Janet Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. A prominent figure in popular culture, she is known for sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, and elaborate stage shows. The tenth and youngest child of the Jackson family, she began her career with the variety television series The Jacksons in 1976 and went on to appear in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including Good Times and Diff’rent Strokes. Her eponymous debut album was released in 1982, and produced hits such as “What Have You Done for Me Lately”, “Nasty”, “Control” and “When I Think of You”.
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Born on May 16, 1966 in Gary, Indiana, to Joseph Jackson and Katherine Jackson, Janet is the youngest of ten children. She has five brothers and four sisters: Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, LaToya, Marlon, Michael, Randy and Brandon. Her father, a former boxer, was a steel mill worker who later managed the careers of all nine of his children. Her mother is a Jehovah’s Witness. As a child, Janet was shy and withdrawn. She had a troubled relationship with her father, who was often absent from the family home.
At age seven, Janet appeared on The Jacksons, a variety television series that aired on CBS from 1976 to 1977. She made her film debut in the 1980 musical comedy film The Wiz. In 1982, Jackson signed a recording contract with A&M Records and released her self-titled debut album that same year. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and produced four singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “What Have You Done for Me Lately”, “Nasty”, “Control” and “When I Think of You”.
Jackson’s second album, Dream Street, was released in 1984. It peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and produced the singles “Don’t Stand Another Chance”, “Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun)” and “Black Cat”. In 1986, Jackson starred in the musical film Dreamgirls. The film’s soundtrack album topped the Billboard 200 chart and produced five singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “When I Think of You”, “Nasty”, “Control” and “Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun)”.
In 1987, Jackson released her third album, Control. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and produced five singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Nasty”, “Control”, “Let’s Wait Awhile”, “Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun)” and “Black Cat”. In 1989, Jackson released her fourth album, Rhythm Nation 1814. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and produced nine singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Rhythm Nation”, “Miss You Much”, “Escapade”, “Black Cat” and “Love Will Never Do (Without You)”.
In 1991, Jackson signed a recording contract with Virgin Records and released her fifth album, janet., which topped the Billboard 200 chart and produced six singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “That’s the Way Love Goes”, “Again”, “Because of Love”, “Any Time, Any Place” and “Whoops Now”. In 1993, Jackson released her sixth album, janet., which topped the Billboard 200 chart and produced seven singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “That’s the Way Love Goes”, “Again”, “Because of Love”, “Any Time, Any Place” and “Whoops Now”.
In 1995, Jackson released her seventh album, Design of a Decade: 1986-1996. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and produced five singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Runaway”, “Scream” and “Together Again”. In 1997, Jackson released her eighth album, The Velvet Rope. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and produced six singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Got ’til It’s Gone”, “Together Again” and “I Get Lonely”.
In 2001, Jackson released her ninth album, All for You. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and produced six singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “All for You”, “Someone to Call My Lover” and “Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)”. In 2004, Jackson released her tenth album, Damita Jo. The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and produced three singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Just a Little While”, “I Want You” and “Toxic”.
In 2006, Jackson signed a recording contract with Island Records and released her eleventh album, 20 Y.O.. The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and produced three singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Call on Me”, “So Excited” and “Do It to Me”. In 2008, Jackson released her twelfth album, Discipline. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and produced three singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Feedback”, “Luv” and “4 Words (To Choke Upon)”.
In 2010, Jackson signed a recording contract with EMI Music Group and released her thirteenth album, Unbreakable. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and produced two singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “No Sleeep” and “‘Til It’s Gone”. In 2015, Jackson released her fourteenth album, Unbreakable. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and produced two singles that reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “‘No Sleeep” and “‘Til It’s Gone”.
Jackson has sold over 100 million records worldwide making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She has won five Grammy Awards. She is also a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Jackson has been married three times: to James DeBarge from 1984 to 1985; Rene Elizondo Jr. from 1991 to 2000; and Wissam Al Mana from 2012 to 2017. She has three children: son Eissa Al Mana (born in 2017), daughter Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born in 1986) and son Randy Jackson Jr. (born in 1989).
