Full History Of Janet Jackson In Timeline From 1966

May 16, 1966: Janet Jackson's Birth

On May 16, 1966, Janet Damita Jo Jackson was born. She would become an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer known for innovative and socially conscious records.

March 1969: The Jackson 5's Record Deal with Motown

In March 1969, Janet Jackson's brothers, The Jackson 5, signed a record deal with Motown, which led to their first number-one hit.

1972: Sample of "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon

In 1972, the iconic hit "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon was released, which was later sampled in Janet Jackson's song "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)".

1975: Release of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf"

In 1975, Ntozake Shange's play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf" was released, which would later be adapted into a film starring Janet Jackson in 2010.

1976: Acting in The Jacksons Variety Show

In 1976, Janet Jackson began acting in the variety show The Jacksons.

1977: Starring Role in Good Times

In 1977, Janet Jackson was selected to have a starring role as Penny Gordon Woods in the sitcom Good Times.

1982: Early Career and Independence from Jackson Family

In 1982, Janet Jackson began her professional career, striving to distance herself from her older brother Michael and the rest of the Jackson family.

1982: Signed with A&M Records

In 1982, Janet Jackson signed a recording contract with A&M Records, marking the beginning of her professional music career.

1982: Release of Debut Album Janet Jackson

In 1982, Janet Jackson's debut album, Janet Jackson, was released by A&M Records.

1983: Billboard Top Black Albums Recognition

In 1983, Janet Jackson's debut album appeared on the Billboard Top Black Albums, and she was the highest-ranking female vocalist on the Billboard Year-End Black Album Artists.

September 1984: Elopement with James DeBarge

In September 1984, 18-year-old Janet Jackson eloped with singer James DeBarge.

November 1985: Marriage annulment

In November 1985, Janet Jackson's marriage with James DeBarge was annulled.

1985: Beginning of top ten and top 40 hits

From 1985 to 2001, Janet Jackson garnered 27 top ten hits.

February 1986: Release of Control Album

In February 1986, Janet Jackson released her third studio album, Control, which quickly rose to No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

1986: Dating René Elizondo Jr.

In 1986, Janet Jackson began dating dancer, songwriter, and director René Elizondo Jr.

1986: Mention of Control Album

In 1986, Janet Jackson released her album 'Control'.

1986: Influence on contemporary R&B with Control

In 1986, Janet Jackson released the album Control, which helped invent contemporary R&B through muscular, lean production by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis

1986: Release of Control

In 1986, Janet Jackson released the album Control, which launched her into pop icon status.

1986: Decade of Success

The album Design of a Decade: 1986-1996, released in 1995, captured a decade of Janet Jackson's success beginning in 1986.

September 1989: Release of Rhythm Nation 1814 Album

In September 1989, Janet Jackson released her fourth album, Rhythm Nation 1814, which included a socially conscious theme.

1989: Start of Consecutive Top Ten Hits

In 1989, Janet Jackson released "Miss You Much", beginning a streak of 18 consecutive top ten hit singles.

1989: Mention of Rhythm Nation 1814

In 1989, Janet Jackson released her album 'Rhythm Nation 1814'.

1989: Release of Rhythm Nation 1814

In 1989, Janet Jackson released the album Rhythm Nation 1814, further solidifying her pop icon status.

1989: Influence on contemporary R&B with Rhythm Nation 1814

In 1989, Janet Jackson released the album Rhythm Nation 1814, which helped invent contemporary R&B through muscular, lean production by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis

1990: Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990

In 1990, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 became the most successful debut tour in history and established the "Rhythm Nation Scholarship".

1990: Success of Rhythm Nation 1814

In 1990, Rhythm Nation 1814 became the highest selling album of the year, winning a record fifteen Billboard Awards and the full Rhythm Nation 1814 short film won a Grammy Award.

March 1991: Marriage to René Elizondo Jr.

In March 1991, Janet Jackson married René Elizondo Jr. in a secret union.

1991: Signing with Virgin Records

In 1991, Janet Jackson signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Virgin Records, becoming the highest paid recording artist at the time.

1992: Guest Vocals on "The Best Things in Life Are Free"

In 1992, Janet Jackson provided guest vocals on Luther Vandross's "The Best Things in Life Are Free", which became a top ten hit.

May 1993: Release of Janet Album

In May 1993, Janet Jackson's fifth studio album, Janet, was released, opening at number one on the Billboard 200.

July 1993: Film Debut in Poetic Justice

In July 1993, Janet Jackson made her film debut in Poetic Justice, receiving Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for "Best Original Song" with "Again".

September 1993: Rolling Stone Cover

In September 1993, Janet Jackson appeared topless on the cover of Rolling Stone, which became one of the most recognizable magazine covers.

