Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine takes Sydney singer Julie Kerr under his wing

MICHAEL Jackson’s older brother Jermaine called Sydney singer Julie Kerr in the middle of the night after stumbling on one of her songs online - and the pair struck up a friendship.

Sydney singer/songwriter Julie Kerr has been mentored by Jermaine Jackson. Picture: Adam Ward

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Cremorne Point singer Julie Kerr picked up the phone in the middle of the night to hear Jermaine Jackson calling from America.

The brother of the late Michael Jackson had stumbled on a video clip of Kerr singing one of her original compositions.

Jackson rang to congratulate her and offer encouragement.

“Jermaine didn’t have a clue about the time difference between America and Australia,’’ laughed Kerr.

“He told me I was a great songwriter. I was so excited I stayed up for the rest of the night.’’

It was the start of a continuing friendship between Kerr and Jackson, who was the original lead singer of the famous Jackson 5.

The phone call was a much-needed boost for Kerr, whose music career was on hold as she dealt with the recent deaths of a young niece, her uncle and her father.

Jermaine Jackson pictured in Sydney in 2008.

Julie Kerr has just released her debut full-length album.

Jackson didn't forget Kerr and invited her and her husband Rob for a get together one year later when he was in Sydney for his 2013 tour.

The couple were also invited backstage to three of his shows. Later, the couple met Jermaine on a trip to LA.

“He is a very genuine and kind man and very family orientated,’’ says Kerr.

“Jermaine rings me regularly and we Skype and email. I send him recordings and he really gives me great feedback.”

The mother of three children and a classically trained pianist, Kerr, 36, says Jackson has helped her become more focused and disciplined about her music.

A 1973 publicity shot of the Jackson 5.

Michael Jackson and brother Jermaine pictured in 2004.

She has recently released her first full length album Carry On, collaborating with producer Simon Cohen and featuring “heady pop layered with overtones of soul and blues”

Kerr has also set up her own independent record label Lights Record Label.

Julie Kerr’s album Carry On is available on iTunes.

One of the tracks from the album Dreaming Again is available via Apple Music and Google Play.

Jermaine Jackson singing at Michael Jackson’s funeral in July 2009.

Carry on

To watch two of her music videos Even Now and Holding Me, Loving Me, visit juliekerr.net

Julie Kerr’s album Carry On is available on iTunes.

One of the tracks from the album Dreaming Again is available via Apple Music and Google Play.