The Life of Jermaine Stewart 

Let me make sure it's understood that Jermaine may not have had a bunch of Number one hits but his music was on the charts a lot! He made his impact! Us 1980's teens remember him very well!

William Jermaine Stewart (September 7, 1957 - March 17, 1997) was an American R&B singer best known for his 1986 hit single "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off", which peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, and also peaked within the top ten of the charts in Canada at number two, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Jermaine Stewart died of AIDS-related liver cancer on March 17, 1997, at age 39 in the Chicago suburb of Homewood, Illinois. His burial site was left without a tombstone or even a grave marker for over 17 years. In 2014, his grave finally received a gravestone, paid for anonymously by a fan.

It is really effed up that the culture has tried so hard to cover up his presence in popular music. Jermaine Stewart was so hella talented and had a beautiful voice. I hope someone tells his story in a biopic or something.

I had no idea he passed away. I am in tears right now. Rest in peace Jermaine Stewart. I'll never forget you.

Why did it take 17 years for him to have a grave stone? Every singer should have pitched in and bought this legend a mausoleum

The headstone with the word Brilliance was infact the B side to ' We Don't Have To'... It was my first girlfriend and ours song. We attended a wedding when we were 19 and 17 respectively, and towards the end of that evening the bride and groom had already left for their honeymoon, and the dj played this hit, l left the table l was sat at, and quickly asked him to flip the single. He looked bemused as he never bothered to listen to B sides. There was a delay as the song starts unorthodoxly. But in an end of evening, dark dance hall, l had walked back to the table enough to see my girlfriend's eyes, and beckon her up to dance, she was a bit shy, even though she was a dancer. She slung her arms around my neck, and l placed mine around her waist. We were almost the last 2 out there, as it is very difficult to dance too, so it was just us and a glitterball, l remember feeling how soft her kiss was , as she drew closer, and as she closed her eyes a tear fell onto my cheek. I held her a little tighter, and she responded the same way. It was one of the best moments in my life, and maybe hers, because although we discovered sex with each other, we were still quite innocent.....I only learned how pure that moment was, after living the next 30 years. We never made it, we were together for 5 years, but she suffered abuse by her father. And l paid for that. I loved her, but could not follow her, after she went with another man, on a one night stand. Sometimes l wish l never met her....But most of the time l am glad. Maybe at the end of our lives we get a chance to change things in this life, to make them right with what the rest of our life has taught us? If we can, it would be nice to think we could all find our way back home. Thank you Jermaine.

It's so amazing to see there's still ppl like you who really tries to give these artists the credit they're do. I've really seen the neglect on the music industry over the years when it comes to who had or has real telent n who doesn't, and it's sad that Jermaine was in a way pushed aside n never given the recognition he deserved. Then again, artists are only money jar or money piggies for most of these record label owners n if u don't make them money then ur nothing n forgotten just like that. Now it isn't about real talent...nope! It's about who gets more popular, likes n brings the most money even if you don't really have the talent. Rip Jermaine!

The Word Is Out is still a bop! RIP Jermaine!

He was one of the best eighties artist ,Mr Jermaine Stewart rip you are missed.

His album Frantic Romantic is still one of the best act of the 80's. I wish one day he will get the recognition he deserves. Big LOVE from France.

Jarmaine Stewart was a very good singer and performer. He was so underrated and such a lovely person. Very down to earth . Its very sad to know that Jarmaine's grave went without a grave stone for 17 years. So so sad.😢😢😢 He died far too young. R I P Jarmaire. You will always be remembered by people who loved you..💜💛

When I heard "you don't have to take your clothes off" I was amazed , love the song and still play it all these years on RIP

I am so glad to see someone speak of his many talents. Most rather speak of him negatively than to speak of his awesome successes

Jermaine is still one of my favorites, I hope the many generations will appreciate his talents. Such a sweet soul! Thank you for this mini doc, I hope he gets an unsung episode.

