Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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JACKSON, Jermaine

(b Jermaine LaJaune Jackson, 11 Dec. '54) Singer, bassist, producer; originally the middle member of the Jackson Five (see the Jacksons). Followed his brother Michael in embarking on a solo career '72: LP Jermaine was top 30 in USA LP chart, single 'That's How Love Goes' top 50, 'Daddy's Home' '73 top ten. Albums Come Into My Life '73, My Name Is Jermaine '76, Feel The Fire '77 sold respectably but did not make top 100 LPs. Meanwhile he married the boss's daughter (Hazel Gordy, later divorced): when the Jackson Five left Motown he left the group (replaced by brother Randy). Let's Get Serious '80 was top ten LP, helped by title track written by Stevie Wonder, a top ten single both USA/UK. Further albums were Jermaine '80, I Like Your Style '81, Let Me Tickle Your Fancy '82 (top 20 hit with title single, backed by Devo). He also produced at Motown (acts Switch, Michael Lovesmith). Reunited with his brothers for Motown 25th Anniversary TV special '83; later that year switched to Arista label; Jermaine Jackson '84 titled Dynamite in UK after hit single (top 20 USA); 'Do What You Do' from the LP was a hit in both countries; other tracks incl. duets with Michael and with Whitney Houston; he duetted with Houston on her eponymous debut hit album '85, followed by his own Precious Moments that year. He contributed to film soundtracks 'When The Rain Begins To Fall' with Pia Zadora for Voyage Of The Rock Alien, solo title song to Jamie Curtis body-building movie Perfect. His album Don't Take It Personal '89 did not make the top 100 USA.