Jermaine Jackson: Jackson 5, Family, Jealousy & More

You probably know Jermaine Jackson as the second-eldest brother in the legendary Jackson 5, but his story is far more layered than just being the bass player in a famous family band. From a painful break with his brothers in 1975 to an admitted jealousy of Michael’s global stardom, a rumored engagement to Whitney Houston, and the quiet aftermath of losing two of his siblings, this guide pieces together the verified facts behind the headlines.

Born: December 11, 1954 · Role in Jackson 5: Second vocalist and bass guitarist · Years active with Jackson 5: 1964–1975 · Ex-wives: Hazel Gordy, Alejandra Oaziaza, Halima Rashid · Number of children: 7 · Deceased Jackson 5 brothers: Michael (2009), Tito (2024)

Here are eight core biographical facts about Jermaine Jackson, drawn from verified records and public statements.

Why did Jermaine Jackson leave the Jackson 5?

What happened in 1975?

In 1975, the Jackson 5 announced they were leaving Motown Records to join Epic Records. Jermaine Jackson chose to stay behind. The reason was personal and professional: he was married to Hazel Gordy (MJ Fangirl blog), the daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Staying with Motown meant staying loyal to his father-in-law and the label that launched the family’s career. Jermaine later described that period as one of the most difficult of his life.

Did Jermaine Jackson get kicked out or leave voluntarily?

It was a voluntary decision. Jermaine chose not to sign with Epic and remained with Motown as a solo artist. His departure created a split within the family act. He did eventually reunite with his brothers for the 1984 Victory Tour, a massive nationwide tour that featured all six surviving Jackson brothers.

The implication: staying with Motown gave Jermaine independence, but it also removed him from the family engine that was about to produce Michael’s solo superstardom.

Which two Jackson brothers married the same woman?

Who is the woman involved?

One of the more tangled branches of the Jackson family tree involves Alejandra Oaziaza. She was first married to Jermaine Jackson from 1995 to 2003. Reports have circulated that she also married or was in a long-term relationship with Randy Jackson, but these claims remain unverified and disputed by family sources. What is confirmed: Jermaine and Alejandra had children together, and Jermaine later married Halima Rashid in 2004.

How many times did they marry each other?

Jermaine’s marriage to Alejandra Oaziaza lasted from 1995 until their divorce in 2003. Claims about a marriage between Alejandra and Randy Jackson are not supported by official records or credible media reports.

Why this matters: the Jackson family’s complex marital history has fueled unverified stories for decades. Separating confirmed relationships from speculation is essential for an accurate family narrative.

How many Jackson 5 brothers have passed away?

Which Jackson 5 brothers are deceased?

As of 2025, two of the original Jackson 5 brothers have died:

• Michael Jackson — died June 25, 2009, from acute propofol intoxication, ruled a homicide.
• Tito Jackson — died September 15, 2024, of a reported heart attack at age 70.

What were their causes of death?

Michael’s death was caused by a combination of sedatives administered by his personal physician Conrad Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Tito’s death was widely reported as a heart attack, though family members did not immediately issue an official confirmation. The surviving Jackson 5 brothers are Jackie Jackson (born 1951), Jermaine Jackson (born 1954), and Marlon Jackson (born 1957).

The pattern: at 70, Jermaine is now one of only three living members of the original Jackson 5. The loss of Michael in 2009 and Tito in 2024 leaves a shrinking circle of brothers who shared that formative musical journey.

Which Jackson brother was jealous of Michael?

Why was Jermaine Jackson jealous of Michael Jackson?

Jermaine has publicly acknowledged feeling jealous of Michael’s meteoric rise. In his 2011 memoir “You Are Not Alone” and multiple interviews, he described being overshadowed as Michael transitioned from a child star to the global “King of Pop.”

Did Jermaine admit to being jealous?

Yes. In a 2012 interview, Jermaine said: I was jealous of Michael, yes. Who wouldn’t be? He was the king of pop. The admission is rare among the Jackson brothers, most of whom have publicly avoided direct statements about rivalry. Jermaine’s candidness has kept the topic alive in fan discussions and media coverage for over a decade.

What did Jermaine say about his jealousy?

In his memoir, Jermaine wrote about feeling conflicted — proud of his younger brother’s achievements but hurt by the growing distance between them as Michael’s fame eclipsed the family act. He also told El País that being around Whitney Houston was “intoxicating,” drawing a parallel between romantic intensity and the emotional complexity of his bond with Michael.

I was jealous of Michael, yes. Who wouldn’t be? He was the king of pop.

— Jermaine Jackson, 2012 interview

The pattern: jealousy in the Jackson family wasn’t hidden — it was a recognized emotional cost of Michael’s extraordinary success. For Jermaine, admitting it became part of his public identity.

Did Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson have a relationship?

What was the timeline of their relationship?

Reports place the start of the Jermaine Jackson–Whitney Houston relationship in 1984, the year Whitney was recording her debut album. A New York Post article from 2012 described a year-long affair that was kept private except for a small circle of people who knew about it. El País reported that rumors of a romance circulated while Whitney was recording her early hits, and that Whitney later acknowledged she had been “going through a difficult love affair with a married man.”

Were they ever married?

No. Despite engagement rumors, they never married. The relationship reportedly ended because Jermaine refused to leave his wife at the time. Yahoo Canada also reported that Michael Jackson was aware of the relationship and did not approve.

Did they have children together?

No children were born from this relationship. Jermaine has seven children from his three marriages; Whitney had one daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, with singer Bobby Brown.

One account links Whitney’s 1985 hit “Saving All My Love for You” to the Jermaine Jackson relationship, though this connection remains speculative and unconfirmed by either songwriter or Whitney herself. What is certain: Jermaine posted about Whitney’s death in February 2012, calling her a remarkable woman and extraordinary artist.

Being around her was intoxicating. It made love songs difficult to sing.

— Jermaine Jackson, quoted in El País

We were very close, but it didn’t work out. We remain friends.

— Whitney Houston, on her relationship with Jermaine Jackson

The pattern: the relationship remains one of the most speculated yet unconfirmed chapters in both careers.

What happened to Michael Jackson’s money and children?

Why was Michael Jackson in so much debt when he died?

At the time of his death in 2009, Michael Jackson owed approximately $500 million in debt. The reasons include:

• Expensive lifestyle — including the Neverland Ranch, extensive staff, art, and security costs.
• Legal battles — costly lawsuits and settlements, particularly over child abuse allegations.
• Declining revenue — after the 2005 trial, his earning power decreased significantly despite a planned comeback tour (“This Is It”).
• High-interest loans — Jackson borrowed heavily against his music catalog to manage cash flow.

Who raised Michael Jackson’s children after his death?

Michael’s three children — Prince Michael Jackson Jr. (born 1997), Paris Jackson (born 1998), and Prince Michael Jackson II “Blanket” (born 2002) — were raised primarily by their grandmother Katherine Jackson at the family’s Encino, California estate. Katherine was appointed legal guardian. As of 2025, all three children are adults. Paris has pursued a career in music and modeling, while Prince Michael Jr. works in entertainment and philanthropy.

What this means: the Jackson estate’s turnaround illustrates that even massive debts can be rehabilitated with strategic management.

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