1993: Focus on Sexual Themes with "Janet"

In 1993, Janet Jackson began focusing on sexual themes in her music with the album "Janet", which was seen as a shift in her public image.

1993: Leading Role in Poetic Justice and Janet Album Release

In 1993, Janet Jackson established herself as a sex symbol with a leading role in the film Poetic Justice, and released the album Janet.

1993: Use of street dancing techniques in 'Rhythm Nation 1814' film

In 1993, Janet Jackson utilized street dancing techniques in her 30-minute Rhythm Nation 1814 film, in contrast to traditional choreography.

1995: Release of Scream with Michael Jackson

In 1995, Janet Jackson collaborated with Michael Jackson on "Scream", which debuted at number five on the Hot 100.

1995: Release of Design of a Decade: 1986-1996

In 1995, Janet Jackson's first compilation album, Design of a Decade: 1986–1996, was released.

1996: Success of Runaway

In 1996, the lead single, "Runaway", became the first song by a female artist to debut within the top ten of the Hot 100, reaching number three.

1996: Grammy Award for Scream Music Video

In 1996, the music video for "Scream" won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video.

August 1997: Release of "Got 'til It's Gone"

In August 1997, Janet Jackson released the lead single "Got 'til It's Gone", featuring guest vocals from Joni Mitchell and Q-Tip.

October 1997: Release of The Velvet Rope

In October 1997, Janet Jackson released her sixth album, The Velvet Rope, which chronicled her experiences with severe depression and anxiety.

1997: Release of The Velvet Rope

In 1997, Janet Jackson released The Velvet Rope album.

1997: Release of "The Velvet Rope" and Exploration of Love and Lust

In 1997, Janet Jackson released the album "The Velvet Rope", which explored the bonds of love and lust.

1998: End of Consecutive Top Ten Hits

In 1998, Janet Jackson released "I Get Lonely", ending a streak of 18 consecutive top ten hit singles.

July 1999: Placement on VH1's "100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll"

In July 1999, Janet Jackson placed at number 77 on VH1's "100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll".

1999: Legend Award at World Music Awards

In 1999, Janet Jackson received the Legend Award at the World Music Awards for her "outstanding contribution to the pop industry".

July 2000: Appearance in Nutty Professor II: The Klumps and Release of "Doesn't Really Matter"

In July 2000, Janet Jackson appeared in "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" and her single "Doesn't Really Matter" became her ninth number-one single on the Hot 100.

April 2001: Release of "All for You"

In April 2001, Janet Jackson's seventh album, "All for You", was released, achieving the highest first-week sales of her career and receiving generally positive reception.

July 2001: All for You Tour

In July 2001, Janet Jackson embarked on the All for You Tour, which was also broadcast on HBO and watched by twelve million viewers.

2001: End of top ten hits

From 1985 to 2001, Janet Jackson garnered 27 top ten hits.

2001: MTV Icon Special and Billboard Success

In 2001, Janet Jackson was the subject of the first MTV Icon special, coinciding with the release of her album All for You. By the end of 2001, she joined her brother Michael as one of the few artists to score ten Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles.

2002: Began Dating Jermaine Dupri

In 2002, Janet Jackson began dating music producer, rapper, and songwriter Jermaine Dupri.

October 2003: Divorce Finalized

In October 2003, Janet Jackson's divorce from René Elizondo Jr. was finalized after a settlement was reached regarding Elizondo's lawsuit.

2003: Slant Magazine Recognizes Music Videos

In 2003, Slant Magazine named Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" and "Got 'til It's Gone" among the 100 Greatest Music Videos of all time.

February 2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show Controversy

In February 2004, Janet Jackson performed at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, where Justin Timberlake tore open her costume, exposing her breast to millions of viewers, leading to the "nipple gate" controversy.

March 2004: Release of "Damita Jo"

In March 2004, Janet Jackson's eighth studio album, "Damita Jo", was released, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and receiving mixed reviews overshadowed by the Super Bowl incident.

November 2004: Artistic Achievement Award by 100 Black Men of America, Inc.

In November 2004, Janet Jackson was honored as a role model by 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and presented with the organization's Artistic Achievement Award.

2004: End of Consecutive Top 40 Hits

From 1985 through 2004, Janet Jackson had 33 consecutive top 40 hits.

2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show Controversy

In 2004, the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy resulted in an industry blacklisting for Janet Jackson.

June 2005: Humanitarian Award by Human Rights Campaign and AIDS Project Los Angeles

In June 2005, Janet Jackson was honored with a Humanitarian Award by the Human Rights Campaign and AIDS Project Los Angeles for her involvement in raising money for AIDS charities.

2005: Recording of 20 Y.O.

In 2005, Janet Jackson began recording her ninth studio album, "20 Y.O.", with producers Dupri, Jam, and Lewis.

