Career Timeline of Janet Jackson: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Janet Jackson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Janet Jackson is a highly influential American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. Known for her innovative and provocative music, she broke gender and racial barriers on MTV, becoming a prominent figure in pop culture. Her work often addresses social issues and personal experiences, establishing her as a role model. She is celebrated for elaborate stage shows, captivating choreography, and a sound that significantly impacted the music industry.
March 1969: Jackson 5 Sign with Motown
In March 1969, Janet Jackson's brothers, known as the Jackson 5, signed a record deal with Motown, marking a significant step in their career.
1976: Acting in The Jacksons
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 star as Penny Gordon Woods in the sitcom Good Times, marking an early role in her acting career.
1982: Start of Recording Career
In 1982, Janet Jackson emerged as a recording artist, striving to distance her professional career from that of her older brother Michael and the rest of the Jackson family.
1982: Signing 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 on A&M Records, marking the start of her music career.
1985: Start of Top Ten and Top 40 Hits Streak
From 1985 to 2001, Janet Jackson garnered 27 top ten hits, and from 1985 through 2004 she achieved 33 consecutive top 40 hits.
February 1986: Release of Control
In February 1986, Janet Jackson released her third studio album, Control, which quickly rose to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over ten million copies worldwide.
1986: Control Album Release
In 1986, Janet Jackson released the album Control, marking a moment where she proclaimed herself in charge of her life.
1986: Release of Control
In 1986, Janet Jackson released the album Control, which helped her become a pop icon.
1986: Influence on Contemporary R&B with Control
Janet Jackson's million-selling albums in the 1980s, particularly 1986's Control, helped invent contemporary R&B through Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis's production.
September 1989: Release of Rhythm Nation 1814
In September 1989, Janet Jackson released her fourth album, Rhythm Nation 1814, which included socially conscious themes among various musical styles.
1989: Release of "Miss You Much"
In 1989, Janet Jackson released "Miss You Much", which started a streak of 18 consecutive top ten hit singles on the Hot 100 chart.
1989: Release of Rhythm Nation 1814
In 1989, Janet Jackson released the album Rhythm Nation 1814, further solidifying her status as a pop icon.
1989: Rhythm Nation 1814 Album Release
In 1989, Janet Jackson released the album Rhythm Nation 1814, using her rhythm army to fight society's problems.
1989: Influence on Contemporary R&B with Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson's million-selling albums in the 1980s, particularly 1989's Rhythm Nation 1814, helped invent contemporary R&B through Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis's production.
1990: Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990
In 1990, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour became the most successful debut tour in history and established the "Rhythm Nation Scholarship" to support educational programs. She was also recognized for the cultural impact of her music.
1990: Success of Rhythm Nation 1814
In 1990, Rhythm Nation 1814 became the highest selling album of the year, winning 15 Billboard Awards, and the short film won a Grammy Award.
1991: Signing with Virgin Records
In 1991, Janet Jackson's recording contract with A&M Records was fulfilled, and she signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Virgin Records, making her the highest-paid recording artist at the time.
1992: Collaboration 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 Billboard hit and reached the top ten internationally.
May 1993: Release of Janet
In May 1993, Janet Jackson released her fifth studio album, Janet, which opened at number one on the Billboard 200, making her the first female artist in the Nielsen SoundScan era to achieve this.
July 1993: Film Debut in Poetic Justice
In July 1993, Janet Jackson made her film debut in Poetic Justice, and her ballad 'Again' was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award.
September 1993: Rolling Stone Cover
In September 1993, Janet Jackson appeared topless on the cover of Rolling Stone, with her breasts covered by her then-husband, René Elizondo Jr. The photo became iconic and was the original version of the Janet album cover.
1993: Shift to Sexual Themes with "Janet" Album
In 1993, Janet Jackson began focusing on sexual themes in her music with the "Janet" album. This shift branded her as one of the most sexually stimulating vocalists of the 1990s.
