Jermaine Stewart was a talented and charismatic R&B singer who rose to fame in the 1980s with his hit single “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off”. He was also one of the first openly gay artists in the music industry, paving the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ musicians. However, his life and career were cut short by a devastating diagnosis: AIDS-related liver cancer. In this article, we will explore how Jermaine Stewart’s cause of death reflects the challenges and stigma faced by people living with AIDS during that era, and how his legacy continues to inspire and touch the lives of many.
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Jermaine Stewart’s Early Life and Career
Jermaine Stewart was born on September 7, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio. He moved to Chicago with his family in 1972, where he developed a passion for entertainment. He became a dancer on the popular TV show Soul Train, where he befriended fellow dancers Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel. He also auditioned for the group Shalamar, but lost out to Gary Mumford. However, he toured with the group as a dancer for several years.
While in London for a show, he met Mikey Craig of Culture Club, who helped him record a demo tape. He also sang background vocals on Culture Club’s song “Miss Me Blind”. As a result of his connections and talent, he landed a recording contract with Arista Records. He released his debut album The Word Is Out in 1984, which featured the single of the same name. The album reached number 90 on the US Billboard 200 chart, and number 30 on the US R&B Albums chart.
His second album Frantic Romantic was released in 1986, and included his most successful song “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off”. The song peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and also reached the top ten in Canada, Ireland, and the UK. The song was a catchy and upbeat dance-pop tune that promoted safe sex and abstinence in the midst of the AIDS epidemic. A second single from the album, “Jody”, was dedicated to his friend Jody Watley, and reached number 42 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, and number 18 on the US R&B Singles chart.
His third album Say It Again was released in 1988, with production by André Cymone. The title track became his second US top 40 hit, reaching number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and number seven on the R&B Singles chart. He also performed live with his band The Party, and appeared in the video “Never Say Never” by Deniece Williams.
Jermaine Stewart’s Diagnosis and Death
In the early 1990s, Jermaine Stewart’s career began to decline due to changing musical trends and personal issues. He struggled with drug addiction and depression, and also contracted HIV. He kept his diagnosis a secret from the public, fearing discrimination and rejection from his fans and peers. He continued to work on new music, hoping to make a comeback with his fourth album Set Me Free. However, he never got to finish or release the album.
In 1996, he was diagnosed with AIDS-related liver cancer, a condition that would ultimately claim his life. He spent his last months in his hometown of Chicago, surrounded by his family and friends. On March 17, 1997, he passed away at the age of 39.
His death was a tragic loss for the music industry and his fans around the world. It also highlighted the severe health consequences of AIDS, a disease that had claimed millions of lives since its emergence in the early 1980s. At that time, there was no effective treatment or cure for AIDS, and many people faced stigma and discrimination for being infected or associated with the disease.
Jermaine Stewart’s Legacy and Impact
Despite his short-lived career and life, Jermaine Stewart left behind a lasting legacy and impact on music and culture. He was one of the first openly gay artists in the R&B genre, breaking barriers and stereotypes for LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance. He also used his music to spread awareness and positivity about safe sex and abstinence during the AIDS crisis.
His songs continue to be played and enjoyed by millions of people around the world. His hit single “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” has been covered by several artists, such as Ella Eyre, Gym Class Heroes, Lil Chris, The Maine, MattyB, Purple Disco Machine, Shaggy feat. Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta ,and more. His unreleased album Set Me Free was finally released posthumously in 2014 by Cherry Red Records.
Jermaine Stewart’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of AIDS during the late 20th century, and the importance of continued efforts to combat the disease. As we celebrate his music and remember his contributions, let us also reflect on the progress made in the fight against AIDS and the work that remains to be done to support those affected by it.
While Jermaine Stewart’s time with us was tragically short, his music continues to inspire and touch the lives of many. May his soul rest in peace, and may his story serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
