Jermaine Jackson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jermaine Jackson
Jackson in 2007
Born	Jermaine LaJuane Jackson (1954-12-11) December 11, 1954 (age 70) Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Education	Birmingham High School
Occupation	Singer songwriter musician
Years active	1964–2022
Spouse(s)	Hazel Gordy ​ ​ (m. 1973; div. 1988)​ Alejandra Loaiza ​ ​ (m. 1995; div. 2003)​ Halima Rashid ​ ​ (m. 2004; div. 2016)​
Children	7, including Jaafar
Parent(s)	Joe Jackson Katherine Jackson
Family	Jackson
Musical career
Genres	Pop R&B soul funk
Instruments	Vocals bass
Labels	Steeltown Motown Arista LaFace

Jermaine LaJuane Jackson (born December 11, 1954) is an American singer, songwriter, and bass player. He is a famous member of the musical Jackson family.

From 1964 to 1975, Jermaine was a singer and bass guitarist for the Jackson 5. He was the second lead singer after his younger brother, Michael Jackson. He sang important parts on hit songs like "I'll Be There" and "I Want You Back".

In 1975, Jermaine's brothers left their record company, Motown Records. They started a new group called The Jacksons. Jermaine decided to stay with Motown and was replaced by his youngest brother, Randy.

Jermaine had a successful solo career and also worked with other artists. He produced songs for the singer Whitney Houston. In 1983, he rejoined his brothers in The Jacksons and continued to perform with them for many years.

Early Life

Jermaine was born on December 11, 1954, in Gary, Indiana. He is the fourth of ten children of Joseph and Katherine Jackson. His siblings include Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, La Toya, Marlon, Michael, Randy, and Janet.

His father, Joe, was a steelworker who also played guitar in an R&B band. His mother, Katherine, was a talented pianist and singer. Jermaine and his brothers Tito and Jackie secretly practiced music using their father's guitar. Their mother would sing harmonies with them.

Jermaine was the first lead singer and bass player for the group, which was first called the Jackson Brothers. Later, his younger brother Michael became the lead singer. Their father, Joe, saw their talent and began training them seriously. He believed their music could give them a better life. Jermaine graduated from Birmingham High School in Los Angeles, California, in 1973.

Career

The Jackson 5

Jermaine (top left) and his brothers in 1974

In 1967, Jermaine and his brothers signed with Steeltown Records as the Jackson 5. Their first single was "Big Boy". In 1969, they signed with Berry Gordy at Motown Records.

As a member of the Jackson 5, Jermaine sang key parts in many of their biggest hits. These included "I Want You Back", "ABC", and "I'll Be There".

In 1975, the group decided to leave Motown for Epic Records. They wanted more creative control and better pay. Jermaine chose to stay with Motown, partly because he was married to Berry Gordy's daughter, Hazel. His brother Randy took his place in the group, which was renamed The Jacksons.

In 1983, Jermaine rejoined his brothers for a TV special called Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. The performance was a huge success. He then recorded the album Victory with his brothers and went on the Victory Tour. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Jackson 5 in 1997.

Solo Career

Jermaine started a solo career while he was still in the Jackson 5. His 1972 cover of "Daddy's Home" was a big hit. It sold over one million copies.

After leaving the Jackson 5, he released several successful albums. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for his 1980 album Let's Get Serious. Some of his top hits include "Let's Get Serious", "Dynamite", and "Do What You Do".

He also worked with other artists. He and his brother Michael sang on Rockwell's 1984 hit "Somebody's Watching Me". In 1985, his duet with Pia Zadora, "When the Rain Begins to Fall", was a number-one hit in several European countries. He also produced and sang duets on Whitney Houston's first album.

Reality Television and Later Work

Jackson in 2017

In 2007, Jermaine appeared on the British TV show Celebrity Big Brother, where he finished in second place. He also appeared on other reality shows like Gone Country and Celebrity Wife Swap.

Following the death of his brother Michael in 2009, Jermaine appeared in the TV series The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty. The show followed the brothers as they prepared for a reunion. In 2011, he wrote a book called You Are Not Alone: Michael Through a Brother's Eyes.

In 2012, Jermaine released I Wish You Love, his first solo album in 21 years. The album was made up of jazz songs.

Personal Life

Family and Religion

Jermaine has been married three times and has seven children. His first wife was Hazel Gordy, the daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy.

Jermaine was raised as a Jehovah's Witness along with his family. In 1989, after a trip to Bahrain, he converted to Islam. He was impressed by the devotion of the people he met there.

Jermaine has always been a strong supporter of his family. He stood by his brother Michael and spoke in his defense on television. On June 25, 2009, Jermaine announced his brother's death to the public.

Michael's Memorial Service

At Michael Jackson's memorial service on July 7, 2009, Jermaine gave a heartfelt speech. He thanked everyone for their support. He also performed the song "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin, one of Michael's favorite songs.

Jermaine and his brothers served as pallbearers at the service. They each wore a single white glove in honor of Michael's famous style.

Discography

• Jermaine (1972)
• Come into My Life (1973)
• My Name Is Jermaine (1976)
• Feel the Fire (1977)
• Frontiers (1978)
• Let's Get Serious (1980)
• Jermaine (1980)
• I Like Your Style (1981)
• Let Me Tickle Your Fancy (1982)
• Dynamite (1984)
• Precious Moments (1986)
• Don't Take It Personal (1989)
• You Said (1991)
• I Wish You L.O.V.E (2012)
• You Are Not Alone: The Musical Live (2014)

Filmography

Tours

• Precious Moments Tour (1986)
• Jermaine Jackson Australian Tour (1987–88)

See also

In Spanish: Jermaine Jackson para niños