September 2006: Release of "20 Y.O."

In September 2006, Janet Jackson's album "20 Y.O." was released, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and receiving mixed reviews.

October 2006: Introduction to Wissam Al Mana

In October 2006, Janet Jackson was introduced to Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana.

2007: Starring in "Why Did I Get Married?"

In 2007, Janet Jackson starred in the film "Why Did I Get Married?", which became her third consecutive film to open at number one at the box office.

February 2008: Image Award and Vanguard Award

In February 2008, Janet Jackson won an Image Award for "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture" and was awarded the Vanguard Award at the GLAAD Media Awards for promoting equal rights in the LGBT community.

February 2008: Release of "Discipline"

In February 2008, Janet Jackson's tenth studio album, "Discipline", was released, opening at number one.

March 2008: Recognition as Top Selling Artist

In March 2008, Janet Jackson was recognized as one of the top ten selling artists in contemporary music history and the second most successful female artist in pop music history by Billboard magazine.

September 2008: Rock Witchu Tour Begins and Departure from Island Records

In September 2008, Janet Jackson's Rock Witchu Tour began, and she parted with Island Records through mutual agreement due to dissatisfaction with the album's handling.

2008: Billboard's Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists Ranking

In 2008, Billboard placed Janet Jackson at number seven on its list of the Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists.

2008: Release of Discipline

In 2008, Janet Jackson released her tenth studio album Discipline, her only album with Island Records.

June 2009: Death of Michael Jackson and Public Statement

In June 2009, Janet Jackson's brother Michael Jackson died, and she spoke publicly about his death at the BET Awards.

November 2009: Release of "Number Ones"

In November 2009, Janet Jackson's second hits compilation, "Number Ones", was released, and she performed a medley of hits at various events for promotion.

2009: Ended relationship with Jermaine Dupri

In 2009, Janet Jackson ended her relationship with music producer, rapper, and songwriter Jermaine Dupri.

2009: Tribute to Michael Jackson at MTV Video Music Awards

In 2009, Janet Jackson performed a tribute to Michael Jackson at the MTV Video Music Awards, performing their duet "Scream".

April 2010: Reprising Role in "Why Did I Get Married Too?"

In April 2010, Janet Jackson reprised her role in the sequel to "Why Did I Get Married?" titled "Why Did I Get Married Too?", which opened at number two.

November 2010: Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artists

In November 2010, Billboard ranked Janet Jackson at number five on its "Top 50 R&B / Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years" list.

November 2010: Starring in "For Colored Girls"

In November 2010, Janet Jackson starred as Joanna in the drama "For Colored Girls", which is the film adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 play.

2010: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artists Ranking

In 2010, Billboard ranked Janet Jackson fifth among the "Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years".

2010: Began dating Wissam Al Mana

In 2010, Janet Jackson began dating Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana.

February 2011: Release of "True You"

In February 2011, Janet Jackson released her self-help book "True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself", which chronicled her struggle with weight and confidence.

2011: "Rhythm Nation" Voted Top Music Video

In 2011, "Rhythm Nation" was voted the tenth best music video of the 1980s by Billboard.

2012: Private marriage to Wissam Al Mana

In 2012, Janet Jackson and Wissam Al Mana became engaged and married privately.

2012: Endorsement of Nutrisystem and Contributions to Charity

In 2012, Janet Jackson endorsed Nutrisystem, donating ten million dollars in meals to the hungry, and was honored by amfAR for her contributions to AIDS research.

November 2014: Voted 'Queen of Pop' by VH1

In November 2014, Janet Jackson was voted 'Queen of Pop' by a poll conducted online by VH1.com.

May 16, 2015: Announcement of New Album and World Tour

On May 16, 2015, Janet Jackson announced plans to release a new album and embark on a world concert tour under her own record label, Rhythm Nation.

June 15, 2015: Announcement of Unbreakable World Tour Dates and Release of "No Sleeep"

On June 15, 2015, Janet Jackson announced the first set of dates for her Unbreakable World Tour and released the lead single "No Sleeep".

September 3, 2015: Release of "Unbreakable"

On September 3, 2015, Janet Jackson's title track "Unbreakable" was released on Apple Music's Beats 1 radio station and became available for pre-order on iTunes.

September 24, 2015: Debut of "Burnitup!" featuring Missy Elliott

On September 24, 2015, Janet Jackson's song "Burnitup!" featuring Missy Elliott debuted on BBC Radio 1.

October 2, 2015: Release of "Unbreakable" album

On October 2, 2015, Janet Jackson's album Unbreakable was released to largely positive reviews and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

October 2015: First Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination

In October 2015, Janet Jackson received her first nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2015: Launch of Rhythm Nation Record Label

In 2015, Janet Jackson partnered with BMG Rights Management to launch her own record label, Rhythm Nation, and released her eleventh studio album, Unbreakable, the same year.

