Janet Jackson
In early 2022, I was inspired to describe information about Janet Jackson, because she is one of the most influential musicians of all time. Her legacy is very extensive. It all started for Janet Jackson in the city of her birth at Gary, Indiana. Janet Jackson is a Midwestern woman. She is the youngest of the ten children of the Jackson family. Her parents are Katherine Esther Jackson (nee Scruse) and Joseph Walter Jackson. The Jackson family were raised strictly as lower middle class Jehovah Witness followers. I know much about the Jehovah Witnesses, because Jehovah Witness tried to convert me to their religion for many years near my home, at the laundromat, in the sidewalk, and in other places. Janet would later refrain from organized religion. Me personally, I am an Independent Baptist religious wise. When she was young as a child, she saw the Jackson Five tour the Chicago-Gary area. By March of 1969, the Jackson 5 signed a record deal with Motown. They had their first number one hit in the same year. Immediately, the Jackson family moved into the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Janet once desired to be a horse racing jockey or entertainment lawyer, but she knew that her career would involve entertainment. She recorded herself in the studio and fell in love the essence of musical expression. By the time she was 7 years old, Janet Jackson performed at the MGM Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. She was performing on TV too. One biography mentioned her father, Joseph Jackson, who could be emotionally withdrawn, told her to address him solely by his first name as a child. She started acting by being on the variety show called The Jacksons in 1976. We know that Janet Jackson had a starring role as playing Penny Gordon Woods in 1977 on the sitcom Good Times. She played a victim of physical abuse being taken care of by a loving woman. She later starred in A New Kind of Family and had a recurring role on Diff'rent Strokes (playing Charlene Duprey from seasons three to six).
The 1980's and an Explosion of Excellence
Janet Jackson continued on her acting career by playing the role of Cleo Hewitt on the fourth season of Fame. Many people didn't know, during that time, that she had a secret marriage to the R&B singer James DeBarge. The DeBarge family is filled with musicians. Janet was dealing with a lot of challenges and responsibilities by the time of the 1980's. Yet, she persisted and prospered. Janet said that the cast of Fame played pranks on her, but it was all love and respect with the team on the show (during her interview with Anderson Cooper). When Janet Jackson was 16 years old, her father and manager, Joseph Jackson, arranged a contract for her with A&M Records. Her debut album was called Janet Jackson which was released in 1982. It was produced by legends like Angela Winbush, Rene Moore, Bobby Watson of Rufus, and Leon Sylvers III. Her father overseen the product too. It peaked at No. 63 on the Billboard 200 and No. 6 on the publication's R&B albums chart. Little promotion existed on the album. The album appeared on the Billboard Top Black Albums of 1983, while Jackson herself was the highest-ranking female vocalist on the Billboard Year-End Black Album Artists. Janet Jackson released her 2nd album called Dream Street on October 23, 1984. Dream Street reached No. 147 on the Billboard 200, and No. 19 on the R&B albums chart. The lead single "Don't Stand Another Chance" peaked at No. 9 on Billboard's R&B singles chart. Both albums had a pop sound. After Dream Street, a new era would arise for Janet Jackson. We know what that era would be. It would be the Control-era of Janet Jackson's life.
After the 2nd album, Janet Jackson ended business affair with her family. She wanted more control of her life. She said, "I just wanted to get out of the house, get out from under my father, which was one of the most difficult things that I had to do." For the third album of Control, Janet Jackson worked with the world renowned producers of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (who are some of the many architects of the new school new jack swing movement). The team wanted to have a crossover pop appeal but still have a strong foundation within the urban market. Control was released on February 1986. It was immediately No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It soon became fivefold Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Control was a mature album for Janet and opposite of the ballads common during the 1980's decade. Many top singles from Control are What Have You Done for Me Lately, Nasty, When I Think of You, Control, and Let's Wait Awhile. There was the classic song of The Pleasure Principle too being outstanding filled with excellent dance choreography. "When I Think of You" became her first No. 1 hit on the Hot 100. Control received six Billboard Awards, including "Top Pop Singles Artist", and three Grammy nominations, most notably Album of the Year. It also won four American Music Awards from twelve nominations, an unbroken record. Janet Jackson wanted Control to show the world that she is her own black woman with independent thoughts and her own power from within her. Her songs were part of a real life incidents of finding her own independence and defending herself from sick people sexually harassing her. She said, "the danger hit home when a couple of guys started stalking me on the street and instead of running to Jimmy or Terry for protection, I took a stand. I backed them down. That's how songs like 'Nasty' and 'What Have You Done for Me Lately' were born, out of a sense of self-defense." Janet Jackson started a new era of music. There was the fusion of dance pop and industrial music with hip hop (along with R&B undertones to influence the development of new jack swing). New Jack swing helped to bridge the gap between R&B and hip hop.
