Career Timeline of Justin Timberlake: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Justin Timberlake, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Justin Timberlake, an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer, is often called the "Prince of Pop." Billboard has recognized him as a top male solo artist on Pop Airplay and a leading pop star of the 21st century. With over 117 million records sold globally, he is among the best-selling artists ever. His numerous accolades include ten Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, three Brit Awards, and nine Billboard Music Awards, along with honors like the Songwriters Hall of Fame's Contemporary Icon Award and MTV's Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
1979: Comparison of Timberlake's 'FutureSex/LoveSounds' to 'Off the Wall'
Fuse TV's editor Jason Lipshutz said that Justin Timberlake's 'FutureSex/LoveSounds' had the best first half of any pop album in 25 years. Lipshutz stated you have to go back to 1979 for Michael Jackson's Off the Wall to find a pop album with a first half that matches up.
2001: Creation of Justin Timberlake Foundation
Since 2001, Justin Timberlake created the "Justin Timberlake Foundation", which initially funded music education programs in schools, but now has a much broader agenda.
2002: Timberlake's 'Justified' tour
Following the release of his multiplatinum album 'Justified', Sia Michel wrote in 2007 about Justin Timberlake's tour of 2002 and how he has learned to project a sex-symbol edge.
2002: Start of Timberlake's solo career
In 2002, Justin Timberlake began his solo career with the release of his debut album 'Justified', marking the start of his evolution in fashion and style.
2002: Release of 'Justified' album and tour
In 2002, Justin Timberlake released his debut album 'Justified', primarily an R&B album with influences from dance-pop, funk, and soul music. He co-headlined the album's supporting tour, Justified and Stripped Tour, with Christina Aguilera.
2003: Restaurant "Chi" Opens
In 2003, Justin Timberlake co-owned "Chi", a restaurant which opened in West Hollywood, California.
October 2005: Grammy Award for Humanitarian Efforts
In October 2005, the Grammy Association presented Justin Timberlake with an award for his humanitarian efforts in Tennessee.
2005: Launch of William Rast Clothing Line
In 2005, Justin Timberlake launched the William Rast clothing line with childhood friend Juan ("Trace") Ayala.
2006: Restaurant "Destino" Opens
In 2006, Justin Timberlake co-owned "Destino", a restaurant which opened in New York.
2006: Release of FutureSex/LoveSounds album
In 2006, Justin Timberlake released his album FutureSex/LoveSounds, which explored a broader sound with elements of rap, rock, funk, soul, gospel, new wave, opera, and world music, drawing inspiration from artists like David Bowie and Prince.
June 2007: Timberlake's earnings reported by Forbes
Forbes reported that between June 2007 and June 2008, Justin Timberlake earned $44 million from his music, tour, commercials, and hospitality.
November 2007: Donation to Wildlife Warriors
In November 2007, Justin Timberlake donated $100,000 from takings from his Australian tour to Wildlife Warriors founded by Steve Irwin.
2007: FutureSex/LoveShow Tour Grosses High
According to Billboard, in 2007 the FutureSex/LoveShow was the third highest-grossing concert tour and highest for a solo artist.
2007: Restaurant "Southern Hospitality" Opens
In 2007, Justin Timberlake co-owned "Southern Hospitality", a restaurant which opened in New York.
March 23, 2008: Donations to Memphis Museums
On March 23, 2008, Justin Timberlake donated $100,000 to the Memphis Rock N' Soul Museum and another $100,000 to the Memphis Music Foundation.
April 2008: IMG Management
In April 2008, Justin Timberlake's commercial product endorsements have been managed by IMG.
June 2008: Timberlake ranked among world's highest-paid musicians
In June 2008, Justin Timberlake was ranked the 4th best-paid music personality in the world by Forbes, earning $44 million, surpassing Madonna and Celine Dion. He was also ranked twelfth on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list and second on the "Best-Paid Celebrities Under 30" list.
2008: Hosting Shriners Hospitals for Children Open
In 2008, Justin Timberlake hosted the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.
