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." He's recognized by Billboard as a top male solo artist and one of the 21st century's greatest pop stars. He is among the best-selling recording artists of all time, with over 117 million records sold. His accolades include ten Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, three Brit Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, the Contemporary Icon Award, and MTV's 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 Born

On January 31, 1981, Justin Randall Timberlake was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to Janet Lynn (Bomar) Harless and Charles Randall Timberlake.

1995: Recruitment to NSYNC

In 1995, Justin Timberlake recruited JC Chasez to join an all-male singing group that later became NSYNC, marking the beginning of his career in the popular boy band.

1995: NSYNC Formation

In 1995, the boy band NSYNC was formed, marking a significant milestone in Justin Timberlake's career.

1997: Death of Half-Sister Laura Katherine

In 1997, Justin Timberlake's half-sister, Laura Katherine, passed away shortly after birth. He mentioned her as "My Angel in Heaven" in the acknowledgments of the album NSYNC.

2000: Pregnancy with Britney Spears

In late 2000, Britney Spears became pregnant during her relationship with Justin Timberlake and had an abortion after Timberlake said they were not prepared for parenthood and he did not want to be a father. The information was in her 2023 memoir.

2001: Establishment of the "Justin Timberlake Foundation"

In 2001, Justin Timberlake established his "Justin Timberlake Foundation", which initially funded music education programs in schools.

July 2002: Purchased Hollywood Hills Mansion

In July 2002, Justin Timberlake purchased a 13,250-square-foot mansion in Hollywood Hills for $8.3 million from Helen Hunt.

2002: First Celebrity on Punk'd

Near the end of 2002, Justin Timberlake was the first celebrity to be featured on Ashton Kutcher's show "Punk'd", where he was pranked. He later admitted to being under the influence of cannabis during the episode.

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2003: Opening of "Chi" Restaurant

In 2003, Justin Timberlake co-owned restaurant called "Chi" opened in West Hollywood, California.

February 2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show Controversy

In February 2004, Justin Timberlake performed with Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show. The performance ended with Timberlake tearing off part of Jackson's costume, leading to a "wardrobe malfunction" that caused significant controversy.

May 5, 2005: Throat Surgery for Nodules

On May 5, 2005, Justin Timberlake underwent surgery to remove nodules from his throat and was advised to rest his voice for a few months.

October 2005: Grammy Association Award for Humanitarian Efforts

In October 2005, the Grammy Association presented Justin Timberlake with an award for his humanitarian efforts in Tennessee, alongside writer/director Craig Brewer.

2006: Opening of "Destino" Restaurant

In 2006, Justin Timberlake co-owned restaurant called "Destino" opened in New York.

November 12, 2007: Host of PGA Tour's Las Vegas Tournament

On November 12, 2007, Justin Timberlake was announced as the host of the PGA Tour's Las Vegas tournament, starting in 2008; it was renamed the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

November 2007: Donation to Wildlife Warriors

In November 2007, Justin Timberlake donated $100,000 from the takings of his Australian tour to Wildlife Warriors, which was founded by Steve Irwin.

2007: Opening of "Southern Hospitality" Restaurant and Release of William Rast Line

In 2007, Justin Timberlake co-owned restaurant called "Southern Hospitality" opened in New York, and the William Rast clothing line, containing cord jackets, cashmere sweaters, jeans, and polo shirts, was released.

March 23, 2008: Donations to Memphis Organizations

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.

2008: Host of Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

In 2008, Justin Timberlake hosted the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open tournament and played in the celebrity pro-am, hosting a charity concert.

July 25, 2009: Reopening of Mirimichi Golf Course

On July 25, 2009, the Mirimichi Golf Course in Millington, Tennessee, redeveloped by Justin Timberlake as an eco-friendly course, reopened.

2009: Host of Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

In 2009, Justin Timberlake repeated his role as host of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and his fundraising contributions was reported to be worth over $US9 million.

January 15, 2010: Closure of Mirimichi Golf Course for Improvements

On January 15, 2010, Justin Timberlake's Mirimichi Golf Course closed again for further improvements.

2010: Performance on Hope for Haiti Now Telethon

In 2010, Justin Timberlake participated in the Hope for Haiti Now telethon, performing "Hallelujah".

