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, 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

1979: Off the Wall Album

In 1979, to find a pop album with a first half that matches up to FutureSex/LoveSounds, you have to go back to Off the Wall.

2003: Named Biggest Pop Star of the Year

In 2003, Rolling Stone named Justin Timberlake the biggest pop star of the year and featured him on the magazine's cover, declaring he was "The New King of Pop".

2006: Popularized the catchphrase "I'm bringing sexy back"

In 2006, Sia Michel of The New York Times noted that he was responsible for popularizing the catchphrase "I'm bringing sexy back".

2007: Sex Symbol Projection

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

2007: First Appearance on Time 100 List

Justin Timberlake appeared for the first time on the Time 100 list of most influential people by Time in 2007.

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", after a Tumblr image was posted with that caption, becoming an annually recurring joke in April.

2013: Second Appearance on Time 100 List

In 2013, Justin Timberlake made his second appearance on the Time 100 list, with Stevie Wonder praising his accomplishments and charitable contributions.

2015: Adele Surpassed Album Sales Record

In 2015, Adele surpassed NSYNC's record for fastest-selling album with her album '25', which had been set in 2000 by NSYNC's 'No Strings Attached'.

2015: Timberlake Led 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: Timberlake Considered One of Greatest Entertainers

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".

2018: Billboard Critics Discuss Timberlake's Status as Best Male Pop Star

In 2018, Billboard critics debated whether Justin Timberlake is "the Best Male Pop Star of the 21st century," citing his crossover appeal, career longevity, showmanship, and credibility within the industry as reasons in his favor.

2020: Billboard Retrospective on Celebrity

In 2020, Billboard published a retrospective article considering NSYNC's album Celebrity as "the group's swan song", which set the stage for Justin Timberlake's solo career.