Being born into music royalty and marrying Michael Jackson’s equally famous brother, Hazel Gordy had no escape from the spotlight. She grew up around great artists her prominent father helped propel her to superstardom. Her in-laws were an immensely talented family as well. With such powerful names attached to her, can you imagine the kind of expectations and pressure placed on her shoulders? How did Hazel Gordy find her own identity? What was her story?
In this post, we’ll explore Hazel’s life, from her upbringing in the iconic Gordy household to her marriage to Jermaine Jackson.
Who Is Hazel Gordy?
Hazel Joy Gordy, born in August 1954 in Detroit, is the first child of Berry Gordy Jr. and Thelma Louise Coleman. She has two younger brothers, Berry IV and Terry James, born before her parents split in 1959. In addition, Hazel has five other step-siblings from her father’s later relationships with Raynoma Singleton, Jeana Jackson, Margaret Norton, Diana Ross, and Nancy Leviska.
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After the unprecedented success of his father’s record labels, Tamla and Motown, she moved with her family to the 10,500-square-foot Motown Mansion in the Boston-Edison district. The property had a ballroom, pool house, and five-hole golf course, among other things. In 1970, the family relocated to LA in his father’s gated Bel Air home, overlooking the city. Hazel attended Beverly Hill High School before studying at Pepperdine College.
Hazel Gordy: Career
Hazel dabbled in modeling and spent a lot of time at her father’s record label, where she met her future husband, Jermaine Jackson from the Jackson 5. They were both just 15. At one point, Hazel worked as a talent scout for Motown. She helped sign Stephanie Mills after a recommendation from TV producer Suzanne de Passe. However, Stephanie eventually left the label after failing to produce hits from her two albums. In 1989, Hazel got her real estate license. She developed a passion for architecture while traveling the world with her father and later her husband.
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Hazel Gordy and Jermaine Jackson: The Wedding
Hazel Gordy and Jermaine Jackson, both just 19, married in 1973 at the luxurious Beverly Hills Hotel. Their wedding was said to rival the grandeur of Princess Anne’s royal wedding a month earlier. Berry Gordy Jr. spared no expense for his little girl’s special day, dropping an estimated $200,000 on the extravagant affair. We’re talking about a massive seven-foot-cake, aisles lined with cages of doves, and Bernie Richards and his orchestra playing the wedding march.
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About 600 guests attended, each getting an inscribed silver goblet as a keepsake. LA Mayor Tom Bradley presented a check on behalf of Hazel and Jermaine, which was donated to 1,200 underprivileged Black families through the Avalon Carver Community Settlement House. The high-profile event made the covers of several major magazines, including Black Stars, Ebony, Right On!, and Jet.
Hazel Gordy: Marriage and Family Life
Hazel Gordy and Jermaine Jackson shared many common interests. They frequently visited art galleries, went horseback riding, and enjoyed shopping together. While Jermaine was busy with his music career, she took up interior design, with plans to either open an antique shop or pursue real estate. Hazel Gordy has three children from their marriage: Jermaine Jr., Autumn Joi, and Jaimy.
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Their lineage connects them to two powerful musical families. On their maternal side is Grandpa Berry Gordy—a legendary music producer and Motown Records’ big boss. Their paternal heritage also makes Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson their uncle and aunt. Hazel’s oldest, Jermaine Jr., has kept things pretty low-key.
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He’s been in a relationship with Asa Soltan Rahmati from Shahs of Sunset since 2010. They share a son, Soltan. Autumn, Jermaine’s only daughter out of his seven children, works in the music industry, which is how she met her husband, Finnish businessman Narinder “Nape” Singh. She stays mostly out of the limelight. The youngest son, Jaimy, is even more private than his siblings, so not much is known about him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Hazel Gordy Doing Now?
Hazel Gordy, now 70, works as a real estate agent with The Beth Styne Group. Growing up around a well-heeled crowd has given her unique insights into what they want in a home, and that knowledge has served her well in her career.
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Let’s not forget that Hazel has lived in mansions most of her life, so she has a well-developed taste for the finer things in life. Not to mention, her contacts from her Motown days have helped her hook up clients with premier properties. While not trying to close a deal, you can find Hazel enjoying time with her three adult children, one grandchild, and two pocket pitbulls. She keeps fit and healthy by following a vegan diet and practicing barre, yoga, and bodybuilding.
Who Is Hazel Gordy’s Ex-Husband Jermaine Jackson?
Jermaine Jackson was the bassist and second vocalist of the ultra-famous The Jackson 5, after Michael Jackson. The group shot to fame after signing with Motown Records in 1969. When four of his brothers left Motown for Epic Records in 1975, he stayed behind, having just married Hazel. He was replaced by their youngest brother, Randy, in the newly renamed The Jacksons. After a seven-year solo career, he rejoined his brothers for good.
Who Is Hazel Gordy’s Father?
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Hazel’s father is Berry Gordy Jr., founder of Motown Records, the most successful Black-owned music company in the US. He launched the careers of The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, and many other black hitmakers.
Why Did Hazel Gordy and Jermaine Jackson Divorce?
It can be recalled that Hazel and Gordy married quite young. In an interview with People, Hazel said they were basically growing up together, so they hadn’t had any issues. But, as often happens with celebrity couples, maintaining a relationship under intense public scrutiny and with busy schedules can be tough.
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After 15 years of marriage, it was Jermaine’s affair with Margaret Maldonado that ultimately led to their divorce in 1988. In 2012, rumors circulated about Jermaine’s year-long affair with Whitney Houston while he was still married to Hazel. Word was that Jermaine refused to leave Hazel, angering Whitney, and her song “Saving All My Life for You” was about him.
Who Is Hazel Gordy Married to Now?
While her ex-husband went on to marry two more times, Hazel Gordy has remained single since their marriage ended in 1988.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, it’s pretty clear that Hazel Gordy has always been more of a behind-the-scenes person, even with all that star power around her. I mean, rubbing elbows with the King of Pop or the Prince of Motown was just another Tuesday for her. In the end, all those years of hobnobbing with the elite have paid off. Because sometimes, it’s not about what you know, but who you know.
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