General Info
Full Name
Janet Jackson
Date Of Birth
May 16, 1966
Height
1.63 m
Profession
Record producer, Singer-songwriter, Film producer, Author, Fashion Designer, Dancer, Model, Music artist, Spokesperson, Businessperson, Rhythm Nation, Nasty, That's the Way Love Goes
Education
Portola Middle School, Lanai Road Elementary School, Rhythm Nation, Nasty, That's the Way Love Goes
Nationality
American
Family
Spouse
Wissam Al Mana, René Elizondo Jr., James DeBarge, Rhythm Nation, Nasty, That's the Way Love Goes
Children
Eissa Al Mana
Parents
Katherine Jackson, Joe Jackson, Rhythm Nation, Nasty, That's the Way Love Goes
Siblings
Rhythm Nation, Nasty, That's the Way Love Goes, Michael Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, Randy Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Joh'Vonnie Jackson, Brandon Jackson
Accomplishments
Awards
BET Ultimate Icon, MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, Grammy Award for Best Music Video, MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography, MTV Video Music Award for Best Electronic Video, Grammy Award for Best R&B Song, MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video, American Music Award for Favorite...
Nominations
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy Award for Album of the Year, MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year, Academy Award for Best Original Song, American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Album, Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album, Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, People's Cho...
Movies
Poetic Justice, For Colored Girls, Why Did I Get Married Too?, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, Janet: Live in Hawaii, From Janet to Damita Jo: The Videos, Why Did I Get Married?, Michael Jackson Unmasked, The Work of Director Mark Romanek, The Savoy King: Chick Webb and the Music That Changed Americ...
TV Shows
Fame, A New Kind of Family, Good Times, The Jacksons
I have a pretty bad temper. But you have to really push me to see it. But everybody has their things.
3
I've never been into what am I going to do next, trying to reinvent myself.
4
Big sisters and brothers... I am telling you, it never changes.
5
People do see me as sweet and innocent. Not to say that I am not those things. But I have other sides to me.
6
I love working with organizations. I love giving. I want to do more of that. You got to give back. I love helping people, especially children.
7
I am the baby in the family, and I always will be. I am actually very happy to have that position. But I still get teased. I don't mind that.
8
Another side to me is this very sexual being. When I look back on my life, it's always been there. It's been there since I was 10 years old, having the imagination that I had.
9
A lot of times I felt so alone. But I also thought there has to be other people that have experienced either what I have, or close to it.
10
Self-expression is my goal, I want to be real with my feelings. Singing and dancing-and all the joy that goes with performing- come from my heart. If I can't feel it, I won't do it.
11
My dad taught us that there's no greater distance than that between first and second place.
12
Freedom means choices.
13
All kids rebel. My way was to dye my hair half pink and half blue. It was a mess.
14
After my disillusionment, I felt hollow inside, as though someone had scooped out my soul. It took a while, but deep within I discovered a core of determination I never knew existed. That's when I got serious about myself and my career. I saw what I needed to do, and I did it.
15
The pain is necessary. Sometimes pain is the teacher we require, a hidden gift of healing and hope.
16
Being from a famous family is a blessing. I'm challenged to live up to the expectations. I'm happy, grateful for what I've inherited and excited about what I want to contribute.
17
I was sheltered by my parents, work and school. I walked out into the world and saw things I'd only read about. I learned the hard way. It was scary, but I saw I had two choices - sink or swim. I swam. And discovered I could actually make it to the shore, all on my own. Not that I wasn't frightened or didn't experience moments of panic. I did.
18
There was also loneliness. I had few friends. Work consumed me. in some ways, it still does.
19
I also experienced serious rejection. I auditioned for dozens of commercials, for example, but was never chosen. That might have devastated other children, but somehow my attitude was "Well if I don't get this one, I'll get the next." Looking back, I see I had a built-in toughness.
20
I kinda see everyone as competition. I'm a very competitive person. But I think that's good. Competition is great. And as long as it's friendly and not a malicious thing, then I think it's cool.
21
Pain like water it dry away so love come in without pain how can love think about.
22
We had the kind of night were morning comes to soon... we used the light from a flickering candle across the room to make the kind of shadows that only one thing could make... love.
23
To a world sick with racism, get well soon.
