Marlon to Michael: Hug Brandon Jackson for Me

How Many Knew that There was Another Jackson Sibling?

When Marlon Jackson stood upon the stage at the Michael Jackson memorial service and asked his brother, Michael Jackson, to hug his (Marlon's) twin, Brandon, for him in heaven, this writer was struck by two thoughts nearly at the same time: There was another Jackson brother? and curiosity as to how many people immediately googled "Brandon Jackson." Like many of those commemorating Michael Jackson at the memorial service (and watching on the internet and at home) on Tuesday, July 7, this writer grew up with the Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson on the radio, but Marlon's mention of another brother named Brandon was something new.

Marlon stepped up to the microphone near the conclusion of the memorial service and choked up. Then, regaining control, he talked about growing up with his brother, Michael Jackson, and how much he was going to miss him. He told an amusing story about catching his brother in disguise in a store buying Cds, and he spoke of the daily pain his brother endured at the hands of the public. He said, "Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone."

After the applause subsided, he continued. "And I have one request, Michael -- one request. I would like for you to give our brother, my twin brother, Brandon, a hug for me. I love you, Michael. I'll miss you."

I was a bit puzzled, but only for as long as it took me to get to my keyboard and enter "Brandon Jackson." There wasn't a lot of information on Brandon Jackson, but, then, there was a reason for that...

Back in 1957, a year before Michael Jackson was born, Katherine Jackson was pregnant with identical twins. Having to undergo an emergency c-section, one of the premature children, later named Brandon, was found to be stillborn.

The twins, Marlon and Brandon, were the sixth and seventh of ten children born to Katherine and Joe Jackson. Michael, Randy, and Janet would follow. Marlon is preceded, in chronological order, by the oldest, a sister, Rebbie, and brothers Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine, and then sister LaToya.