1993: Acting Debut in Poetic Justice
In 1993, Janet Jackson starred in the film Poetic Justice, establishing her image as a sex symbol. That same year she released the album Janet.
1993: Street Dancing Techniques in Rhythm Nation 1814 film
In 1993, Janet Jackson utilized street dancing techniques in contrast to traditional choreography in her 30-minute Rhythm Nation 1814 film, visually embodying gender-neutral equality.
1995: Release of Scream with Michael Jackson
In 1995, Janet Jackson collaborated with Michael Jackson on 'Scream,' which was written as a response to media scrutiny and 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 from the compilation album, “Runaway”, became the first song by a female artist to debut within the top ten of the Hot 100, reaching number three.
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 album The Velvet Rope and continued to establish herself as a sex symbol.
1997: Exploration of Love and Lust with "The Velvet Rope"
In 1997, Janet Jackson's album "The Velvet Rope" explored the bonds of love and lust.
1998: Release of "I Get Lonely"
In 1998, Janet Jackson released "I Get Lonely", marking the end of her streak of 18 consecutive top ten hit singles on the Hot 100 chart, which began in 1989 with "Miss You Much".
1999: Janet Jackson Receives Legend Award at the World Music Awards
In 1999, Janet Jackson received the Legend Award at the World Music Awards for her outstanding contribution to the pop industry. Billboard ranked her as the second most successful artist of the decade, behind Mariah Carey.
July 2000: Janet Jackson stars in Nutty Professor II: The Klumps and releases "Doesn't Really Matter"
In July 2000, Janet Jackson appeared in her second film, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, playing Professor Denise Gaines alongside Eddie Murphy. The film opened at number one and grossed an estimated $170 million worldwide. Jackson's single "Doesn't Really Matter", from the film's soundtrack, also became her ninth number-one single on the Hot 100.
April 2001: Release of 'All for You' album
In April 2001, Janet Jackson released her seventh album, All for You, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 605,000 copies sold in its first week. The album received positive reception for its upbeat dance style and was later certified double Platinum by the RIAA.
July 2001: Janet Jackson Embarks on the All for You Tour
In July 2001, Janet Jackson commenced her All for You Tour, which included a concert special broadcast on HBO, attracting twelve million viewers. The tour encompassed venues throughout the United States and Japan, though scheduled European and Asian dates were later canceled due to the September 11 terrorist attacks. Jackson also donated a portion of the tour's proceeds to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
2001: End of Top Ten Hits Streak
Between 1985 and 2001, Janet Jackson had 27 top ten hits on the Billboard charts.
2001: MTV Icon Special and Chart Success
In 2001, Janet Jackson was the subject of the first MTV Icon special, and she also became one of the few artists to have ten number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
2004: End of Top 40 Hits Streak
From 1985 through 2004, Janet Jackson achieved 33 consecutive top 40 hits on the Billboard charts.
June 2005: Janet Jackson Receives Humanitarian Award
In June 2005, Janet Jackson received a Humanitarian Award from 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, as a celebration of the joyful liberation and history-making musical style from her album Control.
September 2006: Release of '20 Y.O.' album
In September 2006, Janet Jackson released her ninth studio album, 20 Y.O., which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. The album received mixed reviews, with criticism directed towards the production and Jermaine Dupri's involvement.
2007: Janet Jackson stars in Why Did I Get Married?
In 2007, Janet Jackson starred opposite Tyler Perry in the film Why Did I Get Married?, playing a psychotherapist. The film opened at number one at the box office, grossing $60 million. Jackson's performance received mixed reviews, being praised for its "soft authority" but also described as "charming, yet bland".
February 2008: Janet Jackson Receives Image Award and Vanguard Award
In February 2008, Janet Jackson won an Image Award for "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture". She was also awarded the Vanguard Award at the 19th annual GLAAD Media Awards, honoring her contributions in promoting equal rights among the gay community.