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2010: Purchased SoHo Unit

In 2010, Justin Timberlake purchased a unit at 311 West Broadway in SoHo, formerly owned by Oscar de la Renta, for $6.56 million.

October 2011: Futures Award for Green-Conscious Golf Course

In October 2011, Justin Timberlake received the Futures Award at the Environmental Media Awards for his green-conscious golf course, Mirimichi.

December 2011: Engagement to Jessica Biel

In December 2011, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel became engaged.

2011: Support for LGBT Equality Voiced

After New York legalized same-sex marriage in 2011, Justin Timberlake voiced his support for LGBT equality in the U.S.

October 19, 2012: Marriage to Jessica Biel

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

2012: Volunteer Work in Far Rockaway After Hurricane Sandy

In late 2012, Justin Timberlake and his wife Jessica Biel volunteered in Far Rockaway, Queens, after Hurricane Sandy, helping distribute supplies to the community.

November 7, 2014: Sale of Mirimichi Golf Course

On November 7, 2014, Justin Timberlake sold Mirimichi Golf Course to Three Star Leasing LLC for $500,000.

2014: Partnership with Sauza Tequila

In 2014, Justin Timberlake partnered with Sauza Tequila to re-launch his own version of the beverage as part of the Sauza franchise: Sauza 901.

April 2015: Birth of First Child

In April 2015, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel's first child, a son, was born.

2015: Received Inspiration Award at GLSEN Respect Awards

In 2015, Justin Timberlake and his wife Jessica Biel received the Inspiration Award at the GLSEN Respect Awards for their vocal support and commitment as allies to the LGBT community and their charitable works.

2015: Bought House in Yellowstone Club

In 2015, Justin Timberlake bought a house in the Yellowstone Club near Big Sky, Montana.

2016: Investment in Bai Brands

In 2016, Justin Timberlake became an investor in the beverage company Bai Brands.

2016: Feature in Charity Single "Where Is the Love?"

In 2016, Justin Timberlake was featured in a new version of "Where Is the Love?", a charity single with proceeds going to educational programs.

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2016: Voting Booth Selfie Controversy

In 2016, Justin Timberlake's selfie inside a voting booth shared on Instagram sparked controversy, leading to a bill in Tennessee allowing photos in voting poll stations with exceptions.

May 2017: Timberlake and Biel Purchased Penthouse in Tribeca

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.

2017: Fundraising for Manchester Arena Bombing Victims

In 2017, Justin Timberlake and Eminem helped raise over $2 million for Manchester Arena bombing victims.

2017: Acquisition Stake in Hurricane Junior Golf Tour

In 2017, Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake acquired an ownership stake in the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour.

October 30, 2018: Release of "Hindsight & All the Things I Can't See In Front of Me"

On October 30, 2018, Justin Timberlake's autobiography, Hindsight & All the Things I Can't See In Front of Me, was released. According to publisher HarperCollins, Hindsight includes a collection of anecdotes, reflections, and observations on his life and work.

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

Check it on Amazon

2018: Sold SoHo Unit at a Loss

In 2018, Justin Timberlake sold his SoHo unit for $6.35 million, incurring a loss.

May 2019: 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.

2019: Contemporary Icon Award and Honorary Doctorate

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.

July 2020: Birth of Second Child

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

June 2021: Support for Britney Spears During Conservatorship Battle

In June 2021, Justin Timberlake voiced his support for Britney Spears during her court battle over her conservatorship, stating that no woman should be restricted from making decisions about her own body.

May 2022: Sale of Musical Catalog to Hipgnosis

In May 2022, Justin Timberlake sold the rights to his entire musical catalog, around 200 songs he wrote or co-wrote, to Hipgnosis Song Management for $100 million. The deal covers only pre-existing work.

2022: Investment in Greenville 3's Golf Course

In 2022, Justin Timberlake invested in Greenville, South Carolina par-3 golf course Greenville 3's.

2023: Spears Memoir Published

In 2023, Britney Spears published her memoir, The Woman in Me, revealing information about her past relationship with Justin Timberlake including the fact she became pregnant during their relationship and had an abortion in late 2000.

The Woman in Me

Check it on Amazon

September 13, 2024: Timberlake Pled Guilty to Driving While Impaired

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