Marlon Jackson

For the football player, see Marlin Jackson.

Marlon Jackson

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

Biography

Early years

Born in Gary, Indiana to Joseph and Katherine Jackson, Marlon's identical twin brother Brandon was stillborn during emergency c-section surgery. They were several weeks premature. While Marlon was still a young child, his older brothers Jackie, Tito and Jermaine formed an early incarnation of what would be The Jackson 5, called "The Ripples & the Waves." in 1964. Within two years, Marlon and younger brother Michael joined the group, initially as percussionists. According to sources, the boys' father Joseph almost removed Marlon from the group because he supposedly sang out of tune and missed dance turns and could not sing or dance as well as Michael. Marlon continued to dance with the band, but did not sing until the group signed with Motown in 1969. Later, some fans appreciated him as one of the most talented dancers in the Jackson 5.

The Jackson 5

Main article: The Jackson 5

In 1969, the Jackson 5 scored the first of four consecutive number one pop singles during their tenure in Motown. While brothers Michael and Jermaine were the main leading attractions of the group, all five Jackson brothers took turns singing lead in various songs. Marlon's voice was included in "I Want You Back", "Mama's Pearl", "I'll Be There", and "Rockin' Robin". During the early years, the group was influenced by the multi-vocal leadings of The Temptations and Sly and the Family Stone. During the Motown years, Marlon co-sang lead in the group's 1970 hit, "I'll Be There" where he ad-libbed holding on besides Michael, Jermaine and Jackie. Marlon took background vocals in Michael Jackson's solo song "Rockin' Robin'". From 1970-1973, Marlon took Lead vocals "Feelin' Alright" and "Corner of the Sky". Marlon also had a co-lead spot in the cover of Funkadelic's "I'll Bet You", he also sang co-lead on their covers of Sly and the Family Stone's "Sing a Simple Song" and "I Want to Take You Higher". He also had several lead spots in the Jackson 5's 1973 album, G.I.T.: Get It Together. Eventually a dispute with Motown led to the group's split from the label in 1976 to sign with CBS Records leading brother Jermaine to leave the group. Marlon then took part in singing Jermaine's parts.

Later years

After the inclusion of youngest brother Randy and the group's name change to the Jacksons, Marlon took the place of Jermaine as one of the group's co-leaders often taking Jermaine's spot when singing older hits at concert. The group's later albums, Destiny and Triumph, returned the brothers to the top of the pop charts. Marlon took a special co-lead spot on the Jacksons' album track "Give It Up" from their Triumph album playing a second tenor contrast to brother Michael's falsetto lead. 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. 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 a year later and announced his split from the group leaving the Jacksons as a quartet of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Randy. The Jacksons later confirmed their breakup in 1990. Marlon did not participate in much of the Jacksons' final album, 1989's 2300 Jackson Street though he and Michael were featured on the title track, which became an R&B hit. Marlon issued his debut album, Baby Tonight, on Capitol Records, which was only a modestly successful album; however, the album did feature a no. 2 r&b hit "Don't Go." As well as playing a pivotal role in his brothers' careers, he produced songs for all three of his sisters, producing Janet's 1984 album, Dream Street, which featured the top ten R&B single, "Don't Stand Another Chance". He also produced a song on Rebbie Jackson's debut album, Centipede.

Other endeavors

Unlike his brothers, after his brush with solo stardom was unsuccessful, 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 to 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.

Personal life

In August 1975 (at age 18), Jackson married Carol Ann Parker, a girl he met and corresponded with since 1968 before his rise to fame. The couple has three children: Valencia, Brittany, and Marlon Jr. He has two grandchildren. Marlon and sister Rebbie are the only Jackson siblings to avoid divorce.

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 "please give my brother Brandon a hug from me."

Discography

Solo

• Baby Tonight (1987)

Other Contributions

• La Toya Jackson - La Toya Jackson (1980)
• Barry White - Beware! (1981)
• La Toya Jackson - My Special Love (1981)
• 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)