Janet Jackson is a celebrated American artist known for her innovative music, provocative performances, and socially conscious themes. Her impact on MTV helped break racial and gender barriers, and her lyrical focus on social issues and personal experiences resonated deeply with young audiences, establishing her as a role model.
Janet Damita Jo Jackson was born on May 16, 1966. She would later become known for her innovative music career, often addressing social issues and pushing creative boundaries.
The Jackson 5, Janet Jackson's brothers' group, secured a record deal with Motown in March 1969, achieving their first number-one hit soon after.
Ntozake Shange's groundbreaking choreopoem, "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf," premiered in 1975. This significant work explored themes of womanhood, race, and resilience, resonating deeply with audiences.
At the age of seven, Janet Jackson, alongside her sisters, performed at the MGM Casino in Las Vegas. In the same year, she began acting in the variety show "The Jacksons."
In 1976, Janet Jackson began her career in entertainment, starring in the variety television series "The Jacksons".
Janet Jackson landed a starring role as Penny Gordon Woods in the sitcom "Good Times" in 1977. This marked a significant step in her acting career, leading to roles in "A New Kind of Family" and "Diff'rent Strokes".
Janet Jackson released her debut album, "Janet Jackson", in 1982 under A&M Records. The album was produced by a team that included Angela Winbush, René Moore, Bobby Watson of Rufus, and Leon Sylvers III.
Janet Jackson signed a recording contract with A&M Records in 1982, marking a significant step in her solo music career.
Janet Jackson, the youngest sibling of the renowned Jackson family, embarked on her music career in 1982. From the outset, she sought to forge her own path and artistic identity, distinct from her brother Michael and the rest of her family.
Janet Jackson's debut album appeared on Billboard's Top Black Albums of 1983. She was recognized as the highest-ranking female vocalist on the Billboard Year-End Black Album Artists chart.
At 18, Janet Jackson eloped with singer James DeBarge in September 1984.
Janet Jackson's marriage to James DeBarge was annulled in November 1985 after a year of marriage.
In February 1986, Janet Jackson released her third studio album, "Control," which quickly rose to number one on the Billboard 200 chart. This album, a collaboration with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, achieved significant commercial success and helped solidify her status as a pop icon.
The release of "Control" in 1986, with its distinctive sound and incorporation of rap vocals, solidified Janet Jackson's influence on the evolution of contemporary R&B.
Janet Jackson's album "Control" was released in 1986, achieving major commercial success and establishing her as a pop icon.
Janet Jackson's fourth album, "Rhythm Nation 1814", was released in September 1989. Departing from her label's desire for a direct sequel to "Control," Jackson infused this album with a socially conscious message, addressing themes of unity and responding to prevalent social issues of the time.
In 1989, Janet Jackson released "Rhythm Nation 1814", an album praised for its socially conscious themes and innovative blend of musical styles.
Janet Jackson continued to shape contemporary R&B with the release of her album "Rhythm Nation 1814" in 1989. The album's innovative sound further cemented her influence on the genre.
Janet Jackson's single "Miss You Much" marked the beginning of her impressive run of 18 consecutive top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989.
In 1990, Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation 1814" became the year's highest selling album, earning a record fifteen Billboard Awards. The accompanying short film also won a Grammy Award, cementing its impact. This success further solidified Jackson's status in the music industry.
In 1990, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour became the most successful debut tour in history, setting a record at Japan's Tokyo Dome. She also established the "Rhythm Nation Scholarship" to support educational programs, highlighting her influence and commitment to education and cultural impact.
In March 1991, Janet Jackson married dancer, songwriter, and director René Elizondo Jr. in a secret ceremony.
In 1991, Janet Jackson signed a lucrative deal with Virgin Records, becoming the highest paid recording artist at the time. This contract marked a significant milestone in her career, reinforcing her reputation as the "Queen of Pop."
Janet Jackson signed a groundbreaking multimillion-dollar contract with Virgin Records in 1991, becoming one of the highest-paid artists at the time.
In 1992, Janet Jackson collaborated with Luther Vandross on the song "The Best Things in Life Are Free," which became a top ten hit on the Billboard charts and internationally, showcasing her versatility and appeal.