Thank you for this. Very respectfully done, and I personally appreciated the details of knowing what led to the decline of his career. The music industry is harsh, I'm confident that he would've found his way back in the spotlight if he'd been given more time here on earth😔. May he be at peace 🙏🏾

Jermain baught his mom a house his mom is my granny

My mom loved Jermaine Stewart and his music. Jermaine Stewart is a legend.we will all miss him. We love you. You will always be in our prayers. Rest in peace.

Damn. I liked him. Didn't know he had more songs. But he kept on trying, and and that is a mark of a warrior!

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 That one hit, still plays We don't have to take our clothes off I can't believe he died. Imagine heaven, Jeremy, Whitney, Prince, George Michael, Michael Jackson...

He had me with "The Word Is Out" when it first came out. This is my favorite song of his. Gone too soon. RIP William Jermaine Stewart

Adam Martyn, im glad there are still people like you who take the time and effort to explain that there are a lot of artists out there like Jermaine who never got the respect or accolades they deserved. This video helps to keep his legacy alive!!

i remember his songs back in the 80s when i was a teen. we dont have to take our clothes off was such a hit..today that song is still popping

we never forget you jermaine"😍😍

He died today in 1997 , March 17 when I’m watching this, when it’s my birthday and when it’s st Patrick’s day.. wow I picked an interesting day to watch this video.

Thank you for recognizing these lessor known artists. Much has been said about those who had hit after hit but those who were ignored had a lot to say through their art.

I loved him , I was 14 and thought he may be gay but it didn’t matter he was the man who wrote Songs that touched my heart. He, to me , was a man in charge that was not threatening in lyrics and attitude to people of such an influential age. Love Jermaine!!!

Very respectful and informative. Thank you he seems to be a forgotten talent😢.

He didnt even get a grave stone?! thats so sad, if i was a millionaire, i would have bought him one, such a underrated pioneer

Such a sad story. Didn't know much of his work but love "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off".

He had more than one hit! "Say It Again" is my favorite and it WAS a hit in the clubs.. And his style lives on!

Jermaine was definitely my Favorite Artist

"Say it Again" is my favourite Jermaine Stewart song, followed by "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off" and Dance Floor. Great and highly informative documentary. Very well done. So sad about him not been as successful as other singers off the day.

I loved "clothes off" back in the 80's. I was in high school at the time and it was a jam. RIP

1 hit that everyone loved, YET NO tombstone? How HORRID. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

R.I.P. WHAT A TALENT.GONE TO SOON!

Thank you for this documentary. He was a great singer and will always be remembered. May he RIP. God Bless You for taking the time out to remind the world about him.

I just learned about him a day ago. I remembered hearing his song Clothes Off when i was much younger (I was 3 in 1986) I hadn’t heard it and years and when it popped up on my RU-vid it was like a flashback. Thank you for making this documentary on a talented but forgotten Artist ❤️

The word is out was actually a relatively big song in the black community... However, it had a lot of competition because 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 was a yearof MEGA, SUPER GIGANTIC Mega hits... everything from When Doves Cry, To Beat It, Billie Jean, How Will I Know, Run DMC, Houdini oh, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam... The competition was on another level in those years. But the Word Is Out still made noise in the hood at that time... it was just drowned out by the mega hits. Actually the word is out was a bit ahead of its time

I was recommended his song on Spotify and fell in love, so here I am. Tragic ending at my current age. Thanks for your video.

Thank you for using my grave clips. I went there 2 years in a row looking for it... And it wasn't until the 2nd year that I found it bc bc the first time was a Sunday. I spoke to the people at the desk and went out to the field to look for it, all on RU-vid. It wasn't until I got home, edited the video, posted it, and then sent it to Jody Watley on a memorial post she made... That she then contacted his mom. She said she can't watch the video bc it would make her too sad... But yes, I exposed that it took 17 years. At first Michael Licata and I were going to raise money to get one with a photo on it.. but his mother went ahead and did an awesome one with Brilliance written on it, an amazing song. I was so lucky to work 10mins down the street.. and have been obsessed with R&B music and artists since I was 10 years old in 1995 discovering Janet Jackson's Control album... So if there was ever a vessel created to get this task done, I was driven to do it. There is also a 3 part documentary I made on his music career in chronological order with whatever clips available. Mission 2 would be to make ALL his albums available on streaming... His last album was shelved by Warner and fans trade it around already. His album what becomes legend most -Tren De amor is awesome--- is also not available bc of Arista pushing him out into a foreign market and not even releasing it in the USA... and still he was a pure artist. May we keep all of this alive on RU-vid and in our homes... I just found the word is out on 45. Thank you!

