Marlon Jackson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marlon Jackson
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Jackson in 2013
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Marlon David Jackson
March 12, 1957 Gary, Indiana, U.S.
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| Years active | 1964–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Carol Parker
(m. 1975) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | |
| Family | Jackson |
| Musical career | |
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Marlon David Jackson (born March 12, 1957) is an American singer and dancer. He is best known as a member of the Jackson 5. Marlon is the sixth child of the famous Jackson family. Today, Marlon leads the Study Peace Foundation. This organization works to spread peace and unity around the world.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Marlon David Jackson was born on March 12, 1957. He was born in Gary, Indiana. His father, Joseph, worked in a steel mill and played in an R&B band. His mother was Katherine Jackson. Marlon was born about a year and a half before his younger brother, Michael.
Marlon and Michael were very close as kids. Marlon felt a special bond with Michael. This was because his twin brother, Brandon, had died shortly after birth. Marlon once said, "We were the jokers of the family."
In 1964, Marlon and Michael joined their older brothers. These were Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine. Together, they formed the group the Jackson 5. Their mother, Katherine, helped them with music. She played instruments and sang harmonies. Their father, Joe, managed their rehearsals. He wanted to keep them busy and out of trouble.
The group won many singing contests. They performed all over the state, including New York. This was the start of their amazing music career. Marlon sang background vocals on many of their hit songs. He also played the conga and tambourine. Later, their brother Randy joined the band. This happened when Jermaine decided to stay with Motown Records. Marlon also has three sisters: Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet.
Music Career Highlights
The Jackson 5's Journey
Marlon and his brothers first signed with Steeltown Records in 1967. Their first song, "Big Boy", came out in January 1968. After a few more songs, they signed with Motown Records in 1969.
By 1975, the Jackson 5 wanted more control over their music. They also felt they were not paid fairly. So, they decided to leave Motown and sign with Epic Records. Jermaine chose to stay at Motown and start a solo career. His brother Randy took his place in the group.
When they left Motown, they could no longer use the name "The Jackson Five." This was because Motown had trademarked it. So, the group became known simply as The Jacksons. In 1983, Motown asked the group to perform for a TV special. It was called Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.
Marlon and his brothers were honored in 1997. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2001, they reunited to perform for the Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Special.
Marlon's Solo Music
Like his brothers Michael and Jermaine, Marlon also started a solo music career. He released his album Baby Tonight in 1987. This album reached number 22 on the Top R&B Albums chart in the United States. However, Marlon has not released another album since then.
Later Work and Community Efforts
Marlon has also been successful in other areas. He worked in real estate in Southern California. In 1999, Marlon helped start The Major Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). This was a religious TV network based in Atlanta. It later became the Black Family Channel in 2004. In 2007, the Black Family Channel was sold.
In 2008, Marlon co-founded the Motherland Group LLC. This group works to bring attention to ancient Badagry, Nigeria. They aim to promote education and tourism there. They also want to preserve its rich history.
Marlon now runs the Study Peace Foundation. He founded it in 2015. This foundation works to promote peace and unity. It offers programs for children, adults, and the elderly. The goal is to help everyone live in peaceful environments. Marlon believes that promoting peace starts with what children learn. The foundation has partnered with KABOOM!. Together, they build playgrounds in cities like New Orleans, Gary, and Los Angeles.
Personal Life and Family
Marlon's Family
In August 1975, Marlon married his girlfriend, Carol Ann Parker. He met her in New Orleans during one of the Jacksons' tours. Marlon and Carol have three children:
- Valencia Caroline Jackson (born December 18, 1976)
- Brittny Shauntee Jackson (born April 15, 1978)
- Marlon David Jackson Jr. (born September 23, 1981)
Marlon and Carol are also proud grandparents. They have six grandchildren.
Remembering Michael Jackson
On July 7, 2009, Marlon and his family gathered at the Staples Center. They gave their final goodbyes to Michael Jackson. Marlon spoke to the crowd, saying Michael was the "soul" of the family. He said, "Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone." He also asked Michael to "give our brother, my twin brother, Brandon, a hug for me." Marlon ended by saying, "I love you, Michael, and I'll miss you."
To honor Michael, Marlon and his brothers served as pallbearers. They wore a gold necktie, a single white glove, and sunglasses.
In a 2019 interview, Marlon spoke about allegations against his brother Michael. He said, "if your brother was deceased and someone wanted to slander his name, you'd be supporting him." He added, "That's not him. That's not his character. We definitely know our brother, and there are no facts whatsoever to corroborate these allegations." He believed it was "a quick money grab."
Music Releases
Studio Albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B | ||
| Baby Tonight | 175 | 22 | |
Singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US R&B | |||||||||||||
| "(Let Your Love Find) The Chosen One" | 1986 | — | The Golden Child | ||||||||||
| "Baby Tonight" | 1987 | 57 | Baby Tonight | ||||||||||
| "Don't Go" | 2 | ||||||||||||
| "—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart. | |||||||||||||
Other Music Contributions
Marlon has also contributed to other artists' music:
- 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.
- 2011: AI Feat. The Jacksons (Jackie Jackson/Tito Jackson/Marlon Jackson) - Letter in the Sky
- 2021: Tito Jackson Feat. Marlon Jackson/Stevie Wonder/Kenny Neal and Bobby Rush - Love One Another
See also
In Spanish: Marlon Jackson para niños