In May 1993, Janet Jackson released her fifth studio album, 'Janet,' which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, a first for a female artist in the Nielsen SoundScan era. The album was certified sixfold Platinum by the RIAA, selling over 14 million copies globally.
In July 1993, Janet Jackson made her film debut in 'Poetic Justice,' receiving praise for her performance. Her song 'Again,' written for the film, earned Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song.
In September 1993, Janet Jackson appeared topless on the cover of Rolling Stone, with her breasts covered by her then-husband, René Elizondo, Jr. This image became one of the most recognized magazine covers, establishing Jackson as a role model and sex symbol at age 27.
In 1993, Janet Jackson released her album "Janet," which marked a significant shift in her music towards more sexual themes. This album played a key role in shaping her image as one of the most sexually stimulating vocalists of the 1990s.
In 1993, Janet Jackson released her 30-minute film "Rhythm Nation 1814," which showcased her innovative use of street dancing techniques and a departure from traditional choreography. Her music videos, known for their concert-like or theatrical aesthetics, also became increasingly recognized for their exploration of sexuality.
Janet Jackson made her film debut in a lead role for "Poetic Justice" and released her album "Janet", both in 1993.
In 1995, Janet Jackson collaborated with her brother Michael on the song 'Scream,' which debuted at number five on the Hot 100 chart. The music video, directed by Mark Romanek, set a Guinness World Record for being the most expensive music video ever made, costing $7 million.
In 1996, the music video for Janet and Michael Jackson's song 'Scream' won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video, recognizing its groundbreaking production and impact.
In August 1997, Janet Jackson released 'Got 'til It's Gone,' featuring Joni Mitchell and Q-Tip. The song's music video, highlighting a pre-Apartheid celebration, won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video. 'Together Again' became her eighth number-one hit, spending forty-six weeks on the Hot 100.
In October 1997, Janet Jackson released her sixth album, 'The Velvet Rope,' addressing themes of belonging, social issues, and personal experiences of depression and anxiety. The album marked a notable change in her image and was more sexually explicit than her previous work.
Janet Jackson further explored themes of love, lust, and intimacy in her 1997 album, "The Velvet Rope," solidifying her image as an artist who embraced and expressed sexuality in her music.
Janet Jackson released "The Velvet Rope" in 1997, further solidifying her image as a sex symbol and generating both praise and controversy.
Janet Jackson's streak of 18 consecutive singles reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 concluded with her single "I Get Lonely" in 1998, marking a significant achievement in her career.
In July 1999, Janet Jackson secured a spot on multiple VH1 lists celebrating music icons. Her influence and impact were acknowledged through her inclusion on lists such as "100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll," "200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons of All Time," "100 Greatest Women In Music," and "50 Greatest Women of the Video Era."
In 1999, Janet Jackson was honored with the Legend Award at the World Music Awards for her outstanding contribution to the pop industry. Billboard also ranked her as the second most successful artist of the decade, behind Mariah Carey.
In July 2000, Janet Jackson starred in 'Nutty Professor II: The Klumps,' playing Professor Denise Gaines. The film was a commercial success, grossing approximately $170 million worldwide. Her song 'Doesn't Really Matter,' featured in the film, reached number one on the Hot 100.
In April 2001, Janet Jackson released her seventh studio album, \"All for You\". The album was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with impressive sales figures. It marked a return to her upbeat dance style and received generally positive reviews.
Janet Jackson embarked on her All for You Tour in July 2001. The tour included dates in the United States and Japan, while European and Asian dates were unfortunately cancelled due to the September 11th terrorist attacks. The tour garnered praise for Jackson's showmanship and performance skills.
In 2001, Janet Jackson released "All for You" and was celebrated as the subject of the inaugural MTV Icon special, acknowledging her significant influence on the music industry.
Janet Jackson's marriage to René Elizondo Jr. ended in divorce in October 2003.
Slant Magazine included two of Janet Jackson's music videos, "Rhythm Nation" and "Got 'til It's Gone," in their list of the 100 Greatest Music Videos of all time in 2003.
Janet Jackson's performance during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show in February 2004 became infamous for its controversial wardrobe malfunction, widely referred to as "nipplegate". During the performance with Justin Timberlake, her costume was torn, briefly exposing her breast to a massive audience.
