The Jackson family is known worldwide for their incredible musical talent and success. However, many people don’t know about the tragedy that struck the family early on – the stillbirth of Brandon David Jackson, Marlon Jackson’s twin brother.
In this post, we’ll explore who Brandon was, his short life, and the impact his death had on the Jackson family, especially his twin Marlon.
Who is Brandon David Jackson?
Brandon David Jackson was born on March 12, 1957 in Gary, Indiana to parents Joseph and Katherine Jackson. Tragically, Brandon was stillborn – he had died in the womb shortly before delivery. His twin brother Marlon was born healthy.
Brandon’s passing deeply affected the whole Jackson family. As a stillborn baby, his life was cut short before it even began. The family mourned the loss of the son and brother they never got to know. One can only imagine the pain Joseph, Katherine, and the Jackson siblings experienced.
Details about Brandon’s short life are scarce, as he sadly never took a breath. All we know is that he was identical twin to Marlon and that his death left a permanent mark on the famous family. Even though he never lived to see the Jackson family’s rise to fame, his memory lives on.
Birth and Early Life
On that fateful day in March 1957, Katherine Jackson went into labor and delivered twin boys – Brandon and Marlon. However, joy quickly turned to sorrow when the doctor discovered Brandon had died in the womb. The umbilical cord had wrapped around his neck, cutting off his oxygen supply.
It was a traumatic birth experience for Katherine, losing one of her babies while the other survived. As a mother, the conflicting emotions of grief over Brandon and relief that Marlon was healthy must have been overwhelming.
The whole family was devastated by the loss, especially father Joseph Jackson. Marlon’s twin was buried soon after at a local cemetery. The Jackson parents did their best to cope with the tragedy while raising their other young children, including toddler Michael.
Impact on Twin Brother Marlon Jackson
Marlon Jackson grew up always feeling the absence of his twin brother Brandon. Even though Marlon never met Brandon, as they were identical twins, he felt a deep connection to his brother. Losing a twin is said to be an indescribable loss, as twins often have an unbreakable bond.
Growing up, Marlon struggled with survivor’s guilt, wondering why he lived while Brandon died. He also faced identity issues, feeling incomplete without his other half. Marlon has said it took him many years to process the loss. The pain of losing a twin never fully goes away.
Despite the tragedy, Marlon went on to have a successful music career, performing with his brothers as part of the Jackson 5. He always carried the memory of Brandon with him. In interviews, Marlon has opened up about the loss and how it impacted his life. Losing his twin left a hole in his heart that could never fully be filled.
Who is Marlon Jackson?
Marlon Jackson is an American singer, dancer and former member of the Jackson 5. He was born on March 12, 1957 along with his twin brother Brandon. Raised in Gary, Indiana, Marlon was the sixth child of Joseph and Katherine Jackson’s ten children.
From a young age, Marlon and his brothers showed a passion and talent for music and performing. In 1964, Marlon joined his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Michael to form The Jackson Brothers, later known as the Jackson 5. As a vocalist and dancer, Marlon was an integral part of the group.
The Jackson 5 went on to achieve massive success with hit songs like “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” They became Motown’s best-selling group and one of the most successful boy bands of all time. Marlon shared the spotlight with his immensely talented brother Michael, forming a close bond.After the Jackson 5’s popularity waned, Marlon continued to perform with his brothers as The Jacksons. He co-wrote the hit song “Can You Feel It.” Marlon also released solo albums in the 1980s and appeared in the reality show “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty.”
Though often overshadowed by Michael and his other brothers, Marlon was a key part of the Jackson family’s musical dynasty. He possessed the natural talent and star power that made the Jackson 5 international sensations. Marlon helped shape the group’s sound and style.
Influence on Marlon’s Relationship with Michael Jackson
Marlon Jackson always shared a special connection with his younger brother Michael. As the two closest in age to Brandon, Michael provided Marlon a source of comfort and support in processing the loss of his twin.
The brothers formed an unbreakable bond through their shared experience of loss and grief. They helped each other cope and became each other’s keeper. Marlon was very protective of Michael, acting as a confidant and pillar of support throughout Michael’s troubles.
Some have speculated that losing Brandon made Marlon and Michael’s relationship stronger than the other brothers. They understood each other’s pain in a way no one else could. When Michael passed in 2009, Marlon was understandably devastated, having now lost two brothers.
In interviews, Marlon has spoken about his close relationship with Michael. He saw a lot of Brandon in Michael – in looks and mannerisms. This likeness may have subconsciously deepened their bond. Marlon never stopped missing both Brandon and later Michael.
Legacy within the Jackson Family
Though Brandon David Jackson never got to live life alongside his famous family, his legacy lives on. The Jackson family still honors and remembers Brandon to this day. He remains an integral part of their family history.Marlon has been the most vocal about keeping Brandon’s memory alive. He has shared stories and memories of his twin in interviews and his memoir. Marlon even named one of his sons Brandon in honor of his brother.
The other Jackson siblings also acknowledge the impact Brandon’s passing had on the family. Michael wrote about Brandon in his autobiography Moonwalk. Rebbie Jackson named one of her sons Austin “Brandon” Brown after her late brother. Sister Janet Jackson has also spoken about Brandon’s loss in interviews.
Brandon’s death bonded the Jackson siblings in grief at a young age. Losing a sibling, especially an infant, really shaped the brothers and sisters. It put fame and success into perspective. Family always came first for the Jacksons, perhaps stemming from losing Brandon.
Death and Impact
Brandon David Jackson died on March 12, 1957, the same day as his birth. As a stillborn baby, he never got to take his first breath or experience life outside the womb. His death deeply impacted the whole Jackson family.
Parents Joseph and Katherine were devastated to lose a child. The pain of that loss never leaves a parent. For his siblings, it was a confusing and traumatic experience. The Jackson children were all very young, so they likely didn’t fully understand the situation.
Growing up, Brandon’s absence and the grief surrounding his loss continued to impact the family. Marlon especially struggled with the loss of his other half. Questions of why and what could have been likely haunted them all.
Brandon’s passing also represented the first major tragedy for the Jackson family. The family was no stranger to hardship, with Joseph’s strictness and the racism they faced. However, losing a sibling brought the family unimaginable grief. It forced them to come together and shaped their relationships.
Is Brandon David Jackson Alive?
No, sadly Brandon David Jackson is not alive. He was a stillborn baby, meaning he had died in the womb shortly before birth. Brandon never got to live life or grow up alongside his twin brother Marlon and other siblings.
Since he died on March 12, 1957, the same day as his birth, Brandon’s been gone for over 60 years. However, his memory still lives on in the hearts of the Jackson family. He is still very much part of the family’s history and story.
Though the world never got to meet Brandon David Jackson, his impact and legacy still endure. He will always be remembered as a part of the Jackson family. His passing deeply affected his siblings, especially twin Marlon. The Jacksons still honor Brandon to this day.
Final Words
The story of Brandon David Jackson is one of tragedy and loss. As the stillborn twin brother of Marlon Jackson, Brandon never got to experience life with his famous family. However, his short existence had a profound impact on the Jacksons.Brandon’s passing deeply affected his parents and siblings, especially Marlon. Losing a twin brother left an unfillable hole in Marlon’s life. It also bonded Marlon and Michael in a special way, both having felt the impact of that loss.
Though not as well known as his siblings, Brandon is still remembered and honored by the Jackson family. His legacy lives on through Marlon’s stories, the family’s memories, and even in the names of some of the Jackson children.
Brandon David Jackson will always be a part of the Jackson family story. Though his life was cut short, his impact endures. He reminds us that family and love are what matters most in life. May Brandon rest in peace.