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Engraved portrait of Janet Jackson
Music · 1980s

Janet Jackson

Still with us 1966–present

“Control, a Nation, then a Super Bowl second other people still treat as the file.”

Gary, Indiana; youngest of ten Jackson childrenBorn
Jimmy Jam and Terry LewisKey producers
Over 100 million worldwideRecords sold
'Rhythm Nation 1814' had seven top-five Hot 100 hitsChart record
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 2019Hall of Fame
The Turning Point

In 1986, Janet Jackson stepped out of her famous family's shadow with 'Control,' produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Its run of hit singles and bold message of independence transformed her into a superstar and pop-dance trendsetter on her own terms.

Born a Jackson

Janet Damita Jo Jackson was born in 1966 in Gary, Indiana, the youngest of the ten Jackson children. She began performing as a child and appeared on television before her teens.

Taking Control

Partnering with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, she released 'Control' in 1986 and 'Rhythm Nation 1814' in 1989. The albums combined cutting-edge dance-pop with messages of independence and social awareness.

Pop Innovator

Known for elaborate stage shows and groundbreaking videos, Jackson has sold over 100 million records. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.

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Career Timeline

  1. 1966Born in Gary. The youngest.
  2. 1986Control.
  3. 1989Rhythm Nation 1814.
  4. 2004The halftime. The uneven exile.

Biggest Hits

1986
What Have You Done for Me LatelyBreakthrough hit from album 'Control'
1986
NastyDefiant dance anthem from 'Control'
1989
Miss You MuchNumber one lead single of 'Rhythm Nation'
1989
Rhythm NationSocially conscious dance hit and iconic video
1993
That's the Way Love GoesNumber one for eight weeks from 'janet.'
2001
All for YouNumber one single from album of same name
Did You Know
  • 'Rhythm Nation 1814' is the only album in history to produce seven top-five singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • She is the youngest of the ten Jackson siblings, including brother Michael Jackson.
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Portrait: Pete Still · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

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