The Jets on family, music and legacy
MANILA, Philippines — The Jets, a Tongan-American family band that was formed in 1977 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, achieved global success from 1985 to 1990 with three world tours and five Top 10 hits on the US Billboard Hot 100. Renowned for songs like Crush on You, You Got It All, and Make It Real, the group has navigated the “challenges” of working together daily, maintaining resilience and cohesion.
Catch their upcoming performances on Jan. 26 and 27 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, and Feb. 4 at the Waterfront Grand Ballroom, Cebu City. In an exclusive interview for The STAR, lead singer Moana Wolfgramm shared insights into the dynamics of The Jets as a family of working musicians, as well as the music and legacy of one of the most beloved ‘80s pop singing groups.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had from your last trip in Manila?
“Meeting the Filipino people. They are humble, hard-working and respectful. I love that they are God-fearing people, too. Eat Bulaga was a fun memory, so much musical talent among Filipinos. Everybody can sing and dance. They are joyful. The shopping was awesome, too. We were taken to many beautiful shops but I bought all my kids these great street toys. I wanted my kids to have an authentic taste of the Philippines and have things made by the hands of the Filipino people and my kids loved it.”
As a family that shares the same love for music, what other things do you enjoy doing together as a family?
“We love family reunions. After our father died we take any opportunity to gather if we can since we live in six different States. If there’s ever a wedding, graduation or funeral function, we try to make it a family reunion weekend. The last one we had was in October for our mother’s 75th birthday disco party, and we went all out in ‘70s fashion. The year before we went to a cabin that slept 120 people. The year before that we all camped on a lake. We are very competitive so we play pickleball, basketball, volleyball, dodgeball and Bingo with door prizes. We love to eat and talk all night. Family time is the best time.”
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had performing as a family?
“There have been so many wonderful memories performing with other artists and places. A few that stuck out were performing on the White House lawn for President Reagan’s Easter Egg roll, doing two USO tours for the troops in the far east countries and Europe, and finally going back to Tonga where our parents immigrated from. We performed for the people and the King. They honored us by putting The Jets on the Tongan national stamp.”
With what has happened in the past in your family, some leaving the group, some staying, how do you keep in touch and remain united as a family?
“Music was the thing that kept our family together but as we got older, the music ‘business’ almost tore our family apart. The business got in the way of what mattered most. Now that we have families of our own, we are learning that FAMILY needs to be first no matter our differences. Including the fact that there are two different Jets groups.
“One show consists of our brothers who have a residency show in Vegas and the other is us, girls, and Eddie who travel all over the country and world. Besides the eight original members in The Jets, there are 10 younger siblings. Our parents now have over 80 grandkids and 20-plus great grandkids. We’ve adopted the meaning of family from some friends of ours and that is, FAMILY means: (F) Forget (A) About (M) Me (I) (L) Love (Y) You.”
When you were all young, was it ever a dream to be a successful singing group?
“Our parents were watching The Jacksons and The Osmonds on a variety show when they were inspired to start a family band of our own. This was a dream our whole family worked for.”
How much of Tongan music and culture has influenced your music?
“Tongans by nature love music. It is most definitely a huge part of our culture. It was an easy transition for our parents to welcome pop music culture into our home when they immigrated to America.”
How do you see The Jets 20 years from now?
“Well, in 20 years we will be in our 70s, yikes! I pray we’ll still be around. Some of us have been challenged with health issues but we thank God, we’re all still here. If there’s anything The Jets would like to leave the world as a legacy besides the music we were blessed to share, it would be that we are a family first.
“We didn’t always get along but we’ve learned to forgive each other and let love lead the way. Forget about the drama and love each other more. We are civil and genuinely love one another deeply. I would do anything for my family and I thank God every day for them.”
For tickets to The Jets’ concerts, log on to premier.ticketworld.com.ph or smtickets.com.
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