July 25, 2009: Mirimichi Golf Course Reopens
On July 25, 2009, the Mirimichi Golf Course in Millington, Tennessee, which Justin Timberlake redeveloped, was reopened.
2009: Contribution to Shriners Hospitals
In 2009, Justin Timberlake's contribution to Shriners Hospitals for Children was considered the single most valuable celebrity endorsement in the U.S., worth over $US9 million.
2010: Hope for Haiti Now Telethon
In 2010, Justin Timberlake participated in the Hope for Haiti Now telethon, performing "Hallelujah", with proceeds donated to relief work in Haiti.
2011: Timberlake voices support for LGBT equality
After New York legalized same-sex marriage in 2011, Justin Timberlake voiced his support for LGBT equality in the U.S.
2011: Tom Ford begins dressing Timberlake
In 2011, American fashion designer Tom Ford began dressing Justin Timberlake, creating over 600 exclusive pieces for The 20/20 Experience World Tour.
2011: Myspace and Capital One Endorsements
In 2011, Justin Timberlake endorsed Myspace and teamed up with Capital One to announce the winners of the inaugural Capital One Cup.
2012: End of Involvement with Shriners Open
In 2012, it was announced that Justin Timberlake would no longer be involved in the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.
2012: Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts
In late 2012, Justin Timberlake and his wife Jessica Biel volunteered in Far Rockaway, Queens, helping distribute supplies after Hurricane Sandy.
2013: Timberlake's earnings in 2013
According to Billboard, in 2013 Justin Timberlake was the third highest-paid musician, with earnings of $31 million.
2013: MTV Video Vanguard Award
In 2013, Justin Timberlake received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards and also won the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year for "Mirrors".
2013: Release of The 20/20 Experience album and tours
In 2013, Justin Timberlake released The 20/20 Experience, a neo soul album inspired by 1960s and 1970s rock. He supported the album with Legends of the Summer tour, co-headlined with Jay-Z, and The 20/20 Experience World Tour, introducing his backing ensemble, the Tennessee Kids.
2014: Digital Downloads
As of 2014, Justin Timberlake has had seven songs exceed 3 million digital downloads in the United States.
2014: Sauza 901 Tequila Partnership
In 2014, Justin Timberlake partnered with Sauza Tequila to re-launch his own version of the beverage as part of the Sauza franchise called Sauza 901.
2014: Timberlake's ranking on Celebrity 100 list in 2014
In 2014, Justin Timberlake was ranked 26th with earnings of $57 million on the Celebrity 100 list.
2014: The 20/20 Experience World Tour Success
In 2014, The 20/20 Experience World Tour was the highest-grossing tour led by a solo artist and one of the highest-grossing tours of the decade.
2015: Timberlake and Biel receive Inspiration Award
In 2015, Justin Timberlake and his wife Jessica Biel received the Inspiration Award at the GLSEN Respect Awards for being vocal and committed allies to the LGBT community.
2015: Timberlake performs with Chris Stapleton at CMA Awards
In 2015, Justin Timberlake performed with Chris Stapleton at the Country Music Association Awards, which highlighted Timberlake's crossover appeal, according to The New York Times' editor Katie Rogers.
2015: iHeartRadio Innovator Award
In 2015, Justin Timberlake received the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
2015: Timberlake's ranking on Celebrity 100 list in 2015
In 2015, Justin Timberlake was ranked 19th on the Celebrity 100 list with $63 million in earnings.
2015: Fashion Oracle Award
In 2015, the William Rast clothing line earned Justin Timberlake a Lord & Taylor's Fashion Oracle Award at the Fashion Group International's Night of The Stars Gala.
2016: Investment in Bai Brands
In 2016, Justin Timberlake became an investor in the beverage company Bai Brands.