March 2008: Janet Jackson ranked among top-selling artists
In March 2008, Janet Jackson was recognized as one of the top ten selling artists in contemporary music history by Business Wire and Billboard magazine.
September 2008: Beginning of Rock Witchu Tour and departure from Island Records
In September 2008, Janet Jackson's fifth concert tour, the Rock Witchu Tour, began. Also in September, Jackson parted with Island Records through mutual agreement, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with the label's handling of her album and its promotion.
2008: Release of Discipline
In 2008, Janet Jackson released her tenth studio album, Discipline, which was her only album with Island Records.
November 2009: Release of 'Number Ones' compilation album
In November 2009, Janet Jackson's second hits compilation album, Number Ones (retitled The Best internationally), was released. To promote the album, she performed a medley of hits at various events. The album's promotional single "Make Me" became Jackson's nineteenth number one on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart.
April 2010: Release of 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?. The film opened at number two, grossing sixty million. Janet Jackson's performance was hailed as "invigorating and oddly funny".
November 2010: Ranked in Billboard's Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists
In November 2010, Billboard ranked Janet Jackson number five on its "Top 50 R&B / Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years" list.
November 2010: Release of For Colored Girls
In November 2010, Janet Jackson starred as Joanna in the drama For Colored Girls, a film adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. Jackson's portrayal was praised and likened to Meryl Streep's performance in The Devil Wears Prada.
2012: Endorsement of Nutrisystem and Contributions to AIDS Research
In 2012, Janet Jackson endorsed Nutrisystem, sponsoring their weight-loss program. Through the program, she donated ten million dollars in meals to the hungry. Also in 2012, she was honored by amfAR for her contributions to AIDS research while chairing the Cinema Against AIDS gala during the Cannes Film Festival and participated in a public service announcement for UNICEF to help starving children.
May 16, 2015: Announcement of New Album and World Tour
On May 16, 2015, Janet Jackson announced plans to release a new album in the fall and embark on a world concert tour. She also outlined her intention to release her new album under her own record label, Rhythm Nation, distributed by BMG Rights Management, establishing herself as one of the few African-American female musicians to own a record label.
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 the North American leg of her Unbreakable World Tour. On June 22, the lead single "No Sleeep" was released from the album and debuted on the Hot 100 at number 67. The song went to number 1 on the Billboard + Twitter Trending 140 immediately following the release.
September 3, 2015: Release of "Unbreakable" and Album Pre-order
On September 3, 2015, Janet Jackson's album title track "Unbreakable" was released, debuting on Apple Music's Beats 1 radio station, hosted by Ebro Darden. The album was also made available for pre-order on iTunes the same day.
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. It received largely positive reviews and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming her seventh album to top the chart in the United States.
2015: BET Ultimate Icon Award and Announcement of Jewelry Line and New Album
In 2015, BET presented Janet Jackson with the inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual award at the BET Awards 2015, which featured a dance tribute to her. Also in 2015, she announced she would launch a luxury jewelry line called the "Janet Jackson Unbreakable Diamonds collection," and released a preview of a new song "The Great Forever", confirming the title of her eleventh studio album as Unbreakable.
2015: Launch of Rhythm Nation Record Label and Release of Unbreakable
In 2015, Janet Jackson partnered with BMG Rights Management to launch her own record label, Rhythm Nation, and released her eleventh studio album, Unbreakable.
April 6, 2016: Postponement of Tour due to Family Planning
On April 6, 2016, Janet Jackson announced that she was "planning her family" with husband Wissam Al Mana, resulting in her postponing her tour.
May 1, 2017: Resumption of Unbreakable World Tour as State of the World Tour
On May 1, 2017, Janet Jackson announced she would resume her Unbreakable World Tour, now known as the State of the World Tour.