He sure has some beautiful hair.

Like a lot of R&B singers at that time what really killed his career was the rise of hip hop. Many great singers got hit by that bus.

The word is out ❤️ Classic! I remember reading an article in the newspaper about his death. 😢

If you would ask me what's your number one song of my entire life... I would say ¨The word is out¨ specially the long version... OMG that song impacted me so much... that everytime I hear it is like fresh out of the record... Great job on the video. RIP. Jermaine S.

Thanks for doing this. Jermaine Stewart was multi talented and it would be a disservice to ignore that, period. I remember when his song “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” came out…it was catchy, danceable, and had this playful story in it. Just yesterday, I purchased the “Frantic Romantic” CD on eBay. I couldn’t help but notice that some of Jermaine’s albums were being listed as rare and out of print for over $70 USD. Additionally, over a year or so ago, I couldn’t even afford to purchase his CDs because sellers wanted over the price that I mentioned, even for used CDs and LPs. I’m hoping that I get the CD in the mail-it’s listed as in brand new condition for $17. Going back to what I mentioned earlier about how much his music was going for-it was similar on Amazon-I remember thinking, “Gosh, too bad Jermaine is here to see what an impact he’s had on music that his music is considered rare.” He was one of a kind. It’s unfortunate that his life was cut short because of a health crisis that doctors didn’t know how to really handle at the time. Jermaine is sadly missed yet fondly remembered for his musical contributions.

One song will carry his name forever, he was a great artist.

LOVELY ... THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!!! LOVE YOU JERMAINE!!!!

RIP young man, you deserved better

His dear mom took care of him toward the end. Thank you for this. He was fun.

One thing I admire about the UK 🇬🇧 is that yall appreciate great music. You all appreciate the soul and can see through the BS, most Americans are sheep and like what everyone else likes because it’s popular. That’s why J Dilla had to come there before he left us. I love the spirit of the people of 🇬🇧 UK, keep vibing out!✊🏾

I'll always remember Jermaine Stewart for his wonderful voice, fantastic pop hits and amazing style.

Interesting but sad video about Jermaine Stewart Virgo 9-7-57. R.I.P. Germaine & ty for good music, dancing, fashion & lyrics.

Loved loved loved me some Jermaine Stewart ❤❤❤❤

Was lucky enough to meet Jermaine in London. Without doubt one of the most down to earth and personable people I had the pleasure of getting to know a little who was simple kind in a business era at that time that was anything other than competitive or rude. Taken by the Aida pandemic too soon although Jermaines kindness like his music will live on

Thank you for this, Jermaine forever!

Amazing artist I have all his albums the single say it again is brilliant wish they would release his last album that was shelved...... UK 🇬🇧 fan

He was a very sweet person. Hung out with him a few times in LA back in the days.

Well done video. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Thank you for your hard work. R.I.P. Jermaine Stewart

Beautiful Job. Thank you for this amazing and informative look back at an amazing musical genius. RIP Jermaine Stewart!

This was really beautiful & thank you for putting it together. Absolutely Loved Jermaine His Voice Was Amazing!

Wonderful video! Thanks for the information of him. But he had four hits maybe not in the top 10 but if the song is in the top 100 it is a successful songs. I still love him, his music and his style, I still listen to his songs everyday, because of video's like this his music is being noticed. R.I.P. Jermaine💜

I met him back then took a photo with him together but the camera was stolen so I never saw the photo he was a nice beautiful person

This was SO beautiful! Thank you! ❤️

This was a lovely tribute. Glad to have learned all about him all these years later.

loved his work and music, a truly talented artist xxx

Thank you so much for bringing light to Jermaine. He seems like he was such a wonderful human being and I absolutely adore his music. May he RIP, singing with the angels now. His music is definitely part of the soundtrack of my life ❤️

How cool a mini Bio. Get Lucky was my favourite track and remains a lifelong favourite still today. Thank You

What a great narration, you spoke with respect and compassion.

