Early Life and Education of Justin Timberlake: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Justin Timberlake. A timeline of key moments.

Justin Timberlake, an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer, is known as the "Prince of Pop." Billboard recognized him as a top male solo act and one of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century. He is among the best-selling music artists ever, with over 117 million records sold globally. His accolades include ten Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, three Brit Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, the Contemporary Icon Award, and the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

January 31, 1981: Justin Timberlake's Birth

On January 31, 1981, Justin Randall Timberlake was born. He would later become an accomplished American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer.

1995: Joining NSYNC

In 1995, Justin Timberlake recruited JC Chasez to be in an all-male singing group, that eventually became NSYNC.

1997: Death of Half-Sister Laura Katherine

In 1997, Justin Timberlake's half-sister, Laura Katherine, died shortly after birth.

2000: Spears Becomes Pregnant and has an abortion

In late 2000, Britney Spears became pregnant during her relationship with Justin Timberlake and had an abortion because Timberlake felt they were not ready for parenthood.

2001: Writing of "Gone"

Around 2001, Timberlake originally wrote the single 'Gone' for Michael Jackson, but he turned the song down, and it was instead recorded by NSYNC.

July 2002: Timberlake Purchases Mansion in Hollywood Hills

In July 2002, Justin Timberlake bought a 13,250-square-foot mansion in Hollywood Hills for $8.3 million from Helen Hunt. This marked a significant investment in real estate for Timberlake early in his solo career.

2002: NSYNC Indefinite Hiatus

By 2002, NSYNC went on an indefinite hiatus as members were doing individual projects and Timberlake partnered with Pharrell Williams of the producing team The Neptunes–and Timbaland to start working on new music.

2002: First Celebrity on Punk'd

Near the end of 2002, Justin Timberlake was the first celebrity to appear on Punk'd.

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2003: MTV Video Music Awards Kiss

In 2003, Britney Spears and Madonna shared a kiss at the MTV Video Music Awards, which became a point of comparison in later allegations surrounding the Super Bowl XXXVIII incident.

2004: Acting Career Focus After Super Bowl Incident

After the Super Bowl incident in 2004, Timberlake put his recording career on hold to act in several films.

May 5, 2005: Throat Surgery

On May 5, 2005, Justin Timberlake underwent an operation to remove nodules from his throat and was advised not to sing or speak loudly for a few months.

2011: Timberlake voices support for LGBT equality

In 2011, after New York legalized same-sex marriage, Justin Timberlake voiced his support for LGBT equality in the U.S. He emphasized the importance of embracing differences and bringing people closer together.

October 19, 2012: Timberlake and Biel Get Married in Italy

On October 19, 2012, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel married at the Borgo Egnazia resort in Fasano, Italy.

2012: "It's Gonna Be May" Internet Meme

In 2012, Justin Timberlake's pronunciation of "me" on "It's Gonna Be Me" was popularized as an internet meme titled "It's Gonna Be May." A Tumblr image of Timberlake with the caption led to an annually recurring joke throughout April.

April 2015: Timberlake and Biel Welcome First Child

In April 2015, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel welcomed their first child, a son.

2015: Timberlake Buys House in Yellowstone Club, Montana

In 2015, Justin Timberlake purchased a house in the Yellowstone Club near Big Sky, Montana. This purchase signifies Timberlake's investment in property outside of traditional entertainment hubs.

2016: Timberlake Discusses His Fifth Studio Album Influences

In 2016, Justin Timberlake discussed the influences behind his fifth studio album, noting the impact of his upbringing in Tennessee and the blend of musical genres present there, including rock & roll, blues, and country. He also confirmed collaborations with producers Timbaland and Pharrell Williams, aiming for a modern sound rooted in Southern American music.

2016: Selfie Inside Voting Booth Leads to Tennessee Bill

In 2016, Justin Timberlake's selfie inside a voting booth during the presidential election, initially an illegal act, influenced Senator Brian Kelsey of Germantown, Tennessee to introduce a bill allowing photos in voting poll stations with some exceptions. The bill was later approved by the Tennessee Senate.

May 2017: Timberlake and Biel purchase penthouse in Tribeca, Manhattan

In May 2017, Justin Timberlake and his wife, Jessica Biel, purchased a 5,375-square-foot penthouse unit at 443 Greenwich Street in Tribeca, Manhattan, for $20.2 million. This purchase represents a significant real estate investment for the couple in New York City.

October 30, 2018: Release of Autobiography

On October 30, 2018, Justin Timberlake's autobiography, Hindsight & All the Things I Can't See In Front of Me, was released, covering his early life, inspiration for songs, and on and off camera moments.

Hindsight: & All the Things I Can't See in Front of Me

Check it on Amazon

May 2019: Timberlake Receives Honorary Doctorate from Berklee College of Music

In May 2019, Justin Timberlake received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music alongside Missy Elliott and Alex Lacamoire.

July 2020: Timberlake and Biel Welcome Second Son

In July 2020, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel had their second son.

June 2021: Timberlake supports Britney Spears during conservatorship battle

In June 2021, Justin Timberlake publicly supported Britney Spears during her court battle over her conservatorship. He stated that no woman should be restricted from making decisions about her own body and expressed his support for her freedom.

2023: Spears Reveals Pregnancy and Abortion in Memoir

In her 2023 memoir, "The Woman in Me", Britney Spears wrote that she became pregnant during her relationship with Justin Timberlake and had an abortion in late 2000.

The Woman in Me

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September 13, 2024: Timberlake pleads guilty to driving violation

On September 13, 2024, Justin Timberlake pleaded guilty to a noncriminal driving while impaired traffic violation at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Courthouse. He was sentenced to a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, 25 hours of community service, and required to make a public safety announcement. His driver's license was also suspended due to his refusal to take a breathalyzer.