Marlon joined The Jackson 5 as a percussionist. He was later a singer for the group. He also played the conga and tambourine. In 1968 The Jackson 5 were signed to Motown Records. They released their first single "I Want You Back" in 1969. It reached number one in the United States. Their next three singles also went to number one. The band have sold 150 million records. In 1997 the band were given a star in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.