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 celebrated American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer renowned for her innovative and provocative work. She broke gender and racial barriers while rising to prominence on MTV. Her socially conscious lyrics and elaborate stage shows established her as a youth role model. Jackson's impact on music and culture is undeniable.
1976: The Jacksons Variety Show
In 1976, Janet Jackson began acting in the variety show The Jacksons.
1977: Good Times role
In 1977, Janet Jackson began her career as a child actress with a role in the television series Good Times.
1977: Role in Good Times
In 1977, Janet Jackson starred as Penny Gordon Woods in the sitcom Good Times.
1979: Good Times role continued
Janet Jackson continued her role in the television series Good Times in 1979.
1980: Diff'rent Strokes role
In 1980, Janet Jackson appeared in Diff'rent Strokes.
1982: Signed with A&M Records
In 1982, Janet Jackson signed a recording contract with A&M Records.
1982: Release of debut album Janet Jackson
In 1982, Janet Jackson's debut album, Janet Jackson, was released by A&M Records.
1984: Diff'rent Strokes and Fame
In 1984, Janet Jackson continued in Diff'rent Strokes and appeared in Fame.
February 1986: Release of Control album
In February 1986, Janet Jackson released her third studio album, Control, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
1986: Release of Control album
In 1986, Janet Jackson released the album Control.
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: Release of Rhythm Nation 1814
In 1989, Janet Jackson released the album Rhythm Nation 1814.
1990: Rhythm Nation World Tour
In 1990, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 became the most successful debut tour in history and she established the "Rhythm Nation Scholarship".
1990: Success of Rhythm Nation
In 1990, the "Rhythm Nation" music video became iconic. Rhythm Nation 1814 became the highest selling album of the year, winning a record fifteen Billboard Awards. The full Rhythm Nation 1814 short film won a Grammy Award.
1991: Signing with Virgin Records
In 1991, Janet Jackson signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Virgin Records, making her the highest-paid recording artist at the time and establishing her reputation as the "Queen of Pop".
1992: Collaboration with Luther Vandross
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.
May 1993: Release of Janet album
In May 1993, Janet Jackson released her fifth studio album, Janet, which opened 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. She also wrote the ballad "Again" for the film, which received Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations.
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.
1993: Poetic Justice and Janet album
In 1993, Janet Jackson starred in the film Poetic Justice and released the album Janet.
1995: Collaboration on Scream
In 1995, Janet Jackson collaborated with Michael Jackson on "Scream", which debuted at number five on the Hot 100 singles chart.
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 Design of a Decade, "Runaway", became the first song by a female artist to debut within the top ten of the Hot 100.
August 1997: Release of "Got 'til It's Gone"
In August 1997, Janet Jackson released "Got 'til It's Gone" as the lead single, featuring Joni Mitchell and Q-Tip. The music video later won a Grammy Award.
October 1997: Release of The Velvet Rope album
In October 1997, Janet Jackson released her sixth album, The Velvet Rope, which chronicled her experience with severe depression and anxiety.
1997: Release of The Velvet Rope album
In 1997, Janet Jackson released The Velvet Rope album.
1999: 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. Also in 1999, Billboard ranked her as the second most successful artist of the decade, behind Mariah Carey.
July 2000: Appearance in Nutty Professor II: The Klumps
In July 2000, Janet Jackson appeared in the film Nutty Professor II: The Klumps as Professor Denise Gaines. The film opened at number one and grossed an estimated $170 million worldwide.
April 2001: Release of All for You Album
In April 2001, Janet Jackson released her seventh album, All for You. It opened at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 605,000 copies in its first week.
July 2001: All for You Tour
In July 2001, Janet Jackson embarked on the All for You Tour, which was also broadcast on HBO. Jackson donated a portion of the tour's proceeds to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
2001: MTV Icon and Billboard success
In 2001, Janet Jackson was the subject of the first MTV Icon special, and she also became one of the few artists to score ten number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
February 2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show Controversy
In February 2004, Janet Jackson performed at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show. During a performance with Justin Timberlake, part of her costume was torn open, exposing her breast to millions of viewers. The incident became known as "nipple gate".
March 2004: Release of Damita Jo Album
In March 2004, Janet Jackson released her eighth studio album, Damita Jo. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.
November 2004: Honored by 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
In November 2004, Janet Jackson was honored by 100 Black Men of America, Inc. with the organization's Artistic Achievement Award, celebrating her successful career.
June 2005: Humanitarian Award
In June 2005, Janet Jackson received a Humanitarian Award by the Human Rights Campaign and AIDS Project Los Angeles. The award recognized her involvement in raising money for AIDS charities.
2005: Started recording 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. Album
In September 2006, Janet Jackson's album 20 Y.O. was released. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.
2007: Starred in Why Did I Get Married?
In 2007, Janet Jackson starred in the film Why Did I Get Married? opposite Tyler Perry. The film opened at number one at the box office.
February 2008: Release of Discipline Album
In February 2008, Janet Jackson released her tenth studio album, Discipline. It opened at number one.
February 2008: 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 GLAAD Media Awards, honoring her contributions to promoting equal rights for the gay community.
September 2008: Rock Witchu Tour Begins and Departure from Island Records
In September 2008, Janet Jackson's Rock Witchu Tour began. Jackson also parted ways with Island Records through mutual agreement.
2008: Release of Discipline
In 2008, Janet Jackson released her tenth studio album Discipline, her only album with Island Records.
November 2009: Release of Number Ones Compilation Album
In November 2009, Janet Jackson's second hits compilation, Number Ones, was released. She also performed at the American Music Awards and other events for promotion.
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. She performed their duet "Scream".
April 2010: Reprised Role in Why Did I Get Married Too?
In April 2010, Janet Jackson reprised her role in the film Why Did I Get Married Too?. The film opened at number two. She also recorded the film's theme, "Nothing".
November 2010: Starred in For Colored Girls
In November 2010, Janet Jackson starred as Joanna in the film For Colored Girls, which is a film adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.
February 2011: Release of True You
In February 2011, Janet Jackson released the self-help book True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself, co-written with David Ritz. She also signed a film production contract with Lions Gate Entertainment.
October 2015: Nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
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.
2023: Together Again Tour
In 2023, Janet Jackson's Together Again Tour began, eventually becoming the highest-grossing tour of her career.
2024: Together Again Tour continues
In 2024, Janet Jackson's Together Again Tour continued and was the highest-grossing tour of her career.
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