Marlon Jackson

Marlon David Jackson (born March 12, 1957) is an American entertainer, singer, and dancer, best known as a member of the Jackson 5. He is the sixth child of the Jackson family.

Early life
Marlon David Jackson was born on March 12, 1957, at St Mary's Mercy Hospital in Gary, Indiana, the sixth child of Joseph and Katherine Jackson. He was born around seventeen and a half months before his younger brother Michael (born August 29, 1958). Growing up, Marlon had been especially close to Michael, whom he considered the substitute for his lost twin brother, Brandon, who died shortly after birth.

The Jackson 5
Marlon and his brothers first signed as The Jackson 5 with Gordon Keith of Steeltown Records in November 1967, and their first single "Big Boy", was released on January 31, 1968. After the group recorded three more songs with the Steeltown label (on two records) they were signed with Berry Gordy of Motown Records in 1969. Not feeling that they were being paid fair royalties by Motown Records for their success as well as their desire for creative control, the Jackson 5 decided to leave the label and sign with Epic Records in 1975. Jermaine split from the Jackson Five to start a solo career at Motown, and was replaced by his brother Randy Jackson. Unbeknownst to the group, Gordy had trademarked the name The Jackson Five and did not allow the group to continue using the name when they left the label. Once signed with Epic, the group became known simply as The Jacksons. In 1983, Gordy asked the group to perform at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special. In 1997 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 with his brothers. In 2001, he reunited with his brothers to perform for the Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Special.

Solo career
Like Michael and Jermaine, Marlon began a solo career, releasing the album Baby Tonight In 1987. Despite Baby Tonight reaching No. 22 on the Top R&B Albums chart in the United States, Marlon has not released another album since then.

Family
In August 1975, 18-year-old Jackson married his girlfriend, Carol Ann Parker, whom he met in New Orleans during one of the Jacksons' tours. Jackson and Parker have three children:


 * Valencia Caroline Jackson (born December 18, 1976)
 * Brittany Shauntee Jackson (born September 4, 1978)
 * Marlon David Jackson, Jr. (born September 23, 1981)

Marlon and Carol have six grandchildren, two from Valencia and four from Brittany.

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, and I'll miss you."

Other contributions

 * 1980: La Toya Jackson – La Toya Jackson
 * 1981: My Special Love – La Toya Jackson
 * 1983: Wright Back at You – Betty Wright
 * 1983: Respect – Billy Griffin
 * 1984: Heart Don't Lie – La Toya Jackson
 * 1984: Dream Street – Janet Jackson
 * 1985: "We Are the World" – USA for Africa
 * 1986: The Golden Child Soundtrack
 * 1989: 2300 Jackson Street – The Jacksons featuring Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Rebbie Jackson and Marlon Jackson