Jermaine Stewart Partner, Wikipedia, Wiki, Cause of Death
Jermaine Stewart Partner, Wikipedia, Wiki, Cause of Death – William Jermaine Stewart, a name that once lit up the world of R&B music, was born on September 7, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio. He became famous for his hit single “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” in 1986, which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This song not only captivated the hearts of many in the United States but also became a sensation in Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Jermaine Stewart Early Life and Aspiring Career
Jermaine’s journey into the world of entertainment began when his family moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1972. It was in this vibrant city that he took his first steps toward a career in show business. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he soon found himself dancing on the famous television show “Soul Train.” This is where he made friends with two other talented dancers, Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel.
When “Soul Train” relocated to Los Angeles, their lives took an unexpected turn. They auditioned to join the group Shalamar, a creation of “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius and booking agent Dick Griffey. While Jody and Jeffrey became backup/semi-lead vocalists for Shalamar, Jermaine lost the lead vocalist spot to Gary Mumford. However, Jermaine continued touring with the group as a dancer, and his journey took a fortuitous turn when he met Mikey Craig of Culture Club in London.
Recognizing Jermaine’s vocal talents, Mikey Craig assisted him in creating a demo tape. This tape opened doors, and Jermaine secured a recording contract with Arista Records.
Rising to Stardom
Jermaine’s musical journey took flight with the single “The Word Is Out” from his album of the same name. While the album reached number 90 on the US Billboard 200 chart and number 30 on the US R&B Albums chart, it was just the beginning of his musical journey.
In 1986, Jermaine released the album “Frantic Romantic,” which included the smash hit “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off.” This song became a global sensation, reaching the top ten charts in Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Another single from the album, “Jody,” dedicated to his friend Jody Watley, made it to the US R&B top twenty. “Frantic Romantic” became his best-selling album, peaking at number 34 in the US.
Jermaine’s fame continued to grow as he appeared in Deniece Williams’ music video for “Never Say Never” in 1987.
“Say It Again” and European Success
Jermaine’s third album, “Say It Again,” produced largely by André Cymone, became another milestone in his career. Supported by international live performances with his band The Party, the title track “Say It Again” became his second US Top 40 Billboard hit and reached the US R&B Top 10. In the UK Singles Chart, it climbed to number 7, cementing his presence in the UK.
Several singles from this album were remixed by Phil Harding, including “Get Lucky” (UK No. 13), “Don’t Talk Dirty to Me” (UK No. 61), and “Is It Really Love?” These remixes found immense success in Europe, especially in Germany, where “Don’t Talk Dirty to Me” was one of the top five selling singles of 1988.
Continued Musical Journey
Jermaine’s fourth and final album under contract with Arista Records was “What Becomes a Legend Most.” This album did not make a significant impact in the United States, but the lead single, “Tren de Amor,” managed to reach the top 100 in the UK. “Tren de Amor” was also featured in the soundtrack of the movie “She Devil.” In 1989, Jermaine sang “Hot and Cold,” co-written by Andy Summers, which was featured in the opening credits of the film “Weekend at Bernie’s.” This track was released as a single, including “Search for Love,” co-written by Jermaine, and later released as “Search” on the “Is It Really Love?” single.
In 1991, Jermaine collaborated with Chicago producer Jesse Saunders for his final recorded work, an album for Reprise Records called “Set Me Free.” Although the title track “Set Me Free” was released as a single in the US, it didn’t perform well, and the album remained unreleased as of 2021.
Jermaine Stewart Legacy and Tributes
Even after his passing, Jermaine Stewart’s music continues to resonate with audiences. Shortly before his death, he began recording a new album titled “Believe in Me.” Though the album was never completed, the finished tracks were released in 2005 as part of the compilation album “Attention: A Tribute to Jermaine Stewart,” which was released under BFG Records, owned by Jermaine’s brother.
In 2007, the song “Clothes Off!!” by Gym Class Heroes sampled Jermaine’s signature hit, “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off,” reintroducing his music to a new generation. In 2010, his album “Frantic Romantic” was re-issued on CD by Cherry Red Records, including bonus tracks like the 12″ mixes of “Jody” and “Dance Floor.”
In 2011, Jermaine’s hit song “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” found its way into a Cadbury advertisement in the UK called ‘The Charity Shop.’ This exposure introduced the song to a new generation, leading to a resurgence in popularity, with the track re-entering the UK Singles Chart and peaking at No. 29.
Jermaine Stewart Personal Life and Tragic Passing
Jermaine Stewart was openly gay, and he was not afraid to embrace his true self in a time when it was not always easy to do so. Unfortunately, his life was cut short due to AIDS-related liver cancer, and he passed away on March 17, 1997, at the age of 39 in the Chicago suburb of Homewood, Illinois.
William Jermaine Stewart’s music and his courage to live authentically continue to inspire and touch the hearts of many, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of music and LGBTQ+ representation.
What Happened to Jermaine Stewart, the Singer?
Jermaine Stewart, the talented singer, faced a tragic fate. He was openly gay, which means he was honest about his identity. Sadly, he passed away at a young age of 39 because of a severe illness called AIDS-related liver cancer. This happened on March 17, 1997, in a place called Homewood, which is near Chicago, Illinois. After he left us, his final resting place didn’t have a proper stone to mark it for more than 17 years. But in 2014, a kind-hearted fan who chose to remain anonymous finally gave him a gravestone as a loving tribute.
Was Jermaine Stewart a Soul Train Dancer?
Yes, Jermaine Stewart began his journey in the world of entertainment as a dancer on a famous TV show called “Soul Train.” This show was known for celebrating Black culture and style. Jermaine, along with his friend Sheri, danced down the “Soul Train” line, showing off their moves and enthusiasm. It was during this time that he caught the attention of many. Later, he transitioned into a successful pop music career, especially with his hit song “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off.”
Why Did Jermaine Stewart Not Have a Headstone?
After Jermaine Stewart passed away at the age of 39, his final resting place, which is where he was buried, didn’t have a proper tombstone or even a marker to show where he was laid to rest. This went on for a very long time, over 17 years. It’s a bit sad that he wasn’t honored with a proper marker for such a long time. However, in 2014, a wonderful and caring fan decided to do something beautiful. They anonymously paid for a gravestone to be placed at Jermaine’s grave. This act of kindness finally gave him the recognition and remembrance he deserved. Jermaine, we won’t forget you.
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