Jermaine Jackson
Jermaine LaJuane Jackson was born on December 11, 1954, in Gary, Indiana. He is a prominent figure in the music industry, recognized as a singer, songwriter, and bass player, and is a key member of the renowned Jackson family. Jermaine is best known for being an original member of the Jackson 5, where he performed alongside his brothers, including the legendary Michael Jackson.
Growing up in a musical household, Jermaine began his career in the entertainment industry at a young age. He, along with his siblings, would often perform in their living room, showcasing their talent and passion for music. Jermaine's contribution to the Jackson 5 was significant, where he often served as the lead singer and played bass guitar, helping the group achieve immense popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like "I Want You Back" and "ABC".
The Jackson 5's success propelled Jermaine into the spotlight, leading to a successful solo career. He has released several albums and singles that showcase his unique vocal style and musical versatility. Over the years, Jermaine has also been involved in various projects, including producing music and collaborating with other artists.
Jermaine Jackson is recognized not only for his musical achievements but also for his role in shaping the legacy of the Jackson family, which has been influential in the entertainment industry for generations. His contributions to music and entertainment have solidified his status as an iconic figure in American pop culture.
Let’s Get Serious
Arranged By, Backing Vocals, Celesta, Drums, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Finger Snaps, Guitar, Piano, Producer, Synthesizer, Written-By – Stevie Wonder
Backing Vocals – Alexandra Brown, Angela Winbush, Marva Holcolm
Bass, Handclaps – Nathan Watts
Clavinet – Isaiah Sanders
Congas, Handclaps – Earl DeRouen
Drums – Dennis Davis
Finger Snaps – Jermaine Jackson
Guitar – Ben Bridges, Rick Zunigar
Handclaps – Abdoulaye Soumare, Keith Harris, Reggie Wiggins, Dick Rudolph
Trumpet – Larry Gittens
Written-By – Lee Garrett
8:05
A2 Where Are You Now
Arranged By, Backing Vocals, Celesta, Drums, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Finger Snaps, Guitar, Piano, Producer, Synthesizer, Written-By – Stevie Wonder
Backing Vocals – Alexandra Brown, Angela Winbush, Marva Holcolm
Bass, Handclaps – Nathan Watts
Clavinet – Isaiah Sanders
Congas, Handclaps – Earl DeRouen
Drums – Dennis Davis
Finger Snaps – Jermaine Jackson
Guitar – Ben Bridges, Rick Zunigar
Handclaps – Abdoulaye Soumare, Keith Harris, Reggie Wiggins, Dick Rudolph
Trumpet – Larry Gittens
Written-By – Renee Hardaway
3:53
A3 You Got To Hurry Girl
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm, Strings], Bass, Bass [Fender], Keyboards, Percussion, Written-By – Jermaine Jackson
Arranged By [Horns, Strings] – Don Peake
Arranged By [Rhythm], Guitar, Percussion, Written-By – Paul Jackson
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Cook, Danny Smith, Hazel G. Jackson, Suzee Ikeda, T.K. Carter, Tina Madison
Bass – Eddie Watkins, Jr., Scott Edwards
Drums – Ed Greene, Ollie E. Brown
Guitar – Tim May
Keyboards – Greg Phillinganes, Joe Sample, Kevin Bassinson
Percussion – Emil Radocchia, Gary Coleman, Gene Estes
Synthesizer [Bass] – Gary Scott
Written-By – Maureen Bailey
4:34
A4 We Can Put It Back Together
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm, Strings] – Don Peake
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm, Strings], Bass, Bass [Fender], Keyboards, Percussion, Written-By – Jermaine Jackson
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Cook, Danny Smith, Suzee Ikeda, T.K. Carter, Tina Madison
