Jermaine Stewart, the singer behind the iconic 1987 hit “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off,” left a lasting impression on the music world. His anthem of fun and innocence had everyone singing along, and for a time, Jermaine was a rising star.
However, his life took a heartbreaking turn, and his story ended far too soon. Here’s a deeper look into Jermaine Stewart’s life, career, and untimely passing.
Jermaine burst onto the scene with his debut single “The Word Is Out,” but it was his follow-up hit “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” that cemented his place in pop culture. The song topped charts and became an anthem of the late ‘80s, promoting a message of enjoying life without rushing into intimacy. Its infectious beat and positive lyrics made it a timeless hit. Despite this success, Jermaine’s career began to fade from the mainstream spotlight after his initial rise.
Many fans assumed Jermaine had simply stepped away from the music industry to live a quiet life, but sadly, that wasn’t the case. He continued to work on his craft, releasing music overseas and maintaining a steady following in the UK. Between 1984 and 1989, Jermaine released four studio albums.
A fifth album was completed in 1992 but was never released, and two additional albums came out posthumously. Though his fame in the U.S. waned, his dedication to music never faltered.
Jermaine’s life took a tragic turn in the late ‘90s. He passed away on March 17, 1997, at the age of 39 due to A.I.D.S-related liver cancer. His death shocked fans and the music industry alike.
Rumors swirled that Jermaine had been working on a tell-all book before his passing. Allegedly, the manuscript contained explosive details about relationships he had with several high-profile men, some of whom were reportedly married with families. While the manuscript disappeared after his death, the rumors left many wondering about the secrets Jermaine may have taken with him.
One of Jermaine’s closest friends in the industry was Jody Watley, the Grammy-winning singer and former member of Shalamar. Their bond inspired Jermaine’s song “Jody,” which became another hit and landed in the Billboard Top 20. Jermaine’s connection to Shalamar extended beyond his friendship with Jody.
Before his solo career, he was a regular dancer on *Soul Train* and toured as a backup dancer for Shalamar. Though he auditioned for the group, he didn’t make the final cut. Still, his talent caught the attention of Culture Club’s Mikey Craig, who helped him secure a deal with Arista Records.
Jermaine’s story is one of talent, resilience, and heartbreak. He may not have received the recognition he deserved during his lifetime, but his music continues to resonate with fans old and new. “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” remains a reminder of the joy and simplicity of life—a message that stands out in today’s music landscape.
Jermaine Stewart’s legacy lives on, and here at *I Love Old School Music*, we honor his contributions to the industry. Though his life was cut short, his impact endures. Rest in peace, Jermaine Stewart, a legend gone too soon but never forgotten.