In March 2004, Janet Jackson released her eighth studio album, \"Damita Jo\". Named after her middle name, the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum certification. Despite receiving mixed to positive reviews for its sonic innovation and Jackson's vocals, the album's release was overshadowed by the Super Bowl incident.
In November 2004, Janet Jackson received recognition from the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. They presented her with the Artistic Achievement Award, acknowledging her successful career. The organization defended their decision to honor her amidst the Super Bowl controversy, emphasizing that a single moment shouldn't define an individual's worth.
The 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show resulted in a major controversy impacting Janet Jackson's career, leading to industry blacklisting and reduced exposure.
In June 2005, Janet Jackson's contributions to AIDS charities were acknowledged with the Humanitarian Award from the Human Rights Campaign and AIDS Project Los Angeles. This award recognized her commitment to raising awareness and funds for important causes.
Janet Jackson began working on her ninth studio album, \"20 Y.O.\", in 2005. The album's title held special significance as it marked the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking \"Control\" album, aiming to recapture the celebratory and groundbreaking spirit of that era.
Janet Jackson's ninth studio album, \"20 Y.O.\", was released in September 2006. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 but received a mixed critical response. While her Us Weekly cover promoting the album became a best-seller, some critics were critical of the album's production and the involvement of Jermaine Dupri.
Janet Jackson was introduced to Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana in October 2006.
Janet Jackson starred in Tyler Perry's film \"Why Did I Get Married?\" in 2007, playing the role of a psychotherapist. The film marked her third consecutive movie to debut at number one at the box office. Her performance received mixed reviews, with some praising its subtlety while others found it somewhat bland.
In February 2008, Janet Jackson received two notable awards. She won an Image Award for \"Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture\" for her role in \"Why Did I Get Married?\" Additionally, she was honored with the Vanguard Award at the GLAAD Media Awards for her support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Janet Jackson released her tenth studio album, \"Discipline,\" in February 2008, marking her first release with Island Records. Despite facing radio blacklisting, the album debuted at number one on the charts.
In March 2008, Business Wire highlighted Janet Jackson's status as one of the top-selling artists in contemporary music history.
Janet Jackson kicked off her fifth concert tour, the Rock Witchu Tour, in September 2008. However, she parted ways with Island Records following disagreements over the handling and promotion of her \"Discipline\" album.
Janet Jackson was listed as number seven on Billboard's list of the Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists in 2008.
Janet Jackson released her album "Discipline" in 2008, marking her first and only project with Island Records after departing from Virgin Records.
In a tragic event, Janet Jackson's brother, Michael Jackson, passed away in June 2009. Janet publicly addressed his passing at the BET Awards, expressing her family's grief and thanking fans for their support during this difficult time.
Janet Jackson released her second hits compilation album, "Number Ones" (titled "The Best" internationally), in November 2009. To support the album, she performed medleys of her hits at various events, including the American Music Awards, Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball in London, and "The X-Factor." The album's promotional single, "Make Me," achieved significant success, reaching number one on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. This achievement made Jackson the first artist to have number-one singles across four consecutive decades.
In 2009, Janet Jackson paid a heartfelt tribute to her late brother, Michael Jackson, at the MTV Video Music Awards. She performed their iconic duet "Scream," captivating the audience with a performance both energetic and deeply moving. MTV recognized Janet's unique ability to deliver a powerful message through the performance.
In April 2010, Janet Jackson reprised her role in the sequel to the romantic comedy-drama "Why Did I Get Married?" titled "Why Did I Get Married Too?" The film was a box office success, opening at number two and receiving positive reviews, including praise for Jackson's performance, which was described as "invigorating and oddly funny." Jackson's portrayal even earned her an Image Award for "Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture." Notably, Jackson also recorded the film's theme song, "Nothing," which was released as a promotional single. She delivered a memorable performance on the season finale of "American Idol," where she sang "Nothing" along with her classic hits "Again" and "Nasty."