24
We are a nation with no geographic boundaries, bound together through our beliefs, we are like minded individuals sharing a common vision, pushing toward a world rid of color lines.
25
Life is a journey, and I'm still walking it. And, like everyone, I'm going to have some days that are better than others, some days that are tougher than others. But I'm in a much happier place, the happiest place I've ever been in my life, and that's why it feels so good to me, finally being able to say I do like who I am.
26
Getting back to that child and giving the child what the child may have missed - the reassurance of a nourishing and accepting love, a love that says you are special - is hard work. It can be scary, but like the song says, we have to deal with the past to live completely -and freely - in the present.
27
[on people disapproving of Jermaine Dupri] People need to stay out of other people's business. Honestly, how can they say what is a good match for me and what is a good match for him? They really don't know us. That's for us to decide. They need to stay out of other's people's business and deal with their own issues.
28
[on Jermaine Dupri] You know that it's something different when your whole family falls in love with him, when your brothers and sisters love him. And with me having eight brothers and sisters, there are some major eyes on him. And they all adore him. So that's really good.
29
Dreams can become a reality when we possess a vision that is characterized by the willingness to work hard, a desire for excellence, and a belief in our right and our responsiblity to be equal members of society.
30
If I wasn't singing, I'd probably be, probably an accountant.
31
I set out to please myself, hopefully in the end, the listeners will enjoy what I've created.
32
[on Rene Elizondo] I've been very fortunate to have found someone who has been so incredibly caring... I don't think anybody else would have stuck around because I had some really difficult times... and I know he probably would wake up and say, "Okay, who is she today?". I think anyone else would have said, "You know what? I am out of here because I cannot take this." But he was there, right by my side the entire way.
33
I was never pushed into the religion by my mother or anyone else. I made up my own mind when I was old enough. I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual. But I don't believe in things like guilt. I believe in a higher power. I believe in inspiration.
34
I was very independent growing up, but there were things that were bothering me that I never told anybody. I would talk to our animals at home. We had fawns that Michael [brother Michael Jackson] and I raised until we weaned them and we'd feed them every morning. And I would talk to them... I felt they understood me. We had four dogs, and I would climb in the bushes and sit down and speak with them... and that's how I dealt with my life in the very, very beginning, when I was a kid.
35
[1993 interview in Rolling Stone magazine] It made me so happy. On my song "Whoops Now", I even used the lyrics, "I'm out in the sun having fun with my friends". There's also The Turtles' "Happy Together" and The Association's "Windy" and Simon and Garfunkel's "Feelin' Groovy". Those songs are all precious moments to me. They're about just plain feeling good.
36
[on her 1997 recording "The Velvet Rope"] We're all driven to premieres or nightclubs and seen the rope separating those who can enter and those who can't. Well, there's also a velvet rope we have inside of us, keeping others from knowing our feelings. In this album, I'm trying to expose and explore those feelings. I'm inviting you inside my barrier. During my life, I've been on both sides of the rope. At times, especially during my childhood, I felt left out and alone. At times, I felt misunderstood... But no human heard those feelings expressed. They stayed buried in the past. But now the truth has to come out, and for me, the truth takes the form of a song.
37
[on the day her father told her to stop calling him Dad] I will never forget that. I was really young, about 6 or 7, and as a kid, that was very hurtful to me. I went through a lot, from age 15 to about 19 years. I was very young. I used to hurt so badly that I'd ask God, "Why, what have I done to deserve this?".
38
In complete darkness we are all the same, it is only our knowledge and wisdom that separates us, don't let your eyes deceive you.
39
We all have the need to feel special.
40
You don't have to hold onto the pain to hold onto the memory.
Facts
#
Fact
1
Her 1986 song "Nasty" was inspired by a bit of ancient Roman graffiti: VIRGULA TERTIO SU: INDECENS ES. ("Virgula to Teritus: You are a nasty boy").
2
(May 4, 2016) Expecting her 1st child with her 3rd husband Wissam Al Mana. Jackson is reportedly in her second trimester of pregnancy after successfully working with a fertility specialist.
