Jermaine Jackson: Jackson 5, Solo Career & Family Drama

Growing up in a family of nine siblings, Jermaine Jackson learned early that the spotlight is shared. He was the middle brother who stayed loyal to Motown when his brothers moved on, and who later found himself at the center of family feuds, romantic rumors, and public speculation. This article looks at the man behind the headlines — his career, his relationships, and the controversies that still follow him.

Full name: Jermaine La Jaune Jackson ·
Born: December 11, 1954 ·
Role in Jackson 5: Lead vocalist and bassist ·
Number of marriages: 3 ·
Estimated net worth: $1.5 million ·
Children: 7

Seven key facts about Jermaine Jackson, one pattern: his life has been a blend of music and personal drama.

Why did Jermaine Jackson get kicked out of Jackson 5?

The short answer is that he wasn’t kicked out — he left by choice. In 1975, the Jackson 5 decided to leave Motown Records for Epic Records, seeking better creative control. Jermaine, however, chose to stay with Motown. The reason was personal: he was married to Hazel Gordy, the daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy (People (celebrity news magazine)). Loyalty to his father-in-law outweighed loyalty to his brothers’ career move.

The departure was not an expulsion but a contractual decision. Jermaine remained a Motown artist while the rest of the group became The Jacksons on Epic. He later returned to the group in the 1980s for reunion tours, but the original split colored family dynamics for years.

The implication: Jermaine’s loyalty to his father-in-law overshadowed his bond with his brothers, a trade-off that would echo for decades.

Jermaine Jackson and family tragedies

Did Jermaine Jackson go to Michael Jackson’s funeral?

Yes. Jermaine attended the public memorial service for Michael Jackson on July 7, 2009, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. He was one of the family members who delivered a eulogy, speaking of his brother’s legacy and the love they shared (Biography.com (music biography site)). The appearance was notable because the brothers had reportedly mended a rift in the years before Michael’s death.

How many Jackson 5 brothers passed away?

As of 2025, two of the five original Jackson 5 members have died: Michael Jackson (2009) and Tito Jackson (2024). The surviving original members are Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon. Randy Jackson, who joined the group later as a replacement for Jermaine, is also still alive. The loss of two brothers has reshaped the family’s musical legacy.

What this means: The Jackson family’s narrative has shifted from triumph to tragedy, and Jermaine must navigate both.

Family conflicts and jealousy

Which Jackson brother was jealous of Michael?

Jermaine Jackson has admitted to feeling jealous of Michael’s success during their teenage years. In a past interview, he reportedly said, “I was jealous of Michael’s success as a teenager” (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)). The Jackson siblings have often spoken about the competitive pressure that came with being in the world’s most famous pop family.

Who refused to work with Michael Jackson?

Several Jackson siblings reportedly refused to work with Michael during the 1990s and 2000s, citing disagreements over money, management, and creative direction. Jermaine himself was sometimes at odds with Michael, particularly during the 1990s when the brothers’ relationships were strained. The question of who refused to work with Michael is often linked to family business disputes, with no single sibling taking exclusive blame.

The pattern: The same competitive drive that made the Jacksons superstars also fractured their personal bonds, with Jermaine at the center of those tensions.

Jermaine Jackson’s relationships

Did Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson have a relationship?

Reports indicate that Jermaine Jackson and Whitney Houston had a brief romantic relationship in the early 1980s, before Houston’s rise to superstardom. The relationship was not publicly confirmed by either party, and details remain scarce. The rumor persists in pop culture history, but lacks definitive evidence.

Which Jackson 5 married his brother’s wife?

Jermaine married Margaret Maldonado in 1995, but the relationship was controversial because Maldonado had previously been involved with his younger brother, Randy Jackson (Celebrity Net Worth (celebrity finance site)). This marriage further complicated family dynamics and became a tabloid fixture.

The catch: Jermaine’s pursuit of personal happiness repeatedly collided with family harmony, leaving lasting scars.

Michael Jackson’s last words and Lisa Marie’s reaction

What did Lisa Marie Presley say when Michael Jackson died?

Lisa Marie Presley, Michael Jackson’s ex-wife, reportedly said “Oh, God, no” upon learning of his death. The statement was released through her publicist and widely reported in the media (Wikipedia (death of Michael Jackson)). Her reaction captured the shock and grief felt by those closest to the pop star.

What was the last word of Michael Jackson before he died?

Michael Jackson’s last word is disputed. Some reports claim he said “Morphine” or “Applehead” (a nickname), but no definitive source exists. The uncertainty surrounding his final moments adds to the mystique of his death. Jermaine was not present at the time of Michael’s death but later commented on the loss.

What this means: Jermaine, as a brother, must live with unanswered questions that continue to fuel public fascination.

Jermaine Jackson’s personal profile

Jermaine Jackson has been married three times: to Hazel Gordy (1973–1988), Margaret Maldonado (1995–2004), and Halima Rashid (2004–2007). He is the father of seven children, including Jermaine Jr. and Jeremy. In 1989, he converted to Islam and changed his first name to Jermaine, though he kept his stage name professionally (Biography.com (music biography site)).

His net worth is estimated at $1.5 million as of 2025 (Celebrity Net Worth (celebrity finance site)). He has undergone multiple plastic surgeries, notably rhinoplasty and facelifts. His solo hits include “Let’s Get Serious” (1980), “Dynamite” (1984), and “I Think It’s Love” (1986).

The pattern: Jermaine’s identity remains inseparable from his family legacy, even as he tries to carve his own path.

Timeline of Jermaine Jackson’s life

Nine key dates trace Jermaine Jackson’s journey from Gary, Indiana, to the world stage.

The implication: Each turning point reflects Jermaine’s struggle to balance family ties with individual ambition.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Key quotes

“I had a loyalty to Motown because of my marriage to Hazel.”

Jermaine Jackson, on leaving the Jackson 5 (People (celebrity news magazine))

“Oh, God, no.”

Lisa Marie Presley, reacting to Michael Jackson’s death (Wikipedia (death of Michael Jackson))

“I was jealous of Michael’s success as a teenager.”

Jermaine Jackson, in a past interview (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))

Jermaine Jackson’s story is one of balancing loyalty and ambition within a family dynasty. For him, the choice is clear: embrace his legacy as a Jackson while continuing to build his own story, or remain forever in the shadow of his brothers.

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For an in-depth look at his journey, explore Jermaine Jacksons life and career for a comprehensive overview of his biography and musical legacy.

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