2015: BET Ultimate Icon Award and New Music Announcement

In 2015, Janet Jackson received the inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual award at the BET Awards, which featured a dance tribute to her. She also announced the launch of a luxury jewelry line and previewed her new song "The Great Forever", confirming her upcoming album as Unbreakable.

April 6, 2016: Tour Postponement for Family Planning

On April 6, 2016, Janet Jackson announced she was "planning her family" with husband Wissam Al Mana, leading to the postponement of her tour.

2016: Most Successful Dance Club Artist Ranking

In 2016, Billboard named Janet Jackson the second most successful dance club artist after Madonna.

January 2017: Birth of son, Eissa Al Mana

In January 2017, at the age of 50, Janet Jackson gave birth to her son, Eissa Al Mana.

April 2017: Separation and Pursuit of Divorce

In April 2017, it was reported that Janet Jackson and Wissam Al Mana had separated and were pursuing a divorce.

May 1, 2017: Resumption of the Unbreakable World Tour

On May 1, 2017, Janet Jackson announced she would resume her Unbreakable World Tour, which was renamed the State of the World Tour.

September 7, 2017: Launch of the State of the World Tour

On September 7, 2017, Janet Jackson launched the revamped State of the World Tour, refocusing the tour's theme to reflect socially conscious messages.

September 9, 2017: Houston Concert for Hurricane Harvey Relief

On September 9, 2017, Janet Jackson donated proceeds from her concert at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, to relief efforts supporting evacuees of Hurricane Harvey.

May 2018: Billboard Icon Award

In May 2018, it was announced that Janet Jackson would receive the Billboard Icon Award at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.

August 16, 2018: Partnership with Cinq Music Group and New Single

On August 16, 2018, it was announced that Janet Jackson and Rhythm Nation had partnered with Cinq Music Group. The next day, Jackson released the single "Made for Now", a collaboration with Daddy Yankee.

October 2018: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination

In October 2018, Janet Jackson received her third nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

December 13, 2018: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On December 13, 2018, Janet Jackson was announced as one of the seven inductees of the 2019 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

February 26, 2019: Announcement of Las Vegas Residency

On February 26, 2019, Janet Jackson announced a four-month Las Vegas residency entitled Metamorphosis at the Park Theater at Park MGM resort.

November 2019: Rhythm Nation Anniversary Concerts

In November 2019, Janet Jackson performed a series of concerts in support of the 30th anniversary of the Rhythm Nation album in Welch Treasure Island Resort & Casino, San Francisco and Hawaii.

2019: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2019 Janet Jackson was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2019: Induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2019, Janet Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2020: Postponement of Black Diamond World Tour and Album Announcement

In 2020, Janet Jackson postponed the Black Diamond World Tour indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and announced her upcoming twelfth studio album Black Diamond.

2020: "Rhythm Nation 1814" Added to National Recording Registry

In 2020, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry.

March 24, 2021: "Rhythm Nation 1814" Added to National Recording Registry

On March 24, 2021, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 was added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry.

2021: "Janet Jackson Night" on Dancing with the Stars

In 2021, season 30 of Dancing with the Stars dedicated the 8th week's theme, "Janet Jackson Night", as a tribute to Jackson.

March 3, 2022: Essence Music Festival Headliner

On March 3, 2022, Janet Jackson was announced as a headliner of the 2022 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

December 12, 2022: Announcement of "Together Again" Tour

On December 12, 2022, Janet Jackson announced her "Together Again" tour starting April 14, 2023, and teased new music.

March 8, 2023: Follow-up Documentary Series Announced

On March 8, 2023, Lifetime and A&E announced a follow-up documentary series, Janet Jackson: Family First, following Jackson as she prepares for her Together Again Tour and reunites the family band.

April 14, 2023: Start of Together Again Tour

On April 14, 2023, Janet Jackson's "Together Again" tour started.

August 21, 2024: Announcement of New Las Vegas Residency

On August 21, 2024, Janet Jackson announced a new Las Vegas concert residency, Janet Jackson: Las Vegas, which began on December 30, 2024.

September 2024: Controversial Interview Regarding Kamala Harris

In September 2024, Janet Jackson gave an interview to The Guardian, during which she claimed that she heard that U.S. Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris was "not Black", prompting controversy and retraction claims by someone posing as her manager.

December 30, 2024: Start of New Las Vegas Residency

On December 30, 2024, Janet Jackson's new Las Vegas concert residency began.

January 14, 2025: Additional Shows Announced for Las Vegas Residency

On January 14, 2025, Janet Jackson announced six additional shows for May of the same year for her Las Vegas residency.

History of Janet Jackson in Timeline