Jermaine Jackson Funk Story

Jermaine Jackson, a founding member of The Jackson 5, is celebrated not only for his work with the iconic family group but also for his solo contributions to funk. With a smooth, soulful voice and bass-playing skills, Jermaine helped shape the sound of The Jackson 5 and later developed his own blend of funk, R&B, and soul in his solo career.

As The Jackson 5’s bassist and co-lead vocalist, Jermaine brought a groove-driven energy to the group’s Motown hits like « I Want You Back » and « ABC. » The Jackson 5’s music incorporated elements of funk, featuring infectious basslines and rhythmic hooks that got audiences moving. Jermaine’s bass playing and smooth vocals were essential to the group’s sound, laying the foundation for his future in funk.

In 1972, Jermaine launched his solo career while still a member of The Jackson 5, but it was in the late 1970s and early 1980s that his solo work fully embraced funk. His 1980 album « Let’s Get Serious, » produced by Stevie Wonder, became his breakthrough as a solo artist. The title track, « Let’s Get Serious, » fused funk and R&B with Jermaine’s charismatic delivery, topping the R&B charts and becoming a dancefloor staple. The song’s pulsating bassline, upbeat groove, and Wonder’s production elevated it as a definitive funk hit, showcasing Jermaine’s ability to command funk rhythms as a solo artist.

Jermaine continued to explore funk with his 1984 album « Dynamite. » The title track, « Dynamite, » was a bold, high-energy funk number that combined catchy hooks with synth-driven beats and a rhythmic bassline. « Do What You Do » from the same album added a smooth, funky edge to his soulful ballads, further cementing his place in funk. These hits demonstrated Jermaine’s versatility, allowing him to seamlessly shift between danceable funk tracks and slow jams that retained a rhythmic groove.

Jermaine Jackson’s style is characterized by his smooth vocal delivery and rhythmic basslines. His ability to blend funky bass with melodic hooks set him apart, making his music groove-centered yet accessible. His collaborations with Stevie Wonder and other prominent artists helped him carve out a unique space in funk, where he could balance soulful lyrics with the infectious energy of funk and dance.

Jermaine Jackson’s contributions to funk are highlighted by hits that bridged the gap between R&B, funk, and dance music. His songs, especially « Let’s Get Serious » and « Dynamite, » remain staples of 80s funk playlists, celebrated for their danceable grooves and memorable hooks. As a solo artist, Jermaine brought the influence of The Jackson 5’s funk-pop roots into his music, helping to shape the sound of funk during the disco and post-disco eras.

Jermaine Jackson’s funk story is one of evolution, moving from foundational bass grooves with The Jackson 5 to crafting his own brand of funk-infused R&B. His work stands as a testament to his role in blending rhythm, melody, and danceability, leaving a lasting mark on funk’s vibrant landscape.

Early Career with The Jackson 5: Funk FoundationsGoing Solo: Let’s Get Serious and the Funk CrossoverFunk Evolution in the 80s: Dynamite and Danceable GroovesStyle and Funk InfluenceLegacy and Impact

Source: https://funkypearls.radio/

Disco FunkHip HopJazzMusicNew Jack Swing