2016: Fifth studio album influence
In 2016, Justin Timberlake discussed the influences on his fifth studio album, noting the impact of his upbringing in Tennessee and the blend of musical genres present in the region, including rock & roll, blues, and country. He mentioned working with producers Timbaland and Pharrell Williams, aiming for a modern sound rooted in Southern American music.
2016: Teen Choice Decade Award
In 2016, Justin Timberlake received the inaugural Decade Award at the Teen Choice Awards for his achievements since the release of FutureSex/LoveSounds in 2006.
2016: Charity Single
In 2016, Justin Timberlake was featured in a new version of "Where Is the Love?", with proceeds going to educational programs.
2016: Timberlake's voting booth selfie influences Tennessee legislation
In 2016, after Justin Timberlake's selfie inside a voting booth on Instagram gained national attention, Senator Brian Kelsey of Germantown, Tennessee introduced a bill allowing photos in voting poll stations, which was later approved by the Tennessee Senate.
2017: Fundraising for Manchester Arena Bombing Victims
In 2017, Justin Timberlake and Eminem helped raise over $2 million for Manchester Arena bombing victims.
2017: Ownership Stake in Hurricane Junior Golf Tour
In 2017, Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake acquired an ownership stake in the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour.
February 2, 2018: Release of Man of the Woods
On February 2, 2018, Justin Timberlake released his fifth studio album, "Man of the Woods", two days before his Super Bowl halftime performance.
March 13, 2018: Man of the Woods Tour start
On March 13, 2018, Justin Timberlake began his "Man of the Woods Tour" in Toronto, Canada, which was the sixth-highest-grossing tour of 2018.
April 30, 2018: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
On April 30, 2018, Justin Timberlake reunited with his NSYNC bandmates to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
October 2018: Fresh Leaves Clothing Line Debuts
In October 2018, Justin Timberlake and Levi's debuted their collaborative clothing line collection "Fresh Leaves".
2018: Air Jordan Collaboration and Super Bowl Halftime Show
In 2018, Justin Timberlake, an Air Jordan brand ambassador, worked with Nike to design his own version of the Air Jordan 3, which he debuted at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Timberlake's performance was estimated to be worth $2.86 million in marketing for Nike.
April 13, 2019: Man of the Woods Tour conclusion
On April 13, 2019, Justin Timberlake concluded the "Man of the Woods Tour" in Uncasville.
2019: Awards in 2019
In 2019, Justin Timberlake received a Contemporary Icon Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music.
2019: Timberlake's earnings on 2019 Celebrity 100 list
In 2019, Justin Timberlake was ranked 41st on the Celebrity 100 list by Forbes, with earnings of $57.5 million.
February 26, 2020: Release of "The Other Side" with SZA
On February 26, 2020, Justin Timberlake and SZA released the single "The Other Side", along with its music video, as part of the Trolls World Tour soundtrack.
March 9, 2020: Teaser for "Don't Slack"
On March 9, 2020, Justin Timberlake released a teaser for his upcoming song "Don't Slack", featuring Anderson .Paak, which is also part of the Trolls World Tour soundtrack.
March 10, 2020: Release of "Don't Slack"
On March 10, 2020, Justin Timberlake released the song "Don't Slack", which features Anderson .Paak, and is also part of the Trolls World Tour soundtrack.
September 2020: Teasing of Collaborations
In September 2020, Justin Timberlake and producer Timbaland teased potential upcoming collaborations with Justin Bieber, Justine Skye, Hit-Boy and Ty Dolla Sign.
December 2020: Release of "Better Days"
In December 2020, Justin Timberlake and Ant Clemons released the single "Better Days", which premiered on the Rock the Runoff virtual concert held by Stacey Abrams' organization Fair Fight.
January 2021: Performance at Inauguration of Joe Biden
In January 2021, Justin Timberlake performed at the inauguration of Joe Biden from his hometown of Memphis, performing his collaboration with Ant Clemons during the Celebrating America special. Timberlake also performed at Pharrell Williams' Something in the Water festival in Washington D.C., where he was joined on stage by T.I. and Clipse.
