How Janet Jackson Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Janet Jackson continue to shape the world today.

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.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1972: Carly Simon releases "You're So Vain"

In 1972, Carly Simon released her hit song "You're So Vain", which was later sampled in Janet Jackson's song "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" in 2001.

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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.

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.

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".

2003: "Rhythm Nation" and "Got 'til It's Gone" named among the 100 Greatest Music Videos of all time

In 2003, Slant Magazine named "Rhythm Nation" and "Got 'til It's Gone" among the 100 Greatest Music Videos of all time, ranked at number 87 and number 10, respectively.

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

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

2009: Janet Jackson performs tribute to Michael Jackson at MTV Video Music Awards

In 2009, Janet Jackson performed a tribute to her brother Michael at the MTV Video Music Awards, singing their duet "Scream". The performance was lauded by critics as energetic and heartfelt.

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2010: Billboard's Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists

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

February 2011: Release of 'True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself'

In February 2011, Janet Jackson released the self-help book True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself, co-written with David Ritz. The book chronicled her struggle with weight and confidence and included letters from fans.

True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself

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2011: "Rhythm Nation" Voted Among the Best Music Videos of the 1980s

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

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2016: Most Successful Dance Club Artist

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

2020: Rhythm Nation 1814 added to the National Recording Registry Class of 2020

In 2020, Janet Jackson's album Rhythm Nation 1814 was chosen to be added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry, a tribute to the album's lasting legacy.

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

On March 24, 2021, the Library of Congress announced that Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 had been added to the National Recording Registry's class of 2020, stating that the album still "resonates today".