**Here’s What Just Happened to The 80s Group “The Jets”: The Shocking Truth Behind the Breakup**

If you grew up in the 80s, you remember The Jets—those catchy pop hooks, flawless harmonies, and matching outfits. But behind the scenes, their story was far more complicated than anyone realized.

The Jets were more than just a band; they were a Tongan-American family from Minneapolis, led by patriarch Loy Wolfgramm, who saw music as the family’s ticket out of hardship. With 17 children, Loy turned his household into a boot camp for musical talent, buying instruments and insisting his kids learn to play, whether they wanted to or not.

By the mid-80s, eight siblings—Rudy, Haini, Kathy, Elizabeth, Loy Jr., Moana, Eddie, and Eugene—formed The Jets. Their chemistry was undeniable, blending pop, R&B, and a touch of funk with their own Pacific Islander flair.

Signed to MCA Records in 1985, they skyrocketed to fame with hits like “Crush on You,” which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and their debut album went platinum. Their energetic performances, proud representation of their heritage, and clean-cut image made them MTV darlings and role models for Polynesian-American youth.

But success came at a price. The Jets were still just kids, and every aspect of their public image—from lyrics to wardrobe—had to be carefully managed. As they grew older, the siblings wanted more control over their music and finances, but the family dynamic made every decision a challenge. Creative disagreements and personal ambitions clashed with the pressure to maintain the band’s squeaky-clean image.

By the early 90s, the music industry was changing. Pop was getting edgier, and The Jets’ wholesome style struggled to keep up. Their later albums, “Believe” (1989) and “Love People” (1995), failed to replicate earlier success.

Financial problems mounted as touring and supporting such a large family drained resources. Questions about money led to arguments, and eventually, legal battles—not just with their label, but within the family itself.

The tension reached a breaking point. The band split into two groups: one led by Elizabeth, Eddie, Kathy, and Moana; the other by Haini, Leroy, and Rudy. The dispute over who could use the name “The Jets” even escalated into lawsuits between siblings. What began as a family dream had turned into a fight over identity and legacy.

Despite the drama, The Jets never truly disappeared. Various lineups kept the music alive, performing at festivals, reunions, and nostalgia shows. Their 1997 reunion album “Love Will Lead the Way” and occasional reality-style specials helped keep their story in the spotlight. Fans who grew up with their music brought their own children to throwback concerts, reliving the magic of hits like “Crush on You.”

Today, the original siblings range from their early 50s to late 60s. Some have stepped back from performing, focusing on family and faith, while others continue to tour under variations of the band’s name.

Their net worth remains private, and full reunions are rare, but the impact of The Jets endures. They were trailblazers—one of the first Polynesian-American groups to break into mainstream pop—and their legacy lives on in the fans, the music, and the inspiration they provided to a new generation of artists. Despite internal conflict and industry challenges, The Jets remain a symbol of resilience, representation, and family pride.