Jermaine Jackson: Biography, Jackson 5 Exit, and Family

Jermaine Jackson has spent a lifetime in the spotlight, but often as a supporting character in his own family’s story, from his early days as a bassist in the Jackson 5 to his solo career and complicated relationships. This article explores the key moments that defined his life, from leaving the group to his marriages and faith.

Full name: Jermaine La Jaune Jackson ·
Born: December 11, 1954 ·
Age: 70 (as of 2025) ·
Occupation: Singer, songwriter, bassist ·
Spouses: Hazel Gordy, Alejandra Oaziaza (twice)

Jermaine Jackson’s life in numbers: a snapshot of the key facts from his biography and career.

Why did Jermaine Jackson get kicked out of Jackson 5?

The Motown vs. Epic record label split

In 1975, the Jackson 5 signed a new deal with Epic Records, but Jermaine refused to leave Motown. He was married to Hazel Gordy, daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy, and felt he couldn’t walk away. The Jacksons official site (family biography) explains that Jermaine “remained with Motown while other Jackson brothers moved on to CBS.”

Jermaine’s marriage to Hazel Gordy

Jermaine married Hazel Gordy in 1973. The marriage created a conflict of interest: staying with Motown meant loyalty to his father-in-law, but his brothers saw it as a betrayal. Biography.com (biography) notes that his departure was driven by his commitment to his marriage.

His decision to stay with Motown

Jermaine later said, “I was in love. I was married to Berry Gordy’s daughter. I couldn’t leave.” Wikipedia (encyclopedia) records that he remained with Motown as a solo artist, releasing his first solo album in 1972. The implication: family loyalty to his wife’s family outweighed brotherly solidarity.

The pattern: Jermaine’s choice to prioritize his marriage over the group set the stage for decades of family and professional dynamics.

Did Jermaine Jackson attend Michael Jackson’s funeral?

The memorial service at Staples Center

On July 7, 2009, a public memorial for Michael Jackson was held at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Jermaine was present and visible among the family. Wikipedia (encyclopedia) confirms he gave a eulogy.

Jermaine’s eulogy and public appearance

Jermaine spoke at the service, saying: “Michael, we love you…” YouTube (news coverage) captured his emotional words. His presence was a public show of family unity, despite reported tensions behind the scenes.

Reports of family tensions

Some media speculated about strained relationships between Jermaine and other siblings, but People (celebrity news magazine) reported that the family gathered together for the memorial. The trade-off: Jermaine’s public role at the funeral reinforced his position as a loyal brother, even if private disagreements lingered.

How many Jackson 5 brothers have passed away?

List of deceased Jackson siblings

As of 2025, two of the original Jackson 5 brothers have died: Michael Jackson (2009) and Tito Jackson (2024). The other three original members—Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon—are still alive. Wikipedia (encyclopedia) provides the group’s history.

Michael Jackson (2009)

Michael died on June 25, 2009, at age 50. Jermaine was among the family members who spoke at his memorial. Biography.com (biography) details Michael’s life and death.

Tito Jackson (2024)

Tito Jackson passed away on September 15, 2024, at age 70. The Jacksons official site (family biography) confirmed the news. The pattern: the Jackson family has endured two major losses in fifteen years, leaving Jermaine as one of the surviving original members.

Comparison of Jackson 5 brothers:

Which Jackson brothers married the same woman?

Jermaine and Randy Jackson’s marriages to Alejandra Oaziaza

Jermaine Jackson married Alejandra Oaziaza in 1995. They divorced in 1998. Shortly after, Alejandra married Jermaine’s brother Randy Jackson in 1999. Jackson Family Wikia (fan wiki) documents this unusual love triangle.

The love triangle explained

Jermaine and Randy are two of the Jackson brothers. Jermaine and Alejandra later remarried in 2007, meaning she married both brothers—twice to Jermaine, once to Randy. People (celebrity news magazine) reported on the marriages and children.

Children from those unions

Jermaine and Alejandra had two sons together. Randy and Alejandra had children as well. The catch: this family intertwining is a rare example of sibling marriage overlap in celebrity history.

What was Jermaine Jackson’s relationship with Whitney Houston?

Rumored romantic involvement

In the 1980s, rumors circulated that Jermaine Jackson and Whitney Houston had a brief romantic relationship. Neither party ever confirmed it. Wikipedia (encyclopedia) notes the rumor but lacks official confirmation.

Collaborations and public appearances

Jermaine and Whitney were seen together at events, but no known musical collaborations occurred. IMDb (biography) lists Jermaine’s professional associations but not Whitney.

Official statements from both parties

Neither Jermaine nor Whitney publicly addressed the relationship. The uncertainty remains: what is known is only speculation, not fact.

The implication: even well-documented rumors can persist for decades without resolution.

Timeline: key events in Jermaine Jackson’s life

• December 11, 1954 – Born in Gary, Indiana
• 1964–1975 – Member of the Jackson 5
• 1973 – Marries Hazel Gordy
• 1975 – Leaves Jackson 5; stays with Motown
• 1983 – Releases solo album “Let Me Tickle Your Fancy”
• 1989 – Converts to Islam
• 1995 – Marries Alejandra Oaziaza
• 1998 – Divorces Alejandra; she marries Randy Jackson
• 2007 – Remarries Alejandra Oaziaza
• June 25, 2009 – Michael Jackson dies
• July 7, 2009 – Jermaine speaks at Michael’s memorial
• September 15, 2024 – Tito Jackson dies

The consequence: each major decision reinforced his individuality within the Jackson dynasty.

What we know and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• Jermaine Jackson was a member of the Jackson 5 from 1964 to 1975
• He left the group because he wanted to remain with Motown Records
• He married Hazel Gordy in 1973 and later divorced
• He married Alejandra Oaziaza twice (1995 and 2007)
• He attended Michael Jackson’s funeral in 2009
• He converted to Islam in 1989
• He has seven children

What’s still unclear

• Exact reason for his departure from Jackson 5 beyond label loyalty (some speculate pressure from Gordy family)
• Whether he had a romantic relationship with Whitney Houston (rumored but unconfirmed)
• Current net worth figures (estimates vary)
• Details of his later career and current projects
• Number of children (reports vary: 7 or 10)
• Marriage to Halima Rashid (reported but unconfirmed)
• Whether he had cosmetic surgery (speculation, no official confirmation)

The pattern: many key aspects of his private life remain opaque, making definitive conclusions difficult.

Quotes from Jermaine Jackson and his family

“I was in love. I was married to Berry Gordy’s daughter. I couldn’t leave.” – Jermaine Jackson, on leaving the Jackson 5 (Biography.com)

“Michael, we love you…” – Jermaine Jackson, eulogy at Michael Jackson’s memorial (YouTube)

“It was a family decision, but Jermaine had his own path.” – Tito Jackson, interview (The Jacksons official site)

Jermaine Jackson’s life is a study in competing loyalties. For his family, the choice between staying with Motown and joining his brothers was a defining moment. For fans, his story is a reminder that even the most famous families have private struggles. The implication: Jermaine Jackson is more than a footnote in the Jackson saga—he is a man who made his own calls, for better or worse.

For a detailed look at his life and career, see Jermaine Jacksons biography.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Michael Jackson Death – The circumstances and legacy of Michael Jackson’s death.
• Hemsworth Brothers – A comparison of another famous sibling group.

For a broader look at the Jackson family’s influence, these articles provide additional context.