From a youngster in Gary, Indiana, to an embraceable solo artist, Jermaine’s contributions to the pop music spectrum are incalculable.
Possessing one of the most elegant voices in the annals of popular music, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alumnus Jermaine Jackson’s imprint on the musical landscape is so indelible that an optimum barometer has been set for future generations of performers. With bursts of eclectic harmonic fusion, Jermaine’s undulating guitar baselines crescendo into rhythmic explosions, taking international audiences by storm.
In 1962 Jermaine, as a member of The Jackson Brothers, enjoyed his first studio recording titled Big Boy. This morphed into a local hit and set the stage for the 1969 partnership with Motown Records. Subsequently the group known as the Jackson 5, made live appearances on the top-rated Ed Sullivan, American Bandstand and Soul Train television shows. In the 1970s they were the first act in recording history to have their first four singles (I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save and I’ll Be There) reach the pinnacle of Billboard’s Hot 100. Also, Mama’s Pearl, Never Can Say Goodbye and Dancing Machine reached Billboard’s Top 5 and all reached #1 on the R&B charts. Realizing their multitudinous gifts, the brothers composed and produced many of their own studio recordings during that decade.
Jermaine’s illustrious solo career began in 1972 with the platinum cover of the R&B classic Daddy’s Home, a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Motown Records release. Soon a plethora of successes followed including Let’s Get Serious, Let’s Be Young Tonight, Do What You Do, Don’t Take It Personal (# 1 on Billboard’s R&B charts) and multitudes more. And it was in 1976 that they filmed their own primetime television show for CBS and a Saturday morning ABC TV animation series.
After fulfilling commitments to Motown, in 1984 Jermaine accepted the invitation to join forces with Arista Records to release the album Dynamite, which featured the mega-disc Do What You Do and a number of duets. This was followed by the album Don’t Take It Personal, which housed numerous emotive singles and a continuum of well-produced albums. In 1985 Jermaine co-produced Whitney Houston’s biggest-selling debut album, Whitney Houston, which contained three hit singles and his duet with Whitney. His airwave success swept not only America, but in the same year, his duet with Pia Zadora in the UK, When the Rain Begins to Fall, topped many singles charts.
Although Jermaine’s vocal prowess is obvious, his versatility as a performer was accentuated in 1984 when the brother’s embarked on the highest-grossing concert tour till that time – The Victory Tour. To witness him playing bass riffs, singing and dancing to the syncopated beat of forever classics was a visual that is cherished by millions of attendees and video aficionados. That, coupled with success as a Jackson 5, validated the multitalented star as one of the most influential recording artists to ever command centre stage. Additionally, in the early 1990s he recorded an album and several singles for La Face Records.
Jermaine alone enjoys the distinction as the only artist to perform as co-lead singer with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Their one-two punch kept their music on the charts and laid the foundation for the gush of artists who’ve acknowledged them as their primary creative influences, among them Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake and Usher.
In 1992 Jermaine’s role as a pivotal member of both of the brothers’ successful groups was highlighted in the video and television special The Jacksons: An American Dream, which Jermaine co-executive produced. He also co-executive produced The Jackson Family Honours special for NBC, which benefited charities. In 2010, to the delight of his loyal international fan base, Jermaine co-starred and executive produced the television documentary series The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty on the A&E network. This insightful, six-part series gave a rare glimpse into the Jackson Family and debuted with 2.8 million viewers.
Another performing highlight of Jermaine’s remarkable career was the unforgettable reunion performance on one of history’s most watched television specials, Motown 25. The show signalled a pivotal point in the thrilling career of this entertainment icon. And in 1997 to the delight of family, friends and supporters, Jermaine and his brothers received the ultimate professional tribute: induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Also in 2010, Jermaine performed a solo concert in Gambia for the International Kanilai Cultural Festival before 30 000 excited fans at Bakau’s Independence Stadium. In addition to his solo repertoire, a special tribute to The King of Pop and songs from both The Jackson 5 and The Jackson’s kept the vivacious throng thrilled.
For Jermaine, the show must go on, and it has: he plans to record more albums and to tour as a solo performer. And in the event of a brothers’ reunion, make no mistake about it: You’ll be the first to know.