3
When her secret marriage to Rene Elizondo broke out in 2000, after he filed for divorce, Janet who had in the past denied being married apologized stating "To have a normal family life...Since I was a child, my personal life has been lived in the public eye," "At times this has been very difficult. I hope my fans will understand." Later Elizondo himself admitted that he was surprised they were able to keep it a secret for as long as they did.
4
Explained that one reason why she named her 1993 album "Janet" was because many people thought she was just riding her on last name. She even produced and helped write songs on the album without any of her siblings being involved.
5
When Janet appeared on the controversial cover of Rolling Stone magazine, she was topless except for the hands of then husband Rene Elizondo, who had "hand-cupped" her breasts for the shot as captured by photographer Patrick DeMarchelier. [September 1993]
The Jacksons were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1500 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
10
She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1500 Vine Street in Hollywood, California on April 20, 1990.
11
Rejected a role in The Matrix (1999) to go on a concert tour.
12
Ranked #10 on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists.
13
Growing up before being a singer, Janet has always wanted to work at a McDonald's Drive-Thru window.
14
She had endorsements with PepsiCo, American Airlines and Revlon.
15
In Japan, she appeared in a television commercial for Pepsi-Cola with Ricky Martin in 1999. She also appeared in another Japanese television commercial back in 1990 for Japan Airlines.
Named #37 in FHM magazine's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005" special supplement.
18
The film clip "Again" was originally supposed to have Janet wearing her nightwear when she was sitting near her bed because that's what she was wearing when she was writing the song for Poetic Justice (1993).
19
Used to want to be a jockey when she was a little child but has been scared to ride horses since Christopher Reeve's accident.
20
The Rhythm Nation world tour was the most successful debut tour from any artist
21
Has always wanted and still wants to go back school to study law.
22
Holds the record for most weeks spent at #1 on the R&B chart for her 1994 single, "Any Time, Any Place".
23
Has homes in Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta (with beau Jermaine Dupri).
24
Brother Michael Jackson claims in his "Home Movies" documentary in 2003 that Janet emulated his choreography from his "Captain EO" short movie into her "Rhythm Nation" music video which she choreographed with Anthony Thomas four years later.
25
Became the first artist to score a #1 hit simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock singles chart with "Black Cat" in 1990.
Her first biography was released in 1977 as a joint biography about her and brother Randy Jackson.
28
Is the #2 most successful artist on the Billboard Dance/Club Play Chart, behind only Madonna.
29
Eloped with singer James DeBarge, in 1984 and lived in the Jackson's Encino ranch for several months before she had the marriage annulled.
30
The album "Janet" produced six top 10 hits and sold over 15 million copies.
31
"Rhythm Nation 1814" spend four weeks being #1 on both Pop and R&B charts in the United States. It sold another 10 million worldwide and the singles were even more successful. The album spawned seven top 5 hits including 4 #1s.
32
Her third album "Control" sell over 10 million worldwide and produced five top 5 hits including "Nasty", "Let's Wait Awhile, and the #1 "When I Think of You".
33
Her sophomore album "Dream Street" reached #147 on Billboard and sold only 200,000 copies.
34
Her first self-titled album peaked at #63 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums and sold a disappointing 250,000 copies.
35
Won nine Billboard Awards in 1990 for her album "Rhythm Nation 1814".
Has four dogs: Riley (a Rottweiler); Dylan (a Boxer); Madison (a miniature Schnauzer) and Pockets (an Australian shepherd-cross).
38
Is the only woman singer in the history of Rock & Roll to score five back to back #1 studio albums on the Billboard Album's chart. "Control", "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation", "Janet", "The Velvet Rope" and "All For You" all reached #1, together selling more than 60 million copies worldwide. Her albums "Design of a Decade" and "Damita Jo" both reached top 3.
39
Negotiated a new, $80 million recording contract with Virgin Records in 1996.
40
Her nickname "Dunk" was coined to describe her sturdy body, which her brother Michael claimed remsembled a donkey.
41
Attended and graduated from Valley Professional School, an institution where most children were entertainers or actors (1984).
42
Attended Portola Middle School in Tarzana, California. Was teased and harassed by kids because of her fame on Good Times (1974).
43
Attended Lanai Road Elementary School in Encino, California.
