The Jets: The Polynesian Pop and R&B Family Sensation

The Jets are a family pop and R&B group from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who achieved massive commercial success in the 1980s. Originally from Tonga, the eight Wolfgramm siblings scored multiple top 10 hits and saw their debut album certified platinum.

Early career

The group was formed in 1985 after the Wolfgramm family immigrated to the United States from Tonga via New Zealand. Their father, a musician, nurtured their talents, leading them to perform locally in Minneapolis before being discovered by producer Don Powell.

Breakthrough

Their 1986 self-titled debut album, The Jets, on MCA Records, propelled them to stardom. Fueled by a string of crossover singles, the album reached No. 3 on the Billboard R&B chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA, selling over three million copies.

Key tracks

Crush on You — This infectious debut single became their first top 10 pop hit, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and establishing their signature sound.

You Got It All — A power ballad that showcased their vocal harmonies, it reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 and became one of their most enduring songs.

Curiosity — This track highlighted their dance-pop appeal and further solidified their chart dominance, also reaching the top 10.

Make It Real — Another successful single from their debut, it demonstrated their ability to blend R&B grooves with mainstream pop accessibility.

Cross My Broken Heart — Featured on the Beverly Hills Cop II soundtrack, this 1987 hit returned them to the top 10, proving their staying power.

The Jets maintained momentum with their second album, 1987's Magic, which went gold and produced the top 20 hit Sendin' All My Love. They continued recording into the early 1990s, releasing albums like Believe and Love Will Lead the Way, and have remained a popular touring act, celebrating their legacy of 1980s pop and R&B.

Fans of The Jets' brand of family-friendly 80s pop and R&B might also enjoy the sounds of The Pointer Sisters, who similarly mastered genre-blending dance-pop. New Edition shares the youthful R&B harmony group dynamic. For more polished family act pop, explore The Jackson 5. The dance-oriented pop of DeBarge also offers a comparable melodic style from the same era.

The Jets' catalog of 80s hits remains a staple on classic pop and retro R&B FM stations, as well as dedicated 80s music channels on online radio streams. Their music frequently appears in rotation on stations celebrating the decade's definitive pop sound.

Listeners can discover the vibrant pop and R&B of The Jets through the radio stations featured on onairium.com, where their classic hits continue to energize playlists for fans worldwide.