Jermaine Jackson on Jealousy, Rivalry & Growing Up With Michael | In His Own Words

In the heart of Gary, Indiana, a small house stood, barely larger than a two-car garage. It was here that the Jackson family began their journey, a journey that would lead them to become one of the most iconic musical families in history. This is a story of dreams, hard work, and the unbreakable bond of family.

Growing up in a modest home, the Jackson siblings learned the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age. With only one bathroom to share among them, life was a constant lesson in patience and cooperation. Tito and Jermaine slept at the top of the house, while Michael and Marlon occupied the middle, and Jackie took the bottom bunk. The cramped quarters fostered a sense of camaraderie, but it was the family’s shared love for music that truly brought them together.

The family’s washing machine, a noisy contraption that had to be pulled out into the middle of the floor, became an unexpected source of inspiration for young Michael. As he stood by the machine, in his diaper and sucking on a bottle, he would shake to the beat of the rhythmic noise. Their mother would watch him, recognizing the spark of talent in her son. “He’s got rhythm,” she would say, a statement that would prove prophetic.

The musical journey of the Jackson family began when Tito, in a moment of mischief, snuck into the closet to play their father’s guitar. After breaking a string, Tito faced their father’s wrath but also an opportunity. “Show me what you know how to do,” their father said, and thus began the family’s foray into music. They started playing the guitar and singing together, igniting a passion that would consume their lives.

💬 Other people who read this also checked out 👀👇

Lisa Bonet Speaks About Amber Heard Destroyed Her Family

Johnny Depp Trial: Jason Momoa Fought To Keep Amber Heard In ‘Aquaman 2’

Jason Momoa Wants ‘Aquaman 3’: ‘I Have A Lot Of Ideas’

Jason Momoa CALLS OFF SPLIT With Lisa Bonet! NO Amber Heard?!

As the family began to invest in musical equipment, Michael, who was eager to join the group, faced initial resistance due to his age. However, their grandmother’s encouragement led to his inclusion, and it was clear from the start that he was destined for greatness. Jermaine, who had been the lead singer, soon found himself sharing the spotlight with his younger brother. Michael’s ability to mimic the greats—James Brown, Joe Tex, Sammy Davis Jr., and Jackie Wilson—was uncanny. He absorbed their styles and made them his own, setting the stage for the Jackson 5.

The Jackson 5 quickly became a local sensation, performing at talent shows and community events in Gary. The bond between the brothers deepened as they shared the stage, each knowing instinctively what the others would do. Michael, always on Jermaine’s right, became a dynamic performer, captivating audiences with his energy and talent.

The years spent as the Jackson 5 were filled with hard work and dedication. Their father, Joseph Jackson, was a strict taskmaster, insisting on endless rehearsals. “You have to be the best,” he would say, instilling a sense of discipline in his children. The boys learned not only to sing and dance but also the importance of responsibility. They were taught to clean up after themselves, press their own clothes, and take care of household chores. These lessons would serve them well as they navigated the complexities of fame.

As the Jackson 5 rose to fame, the pressures of the music industry began to take their toll. The brothers experienced the thrill of success, but they also faced challenges that tested their unity. Jermaine recalls the excitement of their early days, the fun they had before shows, and the camaraderie they shared. However, he also remembers the darker moments, such as the time Michael was punished by their father. “He wanted to show us, I care about you,” Jermaine reflected, understanding that discipline was a form of love.

Despite the challenges, the Jackson 5 achieved remarkable success, with four consecutive number one hits that knocked the Beatles off the charts. They became a household name, but with that fame came the risk of losing sight of their roots. Jermaine often worried about Michael’s growing distance from the family as he became a global superstar. “It’s important for us to continue to be a family and to stay together,” he emphasized, recognizing the dangers of outside influences that sought to divide them.

As the years went by, the brothers found themselves navigating the complexities of fame. Jermaine and Michael, despite their close bond, experienced periods of separation. Jermaine recalls sending letters and packages to Michael, only to receive no response. “It’s not that he didn’t want to see me,” Jermaine explained. “He could have picked up the phone anytime.” The pressures of fame often created a barrier between them, one that was difficult to overcome.

The public perception of rivalry between the brothers only added to the strain. Jermaine was often labeled as jealous of Michael’s success, a notion he vehemently denied. “Who has not had success in my family?” he argued. “We were the Jackson 5. Every song Michael sang on, I sang on.” He believed that their shared history and achievements should unite them, not divide them.

Despite the challenges, the Jackson family remained committed to one another. Jermaine emphasized the importance of their shared experiences, stating, “When he hurts, we hurt. When he does great, we all do great.” The bond they shared was unbreakable, rooted in their upbringing and the struggles they faced together.

As the Jacksons navigated the music industry, they encountered many people who sought to exploit their success. Jermaine expressed concern over the influence of outsiders who wanted to create divisions within the family. “They divide and conquer,” he warned, recognizing the need for unity in the face of adversity.

Looking back on their journey, Jermaine reflected on the lessons learned along the way. “Success is not the most important,” he stated. “What’s most important is the fact that we had each other before success.” The Jackson family understood that money and fame could come and go, but the love and support they provided one another would last a lifetime.

Jermaine’s thoughts on true friendship resonated deeply. “It’s not about the money, it’s about the heart who care,” he said, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with genuine friends. The Jacksons had each other, and that bond was their greatest treasure.

As the years passed, the Jackson family continued to evolve. Michael became a global icon, while Jermaine carved out his own path in the music industry. Despite their individual successes, the family remained connected, always returning to their roots in Gary, Indiana.

Jermaine’s reflections on their journey serve as a reminder of the importance of family. “We came out to Hollywood as a tree,” he said, illustrating the strength of their unity. “Hollywood did not look at the tree for its beauty. They looked at the tree for individual branches for their own selfish greed.” Their father’s fight to keep the family together was a testament to the love and dedication that defined the Jacksons.

The story of the Jackson family is one of dreams, hard work, and the unbreakable bond of family. From their humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana, to their rise as global superstars, the Jacksons faced challenges that tested their unity. Yet, through it all, they remained committed to one another, understanding that their greatest success lay not in fame or fortune, but in the love and support they provided each other.

As Jermaine wisely stated, “If you don’t forget where you come from, you always know where you’re going.” The Jackson family’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of family, love, and the dreams that bind us together.