Adam Martin, thank you so very much. You have said so much in so little time. You are certainly utilising your talent to the fullest be so proficient. And you have the voice to go with it all. Your voice is pleasant, warm and welcoming and I would be pleased to listen to your voice any time. You speak objectionably, giving credit where credit is due. Life can be so overwhelmingly surprising, that is, in very negative ways but with that heart of yours, I hope the road for you is smooth all the way. More than ever, the human race need people like you who could turn the stress of the whole day into a refreshing end of the day, and giving a feeling of hope that will be there in the morning as you awake.

Wow this was so well made! Very impressive documentary of a sorely underrated artist. My favourite song is Don't Ever Leave Me. Breaks my heart that.

This was a really good video Adam! Keep up the good work.

Thanks for this. Truly greatly I appreciated him. Classic guy

Bought a copy of his album "Frantic Romantic" a few weeks ago and I've been playing it non-stop. Jermaine was so talented. Every song besides the smash hit "WDHTTOCO" had potential to be a hit single. The album is flawless. I think there was also a video album released as well for Frantic Romantic. Can't wait to find his other 3 albums. God Bless you Jermaine and Thank You. R.I.P.

Adam you have done a great tribute to Jermaine Stewart. Thank you.

This was beautifully done, Rest In Peace Jermaine Stewart🙏🏾

This was awesome. I love learning about artists I remember listening to as a kid. Great work!!

Great work Adam! Thank you for this post.

I appreciated the artist Jermaine and I appreciate this post!👍🏾

That was a great documentary, I enjoyed it very much. Well presented and obviously well researched, good work. I have subscribed.

Very well done and inclusive video documentary. You covered about everything. A fan of STEWART and his sense of style rocked the 80s.

A fine tribute. Thank you for making it.

“Get Lucky” is a tune!

Thanks for this... Jermaine was a wonderful talent and Spirit.. Rest Easy..

This is a very nice story thank you for appreciating this unsung artist my good friend from soul train love you jermain😢💐🙏

Missing you Jemaine we were good friends on soul train in Chicago we always had a good time

Tak for at du deler dette dejlige minde om en vi altid har hørt som ung...

Wow. I knew some of this, but far from all. I'm a better man for watching this short, but what makes me better is learning more about a performer who was so present in my earlier years. Jermaine, you left a void, and thank you for your extraordinary work;-)

Great story - Get lucky was the theme of my youth. Loved the Shalamar-sound.

thanks for this video, underrated artist!

Absolutely an amazing talent gone way too soon😢

As a kid, I always thought it was a girl singing this song. His one-hit song came on recently as a recommended song. Upon hearing again after so long, I was so amazed at his voice abilities. And thought it was shameful that he wasn't more of a pop idol.

Amazing documentary. Good job.

Thanks for this video. He was really good

One of my all time favourite singers. We don't have to take our clothes off, say it again and Get lucky to name a few of my favourite songs

Heartbreaking, such a beautiful talent so ignored! He needed better direction and promotion! One of my favourite artists from the era! His death such a tragic waste of a beautiful soul! 😢 39 is no age to die and it's a travesty that his impact on the music industry has been so ignored

Excellent documentation 😊 !

We don't have to take our clothes off is one of my favourite pop songs and dance songs of all time. I listen to it most days. Never tire of it. There was another brilliant dance song on the say it again album called dress it up.x

He was also on an episode of Miami Vice. 👍 RIP Jermaine. ♥️

I saw Jermaine Stewart once while out shopping in Hollywood in the 90s. That hair was unmistakable. I loved him because other than Sylvester there was no other Black Gay man to make it that far up the charts. And his voice was amazing. I cried when I heard he had died of AIDS as so many around me were at that time. It could have been his presentation, his dark skin or the fact that Michael and Prince got there first. But he will always be in my music collection and my heart.

R.I.P.Jermaine,well missed in the music world,you can say that again❤...