September 7, 2017: Launch of State of the World Tour
On September 7, 2017, Janet Jackson launched the revamped State of the World Tour. The tour focused on socially conscious messages from Jackson's music catalog and opened to positive critical reception.
September 9, 2017: Donation to Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts
On September 9, 2017, proceeds from Janet Jackson's concert at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas were donated to relief efforts supporting evacuees of Hurricane Harvey. She also met with Houston mayor Sylvester Turner and evacuees prior to the performance.
May 2018: Announcement of Billboard Icon Award
In May 2018, it was announced that Janet Jackson would receive the Billboard Icon Award at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. In an interview for Billboard magazine, Jackson revealed that she was then working on new music.
August 16, 2018: Partnership with Cinq Music Group and Release of "Made for Now"
On August 16, 2018, it was announced that Janet Jackson and Rhythm Nation had entered into a partnership with Cinq Music Group. The next day, Jackson released the single "Made for Now", a collaboration with Daddy Yankee.
October 2018: Third Nomination for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
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 Announced
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: Metamorphosis
On February 26, 2019, Janet Jackson announced a four-month Las Vegas residency entitled Metamorphosis, comprising fourteen shows 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 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2020: Postponement of Black Diamond World Tour and Album Announcement
In 2020, Janet Jackson's Black Diamond World Tour was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also announced her upcoming twelfth studio album Black Diamond, which was scheduled for a 2020 release.
2021: "Janet Jackson Night" on Dancing with the Stars
In 2021, season 30, week 8, of Dancing with the Stars was themed "Janet Jackson Night" as a tribute to Janet Jackson.
March 3, 2022: Headliner of Essence Music Festival
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 and New Music
On December 12, 2022, Janet Jackson announced she was going on tour again starting April 14, 2023, with her Together Again Tour and teased new music.
March 8, 2023: Announcement of Janet Jackson: Family First Documentary Series
On March 8, 2023, Lifetime and A&E announced that it had greenlighted a follow-up documentary series, Janet Jackson: Family First. The series will follow Jackson as she prepares for her Together Again Tour as well as her and brother Randy's attempts to reunite 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 Las Vegas Residency: Janet Jackson: Las Vegas
On August 21, 2024, Janet Jackson announced a new Las Vegas concert residency, Janet Jackson: Las Vegas, which began on December 30, 2024.
December 30, 2024: Start of Las Vegas Residency: Janet Jackson: Las Vegas
On December 30, 2024, Janet Jackson's new Las Vegas concert residency, Janet Jackson: Las Vegas began.
January 14, 2025: Announcement of Additional Shows for Las Vegas Residency
On January 14, 2025, six additional shows for May of the same year were announced for Janet Jackson's Las Vegas residency.
Mentioned in this timeline
Home Box Office HBO is a flagship American pay television...
Tyler Perry is an accomplished American actor filmmaker and playwright...
The Billboard Hot is the primary music chart in the...
Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney She served...
An apple is a widely cultivated round edible fruit from...
The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the...
Trending
35 minutes ago Michael King Scratched from Padres Game Against Braves Due to Shoulder Injury
1 month ago Belize: Skinny Water Charters, Company Registration, and Rosario Development Protest.
2 hours ago Fever secure win; Caitlin Clark's three-point streak ends; Boston shines in game.
2 hours ago Stefanski Praises Sanders; Browns QB Competition Remains United, Not Dysfunctional This Offseason.
3 hours ago Natasha Cloud Joins Liberty, Aims to Elevate WNBA and Championship Hopes.
3 hours ago Matthew Broderick Joins Tribeca Festival 2025 Jury Alongside MacLachlan, Glazer, and Whitehead.
Popular
Jupiter the fifth planet from the Sun is the Solar...
Cristiano Ronaldo often nicknamed CR is a highly decorated Portuguese...
Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter was an influential Australian zookeeper...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a professional basketball player...
Kash Patel is an American lawyer and former federal prosecutor...
Pope Francis is the current head of the Catholic Church...