June 2021: Timberlake supports Britney Spears during conservatorship battle
In June 2021, Justin Timberlake spoke out in support of Britney Spears during her court battle over her conservatorship, stating on Twitter that no woman should be restricted from making decisions about her own body.
May 2022: Sale of Musical Catalog
In May 2022, Justin Timberlake sold the rights to his entire musical catalog to Hipgnosis Song Management for $100 million.
May 2023: Timbaland Reveals Completion of Sixth Studio Album
In May 2023, Timbaland announced that Justin Timberlake's sixth studio album was completed, noting a return to the sound of the FutureSex/LoveSounds era.
September 1, 2023: Release of "Keep Going Up"
On September 1, 2023, Timbaland released the single "Keep Going Up", a collaboration with Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake.
January 19, 2024: Free Concert and Debut of "Selfish"
On January 19, 2024, Justin Timberlake performed a free concert at the Orpheum in Memphis, where he debuted his new single "Selfish".
January 25, 2024: Appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
On January 25, 2024, Justin Timberlake appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon", announcing the release of "Selfish" and revealing that his upcoming album had been in production for four years.
January 27, 2024: Saturday Night Live Appearance
On January 27, 2024, Justin Timberlake appeared as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, performing "Selfish" and "Sanctified".
February 22, 2024: Appearance on The Graham Norton Show
On February 22, 2024, Justin Timberlake appeared on "The Graham Norton Show" recorded in London, where he performed "Selfish".
February 23, 2024: Cancellation of London Concert and Release of "Drown"
On February 23, 2024, Justin Timberlake cancelled his "One Night Only" concert in London due to illness. On the same day, the promotional single "Drown" was released.
March 11, 2024: Appearance on Complex Networks Sneaker Shopping
On March 11, 2024, Justin Timberlake appeared on Complex Networks' Sneaker Shopping, mentioning the release of his new album at the end of the video.
March 13, 2024: Concert at The Wiltern and NSYNC Reunion
On March 13, 2024, in anticipation of his album release, Justin Timberlake performed a one-off concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. The show featured a surprise reunion with his NSYNC bandmates, with the group playing a medley of hits and a new album track “Paradise”.
March 15, 2024: NPR's Tiny Desk Concert, Documentary Announcement, and "No Angels" Release
On March 15, 2024, Justin Timberlake performed on NPR's Tiny Desk series for a half-hour-long concert. He also announced a documentary showcasing the album's creation process. Additionally, the second single off the record, "No Angels", was released on the same day as the album's release, March 15, 2024.
March 2024: Forget Tomorrow World Tour becomes his fastest-selling tour
In March 2024, before it even launched, the Forget Tomorrow World Tour had already grossed over $140 million globally in initial ticket sales from over 70 dates. The Tour became Timberlake's fastest selling tour to date.
March 2024: "Everything I Thought It Was" announcement
In March 2024, coinciding with the release of "Selfish", Justin Timberlake announced the release of his sixth studio album, "Everything I Thought It Was."
April 2024: iHeartRadio Music Awards Performance
In April 2024, Justin Timberlake opened the iHeartRadio Music Awards, performing both singles off the album, "Selfish" and "No Angels". Timberlake also promoted the album on the Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
April 29, 2024: Forget Tomorrow World Tour Launch
On April 29, 2024, Justin Timberlake launched the Forget Tomorrow World Tour in Vancouver, Canada.
May 20, 2024: Additional Dates Added to Forget Tomorrow World Tour
On May 20, 2024, it was announced that nine additional shows were added to Justin Timberlake's Forget Tomorrow World Tour due to overwhelming demand, with over 1 million tickets already sold.
June 21, 2024: Chicago Concert and Addressed Arrest
Despite the DWI arrest, Justin Timberlake continued to perform, including a concert in Chicago on June 21, 2024, where he appeared to address the arrest, stating "It's been a tough week - but you're here, and I'm here...I know sometimes I'm hard to love, but you keep on loving me and I love you right back."
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