On August 29, Michael Jackson should have celebrated his 64th birthday. What happens to his clan? Just before their show at the Mouratoglou Resort, near Antibes (Alpes-Maritimes), we met Marlon (65), Jackie (71) and Tito (68). Exclusive interview.
The Jackson Five are now The Jacksons, but even three of you play sold-out shows. How do you manage ?
Marlon: We have the same energy and the same passion as when we started. And as we are in demand all over the world, we take advantage of it!
Jacky: You know, what motivated us when we started was to win prizes by doing singing competitions. We kept this desire to conquer the public at each show.
How do you explain that the public still appreciates you, fifty years after your debut?
Marlon: I think it comes from our songs. We’ve always made good music, and listening to it brings back good memories. When they come to see us, they know they’re going to find the Jacksons. The real ones.
Jacky: That’s it. At first, they wonder how it’s going to be, if the magic is still going to be there. Then when we start to sing Can You Feel It, ABC Where Blame It on the Boogie, we see the smile on their lips and their eyes sparkle…
Do you think every night of your brother Michael when you are on stage?
Marlon: Yes, of course, but also to our father who is no longer with us. The Jacksons is the story of a clan. We also have a thought for our brothers and sisters or for our children who are not with us on stage but who also sing and are part of this incredible epic.
Tito, you have just released a second solo album, Under Your Spell, available on all platforms. What is the main message?
tito: It’s a good album! (Laughs.) I started my solo career very late, but I don’t regret anything. With the single Love One Another that I sing in particular with Steve Wonder, I wanted to share a message of love for people around the world. We must all unite in peace and stop waging war.
Your brother Michael carried the same kind of message through his songs, right?
tito: Yes, this is part of the values of the Jackson Five. Michael was greatly inspired by our common adventure to build his career. We have fed each other all our lives.
After Bohemian Rhapsody, American producer Graham King is said to be looking into a film inspired by the lives of the Jacksons, and your brother in particular. Is it true ?
tito: We talk about it, indeed. Even if we can’t confirm anything, we are all very excited about this project. It would be a great honour.
A message for the French public?
Marlon: Hello France ! (Laughs.) Every time we came to your beautiful country, it was amazing. We have a real connection with the French public. It is a real happiness.
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