Lasting Legacy of Justin Timberlake: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Justin Timberlake—a timeline of influence.

Justin Timberlake, dubbed the "Prince of Pop", is a highly influential and commercially successful American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer. With estimated sales of 88 million records worldwide, he ranks among the best-selling music artists of all time. He's a significant figure in popular music and entertainment.

Sections (7)

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

1979: Off the Wall album

Fuse TV's editor Jason Lipshutz stated that FutureSex/LoveSounds had the best first half of any pop album in 25 years, and that You have to go back to 1979 for Off the Wall, to find a pop album with a first half that matches up.

2006: Popularizing "I'm bringing sexy back"

Sia Michel of The New York Times noted that Justin Timberlake was responsible for popularizing in 2006 the catchphrase "I'm bringing sexy back" after the release of his album FutureSex/LoveSounds.

2007: Sex symbol edge

The New York Times' editor Sia Michel wrote in 2007, "Since his last tour, for 2002's multiplatinum Justified, he has learned how to project sex-symbol edge" adding "he's a rock star who can commit."

2012: "It's Gonna Be May" meme

In 2012, Justin Timberlake's pronunciation of the word "me" on "It's Gonna Be Me" was popularized as an internet meme titled "It's Gonna Be May", after a Tumblr image of Timberlake was posted with the respective caption.

2013: Second appearance on Time 100 list

In 2013, Justin Timberlake made his second appearance on the Time 100 list.

2015: Adele surpassed the album sales record

In 2015, Adele surpassed NSYNC's record for the fastest-selling album of all time with her third album, 25.

2015: Top 10 Musicians Among Millennials

In Nielsen Music's U.S. report for 2015, Justin Timberlake led the "Top 10 Musicians Among Millennials" list.

2016: Greatest all-around entertainer

In a 2016 article of The Hollywood Reporter, editor Scott Feinberg stated Justin Timberlake is "widely regarded as one of the greatest all-around entertainers in the history of show business".

2017: Greatest of All Time Pop Songs Artists

In 2017, Billboard published a list of "Greatest of All Time Pop Songs Artists", where Justin Timberlake ranked at number 5, being the top male soloist.

2018: Influence and Recognition

In 2018, Billboard critics discussed whether Justin Timberlake is the best male pop star of the 21st century, citing his crossover appeal, career longevity, showmanship, and credibility. He was also ranked 25th on Billboard's "The Top 60 Male Artists of All-Time" list.