Janet Jackson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Janet Jackson.

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 role model for youth. Her lyrics often addressed social issues and personal experiences, solidifying her impact on music and popular culture.

Sections (5)

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

1983: Billboard Recognition

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

February 1986: Release of Control Album

In February 1986, Janet Jackson released her third studio album, Control, which became a commercial success and reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

1990: Rhythm Nation World Tour and Cultural Impact

In 1990, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 became the most successful debut tour in history, with the establishment of the "Rhythm Nation Scholarship" and acknowledgment for the cultural impact of her music.

1990: Success of Rhythm Nation 1814

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

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 and establishing her reputation as the "Queen of Pop".

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 and selling over 14 million copies worldwide.

July 1993: Film Debut in Poetic Justice

In July 1993, Janet Jackson made her film debut in Poetic Justice and her ballad "Again" received Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations.

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1996: Success of Runaway

In 1996, Janet Jackson's "Runaway" became the first song by a female artist to debut within the top ten of the Hot 100.

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1996: Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video

In 1996, the music video for "Scream", a collaboration between Janet and Michael Jackson, won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video.

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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. Billboard also ranked her as the second most successful artist of the decade, only behind Mariah Carey.

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, becoming the highest first-week sales of her career. The album received positive reviews for its upbeat dance style and was later certified double Platinum by the RIAA.

2001: MTV Icon Special and Billboard Success

In 2001, Janet Jackson's seventh studio album All for You was released, coinciding with her being the subject of the first MTV Icon special and achieving ten number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

November 2004: Honored 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 received the organization's Artistic Achievement Award. The award was given in recognition of her successful career.

June 2005: Humanitarian Award from 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. The award recognized her involvement in raising money for AIDS charities.

February 2008: Image Award and Vanguard Award

Also 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 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, as reported by Business Wire. Billboard magazine ranked her as the ninth most successful act in rock and roll history and the second most successful female artist in pop music history.

2008: Billboard 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.

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?. The film opened at number two, grossing sixty million. Jackson's performance earned her an Image Award for "Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture".

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

In November 2010, Billboard ranked Janet Jackson as number five on its "Top 50 R&B / Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years" list. She was also recognized as the top artist on the chart with 15 number-one hits in the past twenty-five years.