In November 2010, Janet Jackson showcased her acting versatility by taking on the role of Joanna in the film adaptation of Ntozake Shange's acclaimed 1975 play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf." Jackson's performance was lauded by critics, with The Wall Street Journal praising her delivery of Shange's verses, describing them as "ordinary—though very eloquent—speech." Jackson's acting in the film was even compared to Meryl Streep's performance in "The Devil Wears Prada." Her powerful portrayal earned her nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Ensemble at the Black Reel Awards.
In November 2010, Billboard recognized Janet Jackson as the number five R&B/Hip-Hop artist of the past 25 years.
In 2010, Billboard ranked Janet Jackson fifth among the "Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years".
In February 2011, Janet Jackson released her self-help book, "True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself," co-authored with David Ritz. The book became a New York Times Best Seller, reflecting the public's interest in Jackson's personal journey. In "True You," she candidly shared her struggles with weight and self-esteem, offering insights and encouragement to readers. The book also included heartfelt letters from fans, creating a sense of community and support.
Billboard named Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" as one of the ten best music videos of the 1980s in 2011, solidifying its impact and legacy.
Throughout 2012, Janet Jackson engaged in various philanthropic endeavors and endorsements, using her platform to give back and raise awareness. She partnered with Nutrisystem, promoting their weight-loss program and generously donating ten million dollars in meals to combat hunger. Her commitment to fighting AIDS was recognized by amfAR, who honored her contributions at the Cinema Against AIDS gala during the Cannes Film Festival. Jackson also actively participated in a public service announcement for UNICEF, advocating for children suffering from starvation.
In November 2014, Janet Jackson was voted 'Queen of Pop' in a VH1.com online poll.
On May 16, 2015, Janet Jackson delighted fans with news of a new album and an upcoming world concert tour. She revealed her intention to release the album in the fall of 2015 under her own record label, Rhythm Nation, distributed by BMG Rights Management. This move marked a significant milestone for Jackson, establishing her as one of the few African-American female musicians to own and operate a record label.
On June 15, 2015, Janet Jackson announced the highly anticipated dates for the North American leg of her "Unbreakable World Tour," building excitement among fans eager to see her perform live.
Janet Jackson's highly anticipated single "Unbreakable" premiered on September 3, 2015, on Apple Music's Beats 1 radio station, hosted by Ebro Darden. The album, also titled "Unbreakable," was made available for pre-order on iTunes the same day, marking the beginning of a new musical chapter for Jackson.
Janet Jackson's collaboration with Missy Elliott on the track "Burnitup!" made its debut on BBC Radio 1 on September 24, 2015. This release further fueled anticipation for her upcoming album, showcasing her musical versatility.
On October 2, 2015, Janet Jackson's eleventh studio album, "Unbreakable," was officially released, receiving widespread critical acclaim. The album's themes of resilience, vulnerability, and self-love resonated with listeners, cementing its place as a standout work in Jackson's discography. Its success was further solidified by its debut at number one on the Billboard 200, making it her seventh album to achieve this feat. The album's release marked a triumphant return for Jackson, reaffirming her status as an icon in the music industry. In a testament to her enduring legacy, the following week, Jackson received her first nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to her lasting impact on music history.
In October 2015, Janet Jackson received her first nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2015, Janet Jackson partnered with BMG Rights Management to establish her own record label, Rhythm Nation, and released her album "Unbreakable".
Janet Jackson received the well-deserved recognition of BET's inaugural "Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual" award at the BET Awards 2015. This special honor celebrated her immense influence and contributions to music, dance, and visual artistry. The ceremony featured a spectacular dance tribute to Jackson, performed by renowned artists Ciara, Jason Derulo, and Tinashe. In another exciting venture, Jackson announced the launch of her luxury jewelry line, the "Janet Jackson Unbreakable Diamonds collection," in collaboration with Paul Raps New York. This entrepreneurial move added a new dimension to her career.
Janet Jackson made a personal announcement on April 6, 2016, sharing that she and her husband, Wissam Al Mana, were "planning their family." As a result, she made the decision to postpone her "Unbreakable World Tour," prioritizing her family life.
Billboard magazine named Janet Jackson the second most successful dance club artist, following Madonna, in December 2016.
At 50, Janet Jackson gave birth to her son, Eissa Al Mana, in January 2017.
