Jermaine Stewart obituary

In Memoriam: Remembering Jermaine Stewart, the R&B Icon

The world of rhythm and blues mourned the loss of an iconic artist on March 17, 1997, as William Jermaine Stewart, known for his chart-topping hit “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off,” bid farewell to this mortal coil. Born on September 7, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio, Jermaine Stewart’s journey through life was marked by extraordinary talent and a passion for music that touched the hearts of millions.

Jermaine Stewart was the beloved child of Eugene Stewart and Ethel M. Stewart. In 1972, his family embarked on a new chapter by relocating to Chicago, Illinois. Jermaine, along with his four siblings, Eugene Jr., Sondra, Leandra, and Norma, grew up in the vibrant city, where he later made his mark in the world of entertainment.

His early musical recognition came in 1977 when Jermaine Stewart appeared on the legendary musical variety television show “Soul Train.” He also lent his vocal talents as a background singer for the group Shalamar. In 1983, Jermaine decided to explore new horizons, making his way to London, England. His talent was soon recognized, leading to a recording contract with Arista Records in 1984.

Jermaine’s debut album, “The Word is Out,” featuring the hit single of the same name, made its mark, peaking at No. 90 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart and No. 30 on the US R&B Albums chart. However, it was his 1986 album, “Frantic Romantic,” that would become his most successful. Selling over one million copies, the album reached No. 34 on the US Billboard Album chart and included the Billboard Hot 100 top-ten hit, “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off.” This single also achieved international success, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 in Canada and the United Kingdom.

The peak of his career saw Jermaine Stewart invited by Dick Clark to perform on “American Bandstand” in 1986. There, he sang “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” and “Jody,” propelling the latter to No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 18 on the Billboard R&B chart. The song also reached No. 50 in the UK. In 1987, his single “Don’t Ever Leave Me” reached No. 74 in the UK, and he appeared in Deniece Williams’ video for “Never Say Never.”

Jermaine Stewart’s album “Say It Again” reached No. 27 in the US and No. 15 in R&B in 1988, and his singles “Get Lucky” and “Don’t Talk Dirty to Me” made notable appearances on charts.

As Jermaine Stewart moved forward in his career, his final album with Arista Records, “What Becomes a Legend Most” (1990), faced challenges. The lead single, “Every Woman Wants To,” reached only No. 95 in the UK. Despite his shift to Reprise Records in 1991 and the release of the album “Set Me Free,” Jermaine’s musical journey didn’t quite regain its former momentum.

Yet, his passion for music never wavered. From 1996 to 1997, while battling AIDS, Jermaine Stewart continued to create compositions, including his unfinished album, “Believe In Me.” On that fateful day of March 17, 1997, William Jermaine Stewart succumbed to AIDS complications in Homewood, Illinois, at the age of 39.

Though he left this world prematurely, Jermaine Stewart’s music remains etched in the annals of R&B history. His vibrant spirit and remarkable talent continue to inspire, reminding us all of the incredible legacy he left behind. Jermaine Stewart’s songs are a testament to his enduring impact on the world of music, and his memory lives on in the hearts of fans worldwide.