Short Biography

Marlon David Jackson (born March 12, 1957) is an American singer, former member of The Jackson 5, and older brother of American pop stars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. Born in Gary, Indiana to Joseph and Katherine Jackson as an identical twin, his older twin brother Brandon died a stillborn after an emergency c-section surgery was performed on Katherine. They were born several months 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, who supposedly sang out of tune and missed dance turns and could not sing or dance as well as Michael, from the group. 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. Unlike his brothers, after his brush with solo stardom tanked, 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.

In August 1975 (at age 18), Marlon married Carol Parker, a girl he met and corresponded with since 1968 before his rise to fame. Marlon is the only Jackson brother to avoid divorce and the couple have three children: Valencia, Brittany and Marlon, Jr.

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