In April 2017, it was reported that Janet Jackson and Wissam Al Mana had separated and were pursuing a divorce.
On May 1, 2017, Janet Jackson announced her return to the stage, revealing plans to resume her tour, now titled the "State of the World Tour." This announcement marked a new chapter for Jackson, combining her musical career with her evolving personal life.
Janet Jackson's highly anticipated "State of the World Tour" kicked off on September 7, 2017, marking a triumphant return to the stage after postponing it to focus on her family. The tour carried a powerful message of social consciousness, addressing critical issues such as racism, white supremacy, fascism, xenophobia, and police brutality. Jackson's performances were met with positive critical reception, with praise for her post-pregnancy fitness, exceptional showmanship, and the timely social commentary woven into the show.
During her "State of the World Tour," Janet Jackson's performance of "What About" at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, on September 9, 2017, drew significant media attention. The song, which deals with domestic violence, took on added resonance in light of Jackson's recent separation from her husband. Her brother Randy's allegations of verbal abuse within the marriage further amplified the song's impact. In a gesture of compassion and support, proceeds from the Houston concert were donated to relief efforts assisting evacuees of Hurricane Harvey, which had devastated the region. Prior to her performance, Jackson demonstrated her commitment to the community by meeting with Houston mayor Sylvester Turner and evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center, offering words of comfort and support.
In May 2018, Janet Jackson's enduring legacy in the music industry was further cemented when it was announced that she would receive the prestigious Billboard Icon Award at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. This recognition celebrated her exceptional career and influence on music and popular culture.
Janet Jackson and her record label, Rhythm Nation, took a significant step in their business endeavors by announcing a partnership with Cinq Music Group on August 16, 2018. This strategic move aimed to expand the reach and impact of Jackson's music and entrepreneurial ventures.
Janet Jackson received her third nomination for induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October 2018.
On December 13, 2018, Janet Jackson was revealed as one of the inductees for the 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class.
Janet Jackson announced her Las Vegas residency, "Metamorphosis," on February 26, 2019. The residency, initially set for fourteen shows, was scheduled to take place at the Park Theater at Park MGM resort.
In November 2019, Janet Jackson celebrated the 30th anniversary of her album "Rhythm Nation" with a series of concerts at venues including Welch Treasure Island Resort & Casino in San Francisco and locations in Hawaii.
Janet Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry.
Janet Jackson's album "Rhythm Nation 1814" was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry in 2020, highlighting its enduring cultural and historical significance.
Janet Jackson's planned "Black Diamond" World Tour, set for 2020, was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The release of her album of the same name, "Black Diamond," was also delayed.
Janet Jackson's album "Rhythm Nation 1814" was inducted into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry in 2021. This honor recognized the album's lasting impact and cultural significance.
During 2021, the 30th season of Dancing with the Stars paid tribute to Janet Jackson with a dedicated theme week called "Janet Jackson Night".
On March 3, 2022, it was announced that Janet Jackson would be one of the headliners for the 2022 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.
On December 12, 2022, Janet Jackson announced her return to touring with the "Together Again" Tour, scheduled to begin on April 14, 2023. She also hinted at the release of new music.
A two-part documentary about Janet Jackson's life and career, simply titled "Janet Jackson," premiered on January 28 and 29, 2022 on Lifetime and A&E.
Lifetime and A&E announced a new documentary series, "Janet Jackson: Family First," on March 8, 2023. The series will focus on Jackson as she prepares for her "Together Again" Tour and her efforts, along with brother Randy, to reunite the Jackson family band.
Janet Jackson's "Together Again" Tour commenced on April 14, 2023.
On August 21, 2024, Janet Jackson revealed her new Las Vegas concert residency, "Janet Jackson: Las Vegas," set to begin on December 30, 2024, for a total of 10 dates.
In September 2024, Janet Jackson sparked controversy after claiming in an interview with The Guardian that she heard US Vice President Kamala Harris was "not Black," based on misinformation about Harris's father's ancestry. Jackson's alleged manager later issued an apology on her behalf, but it was later revealed that he was not authorized to speak for her.
Janet Jackson's Las Vegas residency, "Janet Jackson: Las Vegas," is scheduled to begin on December 30, 2024.