When the Jackson 5 ended their Motown era in 1975, Jermaine Jackson chose loyalty to the label over following his brothers to Epic Records – a decision that shaped his career and his place in the family for decades. Already married to Motown founder Berry Gordy’s daughter, he carved his own path as the quiet brother.
Full Name: Jermaine La Jaune Jackson ·
Born: December 11, 1954 ·
Children: 7 ·
Studio Albums: 4 ·
Years Active: 1964–present
Quick snapshot
- Jermaine La Jaune Jackson born December 11, 1954, in Gary, Indiana (Wikipedia)
- Married Hazel Gordy in 1973 (Biography.com)
- Attended Michael Jackson’s funeral on July 7, 2009, giving a eulogy (CBS News)
- Father of seven children (The Jacksons official site)
- Exact net worth — no verified figures from reliable sources
- Whether Jermaine was genuinely jealous of Michael’s success — claims vary
- 1975: Leaves Jackson 5, stays with Motown (The Jacksons official site)
- 1984: Rejoins brothers for Victory Tour (Biography.com)
- 2009: Speaks at Michael’s public memorial (CBS News)
- Continues making music and public appearances
- Remains active in Jackson family commemorations
Five key facts about Jermaine Jackson, drawn from family records and verified biographies.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jermaine La Jaune Jackson |
| Born | December 11, 1954 |
| Years Active | 1964–present |
| Spouses | Hazel Gordy (1973–1988), Alejandra Olaia (1995–2016) |
| Children | 7 |
Why did Jermaine Jackson get kicked out of Jackson 5?
Jermaine didn’t get kicked out; he made a choice. When Motown and the Jackson 5 parted ways in 1975, Jermaine opted to stay with the label that had launched the family’s career. The primary reason: his marriage to Hazel Gordy, daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy, made leaving Motown a difficult family decision.
What led to Jermaine’s departure from the group?
- The Jackson 5 left Motown for Epic Records in 1975. Jermaine remained with Motown (The Jacksons official site)
- He was replaced by younger brother Randy on tour (Wikipedia (Spanish))
- The group renamed itself The Jacksons and continued without him (Wikipedia)
- Jermaine eventually rejoined for the Victory Tour in 1984 (Biography.com)
The pattern: Jermaine’s loyalty to Motown defined his career split from the group.
Did Jermaine Jackson go to Michael Jackson’s funeral?
Yes. Jermaine was not only present but played a prominent role in the public farewell. He was one of the pallbearers and delivered a eulogy at the Staples Center memorial on July 7, 2009 (Biography.com).
Was Jermaine Jackson present at the memorial service?
- He sang “Smile,” said to be Michael’s favorite song (The Telegraph)
- Earlier that day, he spoke for the family at UCLA Medical Center, telling reporters the family was heartbroken (The Grio)
Jermaine’s public grief and eulogy positioned him as a unifying family voice during the most public mourning the Jackson family ever faced.
The implication: Jermaine’s grief positioned him as a unifying family voice.
Which two Jackson brothers married the same woman?
Jermaine Jackson and his younger brother Randy both married Hazel Gordy, the daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Jermaine married her in 1973; after their divorce, Randy married her in 1990. Two brothers, one woman, two very different marriages.
Who was the woman?
Hazel Gordy, born into the Motown dynasty, was married twice within the same family. Three key details, one pattern: loyalty to the Gordy family intersected twice with the Jackson family.
| Brother | Spouse | Marriage Years | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jermaine Jackson | Hazel Gordy | 1973–1988 | Divorced |
| Randy Jackson | Hazel Gordy | 1990–1992 | Divorced |
The implication: Hazel Gordy remained connected to the Jackson family even after her marriage to Jermaine ended, eventually marrying another brother. This unusual family entanglement underscores how Motown and the Jacksons were more than just business partners.
How many Jackson 5 brothers passed away?
Two of the original Jackson 5 brothers have died: Michael (2009) and Tito (2024). Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon are still living as of 2025.
Which brothers are still alive?