44
During the half-time show of Super Bowl XXXVIII (38), her right breast was "accidentally" exposed when co-performer Justin Timberlake reached around and grabbed a detachable part of her breastplate-like outfit. They admit that they privately planned the move after rehearsals had ended, but still maintain that the exposure was accidental in that a red bra was to be revealed, not her bare breast. [February 2004]
45
Ranked #77 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock N Roll
46
Was to appear as Lena Horne in a biopic due to be released in 2004. But Lena changed her mind after the SuperBowl "breast-baring" incident.
47
The last five of her eight albums (excluding her first two albums "Janet Jackson", "Dream Street" and her greatest hits album "Design of a Decade: 1986-1996") have all hit #1.
Voted one of the "10 Sexiest Women of 2001" by the readers of Black Men magazine.
51
She was paid $3 million for Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000). She was paid an extra $1 million for the song "Doesn't Really Matter" for the film soundtrack.
With her 1986 song "When I Think of You", she and her brother, Michael Jackson, became the first siblings in the rock era to have #1 songs as soloists.
Video documentary performer: "Got Til It's Gone", "Scream" / writer: "Got Til It's Gone", "Scream"
Will & Grace
2004
TV Series performer - 1 episode
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2004 writer - 1 episode, 2004
Idol
2003
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Deutschland sucht den Superstar
2003
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Un paso adelante
2002
TV Series performer - 2 episodes
Janet Jackson: Live in Hawaii
2002
TV Movie documentary performer: "Come on Get Up", "You Ain't Right", "All for You", "Love Will Never Do Without You", "Trust a Try", "Medley: Come Back to Me/Let's Wait Awhile/Again", "Medley: Runaway/Miss You Much/When I Think of You/Escapade", "Son of a Gun I Betcha Think This Song Is About You", "Got 'til It's Gone", "That's the Way Love Goes", "Medley: What Have You Done for Me Lately/Control/Nasty/Boys", "Alright", "Love Scene Ooh Baby Instrumental Interlude", "Would You Mind", "If", "Black
How High
2001
performer: "Would You Mind" / writer: "Would You Mind"
Hinter Gittern - Der Frauenknast
TV Series performer - 2 episodes, 2001 writer - 2 episodes, 2001
Top of the Pops
TV Series performer - 11 episodes, 1987 - 2001 writer - 11 episodes, 1987 - 2001
MTV Icon: Janet Jackson
2001
TV Special documentary performer: "Scream", "You Can Be Mine", "Nasty", "Control", "When I Think of You", "Interlude: Race", "Rhythm Nation", "State of the World" - uncredited / writer: "Scream" uncredited, "You Can Be Mine" uncredited, "Nasty" uncredited, "Control" uncredited, "When I Think of You" uncredited, "Let's Wait Awhile" Control - 1986, "Interlude: Race" uncredited, "Rhythm Nation" uncredited, "State of the World" uncredited
TV Series performer - 2 episodes, 1999 writer - 1 episode, 1999
Janet: The Velvet Rope
1998
TV Movie documentary performer: "Velvet Rope", "If", "You", "Let's Wait Awhile/Again", "Control Medley: Control/The Pleasure Principle/What Have You Done for Me Lately/Nasty", "Throb", "Escapade Medley: Escapade/When I Think of You/Miss You Much/Runaway/Love Will Never Do Without You", "Alright", "I Get Lonely", "Anytime, Anyplace", "Rope Burn", "Black Cat", "What About", "Rhythm Nation", "Special", "That's the Way Love Goes", "Got 'til It's Gone", "Go Deep", "Together Again" - uncredited / writ
Spice Girls: Live in Your Living Room
1998
TV Special performer: "Let's Wait Awhile" / writer: "Let's Wait Awhile"
How Stella Got Her Groove Back
1998
performer: "Luv Me, Luv Me" - as Janet
Beavis and Butt-Head
1995-1997
TV Series performer - 2 episodes
Family Plan
1997
writer: "Betcha Can't Catch Me"
How to Be a Player
1997
writer: "Nasty"
The Chart Show
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 1996 writer - 1 episode, 1996
Michael Jackson's Scream: HIStory in the Making - An MTV News Special
1995
TV Short documentary performer: "That's the Way Love Goes", "Scream" - uncredited