Jermaine Jackson: Leaving the Jackson 5 and Finding Islam
Jermaine Jackson, the second eldest brother, made a choice in 1975 that would define his career: he stayed with Motown when his siblings left for Epic Records. That decision, rooted in his marriage to the label owner’s daughter, set off a chain of family dynamics that still echo today.
Born: December 11, 1954 ·
Role in Jackson 5: Second vocalist, bass guitarist (1964–1975) ·
Number of Siblings: 9 ·
Wife (current): Maday Jackson (m. 2018) ·
Religion: Converted to Islam (1989) ·
Notable Solo Hit: “Let’s Get Serious” (1980)
Quick snapshot
- Jermaine was part of the Jackson 5 from 1964–1975 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- He left when the group signed with Epic Records (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- He married Hazel Gordy in 1973 and divorced in 1988 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- He converted to Islam in 1989 (UPI (news agency))
- He attended Michael Jackson’s funeral in 2009 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- Exact financial details (net worth figures are estimates) (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- Whether leaving Motown was his choice or the label’s (SouthernWatch (entertainment commentary))
- Whether there was jealousy between Jermaine and Michael (anecdotal only) (MJJCommunity (fan forum))
- 1975: Leaves Jackson 5 when the group moves to Epic Records; stays with Motown (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- Remains active on social media and music (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- Net worth estimated under $3 million (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- Continues to appear in Jackson family tributes (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
8 key facts about Jermaine Jackson, one pattern: a life shaped by loyalty to family and faith.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jermaine La Jaune Jackson |
| Birthdate | December 11, 1954 |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, bassist |
| Years Active | 1964–present |
| Labels | Motown, Epic, Arista |
| Spouse(s) | Hazel Gordy (1973–1988), Haley Marie (1995–2003), Maday Jackson (2018–present) |
| Religion | Islam (since 1989) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $3 million |
Why did Jermaine Jackson get kicked out of Jackson 5?
The split with Motown Records
- In 1975, the Jackson 5 moved from Motown to Epic Records, but Jermaine stayed behind (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
- He was married to Motown founder Berry Gordy’s daughter, Hazel Gordy, at the time (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
- His decision to remain with Motown created a rift with his brothers and father (SouthernWatch (entertainment commentary)).
The move was a business and family fracture. Jermaine later said, “I was a married man and had to make my own decisions” (MJJCommunity (fan forum)).
Jermaine chose marital loyalty over sibling loyalty — and that choice cost him his place in the most famous pop group of the era.
Jermaine’s decision to stay with Motown
- He continued as a solo artist on Motown, releasing albums like “My Name Is Jermaine” (1976) (Soulwalking (music history site)).
- He later rejoined his brothers in the Jacksons for a reunion tour in the 1980s (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
The pattern: Jermaine’s career was defined by a single decision that he never fully reversed. The implication is that loyalty to a label can be as defining as loyalty to family.
Which Jackson brothers married the same woman?
Jermaine and Randy Jackson’s marriages to Haley Marie
- Jermaine Jackson married Haley Marie in 1995; they divorced in 2003 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
- His brother Randy Jackson married Haley Marie in 2004, according to multiple reports (MJJCommunity (fan forum)).
- This makes her the sister-in-law of both brothers — a rare family dynamic (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
The timeline shows a pattern: Jermaine and Randy each married the same woman, separated by a decade. The catch: this fact is often cited but rarely verified by primary sources.
The marriage overlap is a recurring trivia point, but it highlights the blurred lines between family and public life in the Jackson story.
The timeline of both relationships
- 1995: Jermaine marries Haley Marie.
- 2003: Jermaine and Haley Marie divorce.
- 2004: Randy Jackson marries Haley Marie.
Why this matters: the revolving door of relationships within the Jackson family underscores how closely their personal lives mirror their public drama.
How many Jackson 5 brothers passed away?
Michael Jackson’s death in 2009
- Michael Jackson, the lead singer of the Jackson 5, died on June 25, 2009 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
- He was the only original member of the Jackson 5 to have died (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
As of 2025, the other original members — Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon — are still alive. Brother Randy, who was not an original Jackson 5 member, is also alive. The implication: the Jackson 5 core remains intact except for its most famous sibling.
The status of other Jackson brothers
- Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy are all alive as of 2025 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
- No other Jackson brother has died.
The pattern: despite decades of health scares and family turmoil, only Michael has passed away among the performing brothers.
Did Jermaine Jackson go to Michael Jackson’s funeral?
The public memorial service at Staples Center
- Jermaine Jackson attended the public memorial for Michael Jackson on July 7, 2009 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
- He was among the family members who spoke at the service (UPI (news agency)).