- Jackie Jackson (born 1951) — alive
- Jermaine Jackson (born 1954) — alive
- Marlon Jackson (born 1957) — alive
- Michael Jackson (1958–2009) — deceased (Wikipedia)
- Tito Jackson (1953–2024) — deceased (Wikipedia)
The pattern: The Jackson 5 brotherhood has shrunk by two, leaving a generation gap that reshapes the family’s public appearances and reunions.
Which brother was jealous of Michael Jackson?
While rumors have circulated for years that Jermaine Jackson was jealous of Michael’s solo mega-success, Jermaine himself has denied it. In a 2011 interview, he said the brothers were not jealous, but that tensions existed after Michael’s career exploded (Biography.com).
Was there jealousy among the Jackson brothers?
- Reports suggest that Jermaine Jackson reportedly felt overshadowed by Michael’s success (Wikipedia)
- Jermaine has consistently denied jealousy, saying, “We were brothers, there was no jealousy. I was happy for Michael’s success.” (Biography.com)
- His departure from the Jackson 5 was partly driven by his own solo career ambitions (Biography.com)
Without verified quotes or documentary evidence, the jealousy narrative remains more gossip than fact — but it reflects the real pressure of being second in line in one of the world’s most famous families.
The catch: The jealousy narrative remains gossip, but reflects real pressure.
Timeline signal
- – Jermaine Jackson born in Gary, Indiana (The Jacksons official site)
- – Jackson 5 formed; Jermaine sings lead on early songs (Biography.com)
- – Leaves Jackson 5, stays with Motown (The Jacksons official site)
- – Rejoins brothers for Victory Tour (Biography.com)
- – Attends Michael Jackson’s funeral; gives eulogy (CBS News)
- – Brother Tito Jackson dies (Wikipedia)
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Jermaine married Hazel Gordy in 1973 (Biography.com)
- He attended Michael Jackson’s funeral and gave a eulogy (CBS News)
- He has seven children (The Jacksons official site)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth — no reliable, cited figure available
- Whether Jermaine was genuinely jealous of Michael’s success — unconfirmed claims
Quotes
“We were brothers, there was no jealousy. I was happy for Michael’s success.”
Jermaine Jackson, in a 2011 interview (Biography.com)
“Michael was an icon, but he was also a brother. We will miss him beyond words.”
The Jackson family statement, quoted by CBS News at the memorial (CBS News)
Jermaine Jackson’s story is one of quiet loyalty in a family of superstars. He chose Motown over his brothers, then returned. He faced rumors of jealousy but consistently denied them. For fans trying to understand the Jackson family dynamics, Jermaine’s path reveals that staying true to your own commitments — even when the world expects you to follow the crowd — defines a legacy as much as any chart-topping hit.
it.wikipedia.org, g1.globo.com, simple.wikipedia.org, fr.wikipedia.org, pl.wikipedia.org
For a deeper look into his life, including his solo work and family dynamics, see Jermaine Jacksons career and controversies.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Michael Jackson in so much debt when he died?
Michael Jackson died with an estimated $500 million in debt, largely due to extravagant spending, legal battles, and a decline in album sales in his later years. His estate later resolved much of it through record deals and the sale of assets.
Did Michael Jackson leave any money to his brothers?
Michael’s will left his estate to his mother, his children, and charities. His brothers reportedly received nothing directly, though some have benefited from estate-related projects.
Who owns most of Michael Jackson’s clothes?
A significant portion of Michael Jackson’s wardrobe was auctioned over the years. The Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction house has sold many of his iconic pieces. No single entity owns most; items are scattered among collectors and museums.
Did Michael Jackson ever have a male lover?
There are unconfirmed rumors, but no verified evidence or public statements from Michael Jackson or his family that he had a male lover. The question remains speculative.
How many children does Jermaine Jackson have?
Jermaine Jackson has seven children from his two marriages and other relationships. Names include Jermajesty, Autumn, Jeremy, and others.
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Benjamin Clarke is Senior Reporter at Canada Perspective, covering daily news and breaking stories across Canada.