Janet Jackson Bio: Life and Career of the Singer and Actress

First Record

Also in:

Alicia Keys Biography: Life and Career of the Singer and Actress

Jackson’s manager/father soon convinced her to start recording music. Following a duet with brother Randy, she signed a deal with A&M Records. Thanks to its disco and funk-flavored pop, her 1982 eponymous debut found success on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Second Album

Also in:

Cher Biography: Life and Career of the Singer and Actress

Jackson continued on the pop path with 1984’s Dream Street. Brother Marlon provided production help, while other brothers, including pop sensation Michael, supplied backing vocals on a top 10 R&B single. Despite this, the album barely cracked Billboard. That same year, small screen audiences saw Jackson in the “Fame” musical series.

Jackson soon asserted her independence: she eloped, though the marriage was quickly annulled, and worked with a new manager and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

The teen unveiled a more mature side with her 1986 breakthrough, Control. By seamlessly blending R&B, pop, rap, funk and disco, the well-received effort topped Billboard. It also spawned five top five singles that positioned Jackson as a force in modern music, while its music videos exhibited her smooth dance moves.

Chart-topping Success

Also in:

Top 10 Billboard Chart Topping Rocks Songs of All Time

Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 became another chart-topper in 1989. As co-writer and co-producer, Jackson used an R&B, electronic and sample-heavy sound to explore socially conscious themes. The multiple platinum-certified effort became the first album to produce seven top five singles, and it was supported by a successful world tour that confirmed Jackson’s live talents.

Multi-Million Dollar Contract

Also in:

The Beatles Get Back Documentary | Gene Simmons Sells Multi-Million $ Home | Kevin Ross Interview

Jackson’s good fortune continued in 1991: Virgin Records offered her a multi-million dollar contract and she married again.

Sexy Side

Also in:

Top 10 Music Videos That Try Too Hard To Be Sexy

Following a Luther Vandross duet, Jackson released her third chart-topping disc in 1993. In addition to her signature R&B, pop and rap blend, janet. incorporated hip hop, house and jazz into its sexy tracks. These sensual songs, along with a provocative Rolling Stone cover, showcased the pop star’s more liberated side.

Continued Musical Success and Acting

Also in:

Top 10 Bands That Continued After The Lead Singer Died

janet. became the highest-selling album by a female solo artist and generated six top tens, including the Grammy-winning “That’s the Way Love Goes” and the Oscar-nominated “Again.” That ballad also appeared in Jackson’s big screen debut, “Poetic Justice.”

Top Ten Singles

Also in:

Whitney Houston Biography: Life and Career of the Singer and Actress

Next was her top five duet with brother Michael and its $7 million, Grammy-winning music video. Jackson then became the first female with a Billboard top ten debut single thanks to “Runaway” off her first greatest hits compilation.

Making History with “The Velvet Rope”

Also in:

Innersleeve #07 The Making of a Modern Metal Band with Immortal Guardian

After negotiating a history-making $80 million Virgin contract, Jackson took The Velvet Rope to number one in 1997. The darker and more personal CD had racy lyrics but also tackled serious issues like abuse and discrimination. Meanwhile, “Together Again” became a best-seller.

More Music and Movies

Also in:

Mariah Carey Biography: Life and Career of the Pop Diva

Following a world tour and several collaborations, Jackson appeared in the “Nutty Professor” sequel. Her soundtrack contribution topped Billboard and appeared on 2001’s All For You. That Grammy-winning R&B/dance-pop record and its title track also went to number one.

Jackson continued collaborating and touring. But things went sour in 2004 when a wardrobe malfunction partially exposed her breast during her Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show performance with Justin Timberlake.

More Albums

Also in:

Selena Gomez: Bio and Origins of the Actress and Singer

Despite her apologies, a top two debut and three Grammy nods, that year’s sexually charged Damita Jo failed to recapture her earlier commercial success. Two years later, she had another top two album with 20 Y.O.

Michael Jackson’s Death

Also in:

Michael Jackson Biography - Life and Career (REDUX)

After the comedy-drama “Why Did I Get Married?” Jackson was back on top with 2008’s Discipline. Sadly, in 2009 her brother Michael died and her long-term relationship with producer Jermaine Dupri ended.

Over the next years, Jackson acted, toured and released two greatest hits compilations, while also undertaking numerous fashion ventures, charity work and marrying a wealthy businessman.

Besides singing, dancing and acting, Janet Jackson is a humanitarian and fashionista. But it’s her performing skills and the memorable beats and hooks of her slickly produced tunes that will remain forever ingrained in R&B and pop music.