Jermaine Jackson

Background

The fourth of 10 children, Jermaine Jackson was born on December 11, 1954, in Gary, Indiana to parents Katherine and Joseph Jackson. His family was very musical. Jackson and his brothers Tito and Jackie played their original songs in secret using their father’s guitar while also harmonizing with their mother, Katherine, while their father worked long shifts as a crane operator.

Jackson and his two older brothers began The Jackson Brothers in 1964 and by the end of 1965, his younger brothers, Marlon and Michael had joined, creating The Jackson Five, with Michael singing lead. The group’s first single ‘Big Boy’ was released on January 31, 1968. Jackson sang parts of some of their songs like ‘I Want You Back’, ‘I’ll Be There,’ ‘The Love You Save’, and many others. He performed as part of the group for over six years. In 1975 the group decided to leave their label Motown Records and sign with Epic Records but Jackson decided to stay. While still a member of the group, Jackson started his solo career in 1972 with ‘Daddy’s Home’ which became a gold record. His self-titled debut album was released in 1972 and reached number one on the U.S. R.&B. charts. Between that year and 2012, he released 14 solo albums, several of which were certified gold. In 1980, he was nominated for a Grammy for Best Male R.&B. Vocal Performance for the album “Let’s Get Serious.” He has also produced several albums including duets alongside Whitney Houston. His final chart success was ‘Don’t Take It Personal’ in 1989. After a successful seven-year solo career, Jackson rejoined the family band now called The Jacksons. He was with the group until their final album was released in 1989 titled “2300 Jackson Street.”

Jackson was the first housemate to enter the “Celebrity Big Brother” U.K. house in 2007. He was part of the second season of the C.M.T. reality show “Gone Country.” He was a guest judge and mentor for the top five Michael Jackson nights on “Australian Idol.” He was also on many other shows and wrote the memoir “You Are Not Alone: Michael Through a Brother’s Eyes.” Jackson has been married and divorced three times and has seven children. In October 2012, he released his first solo album in 21 years, “I Wish You Love” which was composed primarily of jazz covers. He is in a relationship with Maday Velazquez.