true later.

While brother Michael and Jermaine were the main attractions of the group, all five Jackson brothers sang lead spots on various songs. Marlon's voice can noticeably be heard on "Feelin' Alright", "Little Bitty Pretty One" and "Corner of The Sky". He took a more prominent singing role on the 1973 G.I.T.: Get It Together album, particularly in the last minutes of the song "Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing (Don't Say No)". Eventually a dispute with Motown led to the group's split from the label in 1976, whereupon they signed with Epic Records. After the departure of Jermaine and inclusion of youngest brother Randy in the move, the group would be forced to change their name to "The Jacksons". All of the brothers took a more active role in their music and it was Marlon who filled in for Jermaine's vocal parts when they performed the old Jackson 5 songs on stage.

On the debut Jacksons albums Marlon sang lead spots on "Strength of a Man" and "Man of War". However it was the Destiny and Triumph albums that returned the brothers to the top of the pop charts. In the finale of Triumph Marlon shared a duet with brother Michael entitled "Give it Up". The return of Jermaine to the group in 1983 after their reunited performance at Motown 25 led to a new album and tour, both titled Victory in 1984. For the Victory album Marlon wrote, produced and sang his first solo lead on the single "Body". In the music video for the single Marlon can be seen riding a motorcycle and leading a troupe of dancers. Despite the success of both the album and tour, monetary problems and rumored accounts of the brothers' egos led to the collapse of the Jacksons as a group. Michael announced his exit from the group at the end of the tour while Marlon stunned family members by announcing his split a year later. Leaving The Jacksons as a quartet of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Randy for their final album, 2300 Jackson Street. However Michael and Marlon would join their brothers on the albums title single.

Solo career

In 1987 Marlon released his debut solo album Baby Tonight, an album he wrote and produced himself. It featured the No. 2 R&B hit "Don't Go" which he performed to an enthusiastic audience on The Late Show with Arsenio Hall. During the show he was interviewed by Arsenio and said:

I've always wanted to do a solo album and I've always wanted to pursue a solo career. I feel that God has a time for everybody and I think that this is my time.

Later years

Unlike his brothers, after his brief brush with solo stardom, Marlon embarked on a career outside of show business, becoming a successful real estate agent in Southern California. He was also part owner of the Black Family Channel, a cable network designed to bring family-friendly programming to the Black community. Marlon joined his brothers on stage when The Jackson 5 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2001, he reunited with his brothers to perform as the Jacksons during Michael's 30th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden.

Discography

Solo

• Baby Tonight (1987) #2(US R&B)

Other Contributions

• La Toya Jackson - La Toya Jackson (1980)
• Barry White - Beware! (1981)
• La Toya Jackson - My Special Love (1981)
• Betty Wright - Wright Back At You (1983)
• Billy Griffin - Respect (1983)
• Rebbie Jackson - Centipede (1984)
• La Toya Jackson - Heart Don't Lie (1984)
• Janet Jackson - Dream Street (1984)
• "We Are the World" (1985)
• The Golden Child Soundtrack (1986)