Biography
Who is Marlon Jackson?
Early life and music beginnings
Marlon David Jackson was born on March 12, 1957, in Gary, Indiana. He arrived at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital as the sixth child of Joseph and Katherine Jackson. His father worked in a steel mill and played in a rhythm and blues band called the Falcons with his brother Luther. His mother was a Jehovah's Witness who played piano, cello, and clarinet.
Growing up, Marlon shared a close bond with his younger brother Michael. He frequently referred to Michael as a substitute for his twin brother, Brandon, who passed away shortly after birth. The brothers often joked around together during their childhood. By 1964, Marlon joined his older brothers Tito, Jackie, and Jermaine to form the musical group that would become known as the Jackson 5. Their father, Joe Jackson, managed their rehearsals to keep them busy and focused.
Career with the Jackson 5 and The Jacksons
The group signed with Steeltown Records in 1967 and released their first single, Big Boy, in early 1968. They moved to Motown Records in 1969. Marlon provided background vocals, played the conga, and used the tambourine during their performances. In 1975, the group left Motown due to royalty disputes and signed with Epic Records. Because Motown trademarked the name The Jackson 5, the brothers rebranded as The Jacksons.
Over the decades, Marlon participated in major milestones with his siblings. This included performing at the Motown 25 television special in 1983. In 1997, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his brothers. He also reunited with the group for the Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2001. His career also includes voice acting in the animated series Jackson 5ive, which aired from 1971 to 1972.
Solo ventures and later work
Marlon Jackson pursued a solo career in the 1980s, releasing the album Baby Tonight in 1987. The project reached number 22 on the Top R&B Albums chart in the United States. He has not released a solo album since that time. Aside from music, he found success in the real estate sector within Southern California.
In 1999, Marlon co-founded The Major Broadcasting Corporation, a religious television network based in Atlanta. The entity rebranded as the Black Family Channel in 2004 before being sold to the Gospel Music Channel in 2007. Later, in 2008, he helped establish the Motherland Group LLC to promote tourism and history in Badagry, Nigeria. In 2015, he founded the Study Peace Foundation to encourage unity and community engagement. He also performed at the Reform UK Party Conference in September 2025 with his brother Jackie.
Personal life and family
Marlon married Carol Ann Parker in August 1975. The couple met in New Orleans during one of the Jacksons' tours. Together, they have three children named Valencia Caroline, Brittany Shauntee, and Marlon David Jackson Jr. He is a grandfather to six children. Following the death of his brother Michael in 2009, Marlon served as a pallbearer at the memorial service held at the Staples Center.
He has remained vocal about his brother's legacy. In a 2019 interview with Rolling Stone, he defended Michael against allegations presented in the documentary Leaving Neverland. Marlon stated that he knew his brother's character well and denied the claims made against him. He continues to focus on his philanthropic efforts and family life.
Birthday and age
Marlon Jackson was born on March 12, 1957, which makes Marlon 69 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Marlon shares the date with 55 other famous people.
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