Exploring The Life And Career Of Jermaine Jackson

Jermaine Jackson, born on December 11, 1954, in Gary, Indiana, is best known as a member of the legendary music group The Jackson 5 and as the brother of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. His journey through the music industry is filled with remarkable achievements, personal struggles, and an enduring legacy that continues to resonate. This article delves into his early life, rise to fame, and the challenges he faced along the way.

Who Is Jermaine Jackson?

The fourth of ten children, Jermaine Jackson initially sang lead and played rhythm guitar in The Jackson 5, but eventually switched to bass and back-up vocals. Jermaine split from the group when they went to CBS but re-joined in 1984 for a successful tour. Having mended a rift between himself and brother Michael, Jermaine spoke at his brother's 2009 memorial, showcasing the deep bond they shared despite the ups and downs of their careers.

Early Life & Siblings

Jermaine La Jaune Jackson was born into a musically inclined family. His mother, Katherine, was an aspiring pianist and singer, while his father, Joseph, played guitar in a local band. Growing up in Gary, Indiana, Jermaine and his siblings were often surrounded by the sounds of music, which would eventually shape their future. Despite their passion, the family faced financial hardships, with Joseph working at U.S. Steel to support them while Katherine raised the children at home.

During his childhood, Jermaine and his brothers Tito and Jackie would often practice their own songs using their father's guitar. Their early musical endeavors caught the attention of their father, who, impressed by their talent, encouraged them to form a group. This led to the creation of The Jackson Brothers in 1964, which later evolved into The Jackson 5 when younger brothers Marlon and Michael joined the ensemble.

The Jackson 5

After winning a talent contest at Jackie’s high school, The Jackson 5 began to take their music career seriously. Initially, Jermaine served as the lead singer, but over time he transitioned to bass guitar and back-up vocals. The group honed their skills in various nightclubs before securing a spot in the prestigious Amateur Night competition at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. Their victory at this event caught the attention of Motown CEO Berry Gordy, leading to a record contract in 1968.

The Jackson 5 quickly rose to fame, with their first four singles hitting number one on the Billboard charts. Their catchy tunes and energetic performances captivated audiences, and they became a household name. Jermaine's contributions to the group were pivotal, showcasing his talent and charisma as a performer.

Songs as a Solo Artist

In 1972, while still a member of The Jackson 5, Jermaine embarked on a solo career. He married Hazel Gordy, the daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy, during this period. However, when The Jackson 5 transitioned from Motown to CBS Records, Jermaine chose to remain loyal to Motown and parted ways with the group. This decision marked a significant turning point in his career.

Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Jermaine enjoyed a successful solo career. His 1980 album Let’s Get Serious received a Grammy nomination, and hits like "Daddy’s Home," "Feel the Fire," and "Let’s Get Serious" topped the Billboard charts. Despite his solo success, Jermaine later left Motown for Arista Records, where he continued to produce popular hits like "Do What You Do" and "Dynamite."

Life with the Jackson Family

Jermaine's journey with the Jackson family is marked by both triumphs and challenges. In 1984, he reunited with his brothers for the Victory Tour, their first tour together since 1975. The tour was a massive success, grossing $75 million and setting records as the largest grossing tour at the time. This reunion not only solidified their bond as brothers but also reignited their passion for performing together.

Despite the accolades, Jermaine faced controversies over the years, particularly with his 1991 song "Word to the Badd," which was perceived as a critique of Michael's success. This led to a private conversation between the brothers, resulting in Jermaine rewriting the lyrics to mend their relationship.

Producing 'The Jacksons: An American Dream'

In 1992, Jermaine produced the acclaimed mini-series The Jacksons: An American Dream, which chronicled the rise of The Jackson 5. His son portrayed him in the early scenes, providing a personal touch to the production. The series not only highlighted the group's incredible journey but also showcased the family's resilience and dedication to their craft.

The Impact of Michael Jackson's Death

The passing of Michael Jackson in 2009 had a profound impact on Jermaine. During Michael's child-abuse trial in 2005, Jermaine stood by his brother, publicly defending him on various platforms. After Michael's death, Jermaine expressed his deep sorrow, stating he wished he could have taken his brother's place. At Michael's funeral, Jermaine served as a pallbearer and delivered a heartfelt tribute by performing "Smile," a song that held special meaning for both brothers.

Wives and Children

Jermaine Jackson's personal life has seen its share of complexities. He divorced Hazel Gordy in the late 1980s following an affair with Margaret Maldonado, resulting in an illegitimate child. Jermaine's relationships continued to evolve as he married Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, who was also the mother of two of his brother Randy's children. After filing for divorce from Alejandra in 2004, Jermaine married Halima Rashid in 2007. He has a total of eight children, each adding to the dynamic legacy of the Jackson family.

Quick Facts

• Name: Jermaine Jackson
• Birth Year: 1954
• Birth Date: December 11, 1954
• Birth State: Indiana
• Birth City: Gary
• Birth Country: United States
• Gender: Male
• Best Known For: Member of The Jackson 5 and brother of Michael Jackson
• Industries: Pop Music
• Astrological Sign: Scorpio

Jermaine Jackson's life is a testament to the power of family, resilience, and the enduring impact of music. His contributions to The Jackson 5 and his solo endeavors have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. As he continues to navigate the complexities of his personal and professional life, Jermaine remains a cherished figure in the music industry.