Reports confirm he was present and delivered a brief statement. The catch: Jermaine was one of the few family members who had maintained a relationship with Michael in the years before his death.
Jermaine’s attendance and eulogy
- He said at the memorial, “I’m going to miss you, my brother” (YouTube (video biography)).
- His presence was seen as a sign of reconciliation, given the family’s public feuds over the years (SouthernWatch (entertainment commentary)).
What this means: Jermaine’s attendance was not just a brother’s duty — it was a public statement of unity after years of estrangement.
What is Jermaine Jackson’s religion and net worth?
Conversion to Islam
- Jermaine converted to Islam in 1989 after a trip to Bahrain (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
- He was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, like the rest of the Jackson family (UPI (news agency)).
- He took the name Muhammad Abdul-Aziz Sharif but continues to use Jermaine Jackson professionally (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
According to an archived interview, he was struck by the devotion of children in Bahrain who proudly told him they were Muslims (Siasat (archived news)).
Jermaine’s conversion from Jehovah’s Witness to Islam stands in stark contrast to Michael’s lifelong faith — and remains a relatively private aspect of his public identity.
Financial status today
- Jermaine’s net worth is estimated at under $3 million as of 2025 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
- He has faced financial struggles, including a reported foreclosure on his home in 2016 (SouthernWatch (entertainment commentary)).
The trade-off: Jermaine’s solo career never matched the success of the Jackson 5, and his financial story reflects the volatility of the music industry.
Timeline
- 1964: Jermaine joins the Jackson 5 as second vocalist and bassist (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
- 1975: Leaves Jackson 5 when the group moves to Epic Records; stays with Motown (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
- 1989: Converts to Islam, changes name to Abdul Azeez (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
- 2009: Attends and speaks at Michael Jackson’s public memorial (UPI (news agency)).
- 2018: Marries Maday Jackson; they welcome a son named Abu Bakr Khalifa (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography)).
What we know for sure
- Jermaine was part of the Jackson 5 from 1964–1975. (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- He left when the group signed with Epic Records. (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- He married Hazel Gordy in 1973 and divorced in 1988. (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
What remains unclear
- Exact financial details (net worth figures are estimates). (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- The specific reason for leaving Motown (whether it was his choice or the label’s). (SouthernWatch (entertainment commentary))
- Whether there was jealousy between Jermaine and Michael (anecdotal only). (MJJCommunity (fan forum))
- Whether Jermaine converted to Islam in 1989 (multiple sources agree but some details vary). (Wikipedia (encyclopedic biography))
- Whether Jermaine attended Michael Jackson’s funeral (confirmed by reports but some question the degree of reconciliation). (UPI (news agency))
Quotes
“I was a married man and had to make my own decisions.”
— Jermaine Jackson, on leaving the Jackson 5 (MJJCommunity (fan forum))
“Jermaine was the only brother who stayed with Motown, creating a rift.”
— Michael Jackson biographer (Soulwalking (music history site))
For the Jackson family, the lesson is clear: Jermaine’s choices — to stay with Motown, to convert to Islam, to remain loyal to his wife — defined a legacy that is both his own and inseparable from the Jackson name. For fans looking to understand the family’s dynamic, the implication is that Jermaine’s story is not just a footnote; it’s a pivot point. And for the surviving brothers, the choice is clear: either embrace the family brand or forge a separate path, as Jermaine did.
es.wikipedia.org, hu.wikipedia.org, id.wikipedia.org, soulwalking.co.uk, music.fandom.com, medium.com
Frequently asked questions
Did Michael Jackson ever have a male lover?
There is no confirmed evidence that Michael Jackson had a male lover. Speculation has been denied by the family and close associates.
Who owns most of Michael Jackson’s clothes?
Most of Michael Jackson’s clothing and memorabilia are held by the Michael Jackson Estate, with some items auctioned by third parties.
Which Jackson 5 was a twin?
None of the original Jackson 5 members were twins. However, Jermaine and his brother Randy are sometimes mistaken for twins due to their close age.
What did MJ say before he died?
Michael Jackson’s last words were reportedly to his doctor, Conrad Murray, saying “I want to sleep” or “I need more milk.” The exact words are disputed.
Which brother was jealous of Michael Jackson?
There have been rumors of jealousy between Jermaine and Michael, but no concrete evidence. Jermaine has denied it in interviews.
What is Jermaine Jackson’s most popular solo song?
His most popular solo song is “Let’s Get Serious” (1980), which reached the top 10 on the Billboard R&B chart.
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