Backing Vocals, Written-By – Hazel G. Jackson
Bass – Eddie Watkins, Jr., Scott Edwards
Drums – Ed Greene, Ollie E. Brown
Guitar – Tim May
Guitar, Percussion – Paul Jackson
Keyboards – Greg Phillinganes, Joe Sample, Kevin Bassinson
Percussion – Emil Radocchia, Gary Coleman, Gene Estes
Synthesizer [Bass] – Gary Scott
Written-By – Maureen Bailey
5:05
B1 Burnin' Hot
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm, Strings] – Don Peake
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm, Strings], Bass, Bass [Fender], Keyboards, Percussion, Written-By – Jermaine Jackson
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Cook, Danny Smith, Hazel G. Jackson, Suzee Ikeda, T.K. Carter
Bass – Eddie Watkins, Jr., Scott Edwards
Drums – Ed Greene, Ollie E. Brown
Guitar – Tim May
Guitar, Percussion – Paul Jackson
Keyboards – Greg Phillinganes, Joe Sample, Kevin Bassinson
Percussion – Emil Radocchia, Gary Coleman, Gene Estes
Synthesizer [Bass] – Gary Scott
Written-By – Jim Foelber, Phyllis Molinary
7:52
B2 You're Supposed To Keep Your Love For Me
Arranged By, Backing Vocals, Celesta, Drums, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Finger Snaps, Guitar, Piano, Producer, Synthesizer, Written-By – Stevie Wonder
Backing Vocals – Alexandra Brown, Angela Winbush, Marva Holcolm
Bass, Handclaps – Nathan Watts
Clavinet – Isaiah Sanders
Congas, Handclaps – Earl DeRouen
Drums – Dennis Davis
Finger Snaps – Jermaine Jackson
Guitar – Ben Bridges, Rick Zunigar
Handclaps – Abdoulaye Soumare, Keith Harris, Reggie Wiggins, Dick Rudolph
Trumpet – Larry Gittens
5:35
B3 Feelin' Free
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm, Strings] – Don Peake
Arranged By [Horns, Rhythm, Strings], Bass, Bass [Fender], Keyboards, Percussion, Written-By – Jermaine Jackson
Bass – Eddie Watkins, Jr., Scott Edwards
Drums – Ed Greene, Ollie E. Brown
Guitar – Tim May
Guitar, Percussion – Paul Jackson
Keyboards – Greg Phillinganes, Joe Sample, Kevin Bassinson
Percussion – Emil Radocchia, Gary Coleman, Gene Estes
Synthesizer [Bass] – Gary Scott
Written-By – Hazel G. Jackson, Maureen Bailey
7:38
Label: Motown – M7-928R1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
Jermaine Jackson's 1980 album Let's Get Serious, heavily influenced by Stevie Wonder's production and songwriting, was a major solo breakthrough, blending funk, disco, and soulful ballads, featuring hits like the iconic title track and "You're Supposed to Keep Your Love for Me," solidifying his place as a solo star with gold status and a Grammy nod.
Critics praise its infectious grooves, strong basslines (Nathan Watts!), and polished sound, calling it a high point in his Motown career, a worthy response to his brother Michael's Off the Wall, and an all-killer-no-filler funk/soul masterpiece.
Stevie Wonder produced much of the album, co-writing hits like the title track and "Where Are You Now," bringing his signature funky, intricate style.
Genre Blend: Seamless mix of danceable funk, smooth R&B, and heartfelt ballads, appealing to both pop and soul audiences.
Hit Singles: The energetic title track became a #1 R&B and Top 10 Pop hit; "You're Supposed to Keep Your Love for Me" also charted well.
Critical Acclaim: Seen as Jermaine's best Motown album, showcasing his talent and standing as a strong solo effort.
Standout Tracks: Besides the hits, tracks like "Feelin' Free," "Burnin' Hot," and "You've Got to Hurry Girl" are noted for their catchy, funky energy.
Fans and critics widely regard Let's Get Serious as a classic, a successful commercial effort that proved Jermaine's capabilities beyond The Jacksons, featuring incredible production and rhythms that still hold up. It's considered essential listening for 80s R&B/funk fans.