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Music videos from her were shown on BET and MTV. She or Janet Jackson worked with Paula Abdul on choreography. Control was so commonly shown on MTV that this increase Janet Jackson's influence as a pop icon. People didn't view her as just Michael's sister, but Janet Jackson as her own person. The song Control is an anthem of black women and one of the most powerful pro-women, feminist songs of all time. By September of 1989, Janet Jackson released the album of Rhythm Nation 1814. This was unlike any album that she released previously. It talked about love, politics, social issues, and life's journey. Rhythm Nation was the album that changed R&B music and music in general forever. She stated, "I know an album or a song can't change the world. I just want my music and my dance to catch the audience's attention, and to hold it long enough for them to listen to the lyrics." The album's central theme of unity was developed in response to various crimes and tragedies reported in the media. The album was No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It was 6 times Platinum by the RIAA and sold over 12 million copies worldwide. The album wanted to stop injustices, stop illiteracy, expose crime, talk about drugs, etc. The album had songs for everyone with songs like Miss You Much, Rhythm Nation, Escapade, Alright, Come Back to Me, Black Cat, and Love Will Never Do (Without You). It was the first album in history to have number one hits in 3 separate calendar years. It was the only album to achieve 7 top 5 singles on the Hot 100. It increased the level of choreography in a music videos too. Rhythm Nation is one of the greatest music videos of all time.
Janet Jackson was the icon of music by the year of 1989. The video for "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" is notable for being the first instance of Jackson's transition into sexual imagery and midriff-baring style, becoming her trademark. Rhythm Nation 1814 became the highest selling album of 1990, winning a record fifteen Billboard Awards. The long-form "Rhythm Nation" music video won a Grammy Award. Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 became the most successful debut tour in history and set a record for the fastest sell-out of Japan's Tokyo Dome. She established the "Rhythm Nation Scholarship," donating funds from the tour to various educational programs. As Jackson began her tour, she was acknowledged for the cultural impact of her music. Joel Selvin of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote "the 23-year-old has been making smash hit records for four years, becoming a fixture on MTV and a major role model to teenage girls across the country", and William Allen, then-executive vice president of the United Negro College Fund, told the Los Angeles Times, "Jackson is a role model for all young people to emulate and the message she has gotten to the young people of this country through the lyrics of 'Rhythm Nation 1814' is having positive effects." Janet Jackson was praised by Ebony Magazine as "No individual or group has impacted the world of entertainment as have Michael and Janet Jackson." Janet Jackson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was one of the greatest entertainers of all time by the end of the 1980's. People like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Tina Turner, and other artists were influential in that time.
The 1990's and Redefining Music
By 1991, her recording contract under A&M Records was fulfilled. So, Janet Jackson signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Virgin Records, which was estimated between 32 to 50 million dollars. She was the highest paid recording artist during that time. Janet Jackson being the Queen of Pop was huge. In 1992, Jackson provided guest vocals on Luther Vandross's The Best Things in Life Are Free. That was a top ten Billboard hit and reached the top ten internationally. During the early 1990's, Janet Jackson continued to tour. Her fifth studio album was Janet being released in May 1993. It opened at number one on the Billboard 200. She was the first woman artist in the Nielsen SoundScan era to do it. The album was certified 6 times Platinum by the RIAA, and it sold over 14 million copies worldwide. The album was about love and romance being personal. Worldwide, Janet Jackson toured and did promotional tours to promote the album. That's the Way Love Goes won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. It was on top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 8 consecutive weeks. Songs like Again, If, Any Time, Any Place, Because of Love, and You Want This were grown up songs about relationships. The album of Janet was involved with many genres of music like contemporary R&B, deep house (house music originated from Chicago), swing jazz, hip hop, rock and pop. Janet Jackson worked hard in songwriting and production in her career. She wanted to write the lyrics and half of the melodies of Janet. Her debut film role was Poetic Justice in 1993. The movie is about young black Americans trying to find themselves in the midst of joy and pain. Again was the ballad of the movie. The words of the film were inspired by the poems of the legend Maya Angelou. Back then, there was a controversial Rolling Stone cover of Janet Jackson being topless and her then husband Rene Elizondo Jr. covered her breasts. The Janet World Tour was very powerful in dancing and entertainment. By 1993, Michael Jackson was accused of child sexual abuse, and Janet Jackson defended Michael Jackson to his death, beyond, and forever. LaToya Jackson once accused Michael of abuse, then she changed her mind. Janet Jackson worked with Michael Jackson in the song Scream part of Michael Jackson's HIStory album released in 1995. The song was about them responding to the media scrutiny of their lives. It cost 7 million dollars being one of the most expensive music videos of all time. The video won the 1996 Grammy Award for Best Short From a Music Video.
Jackson's first compilation album, Design of a Decade: 1986–1996, was released in 1995. It peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. The lead single, "Runaway", became the first song by a female artist to debut within the top ten of the Hot 100, reaching number three. I loved the song and video Runaway as a child when I watched it. Design of a Decade 1986/1996 was certified double Platinum by the RIAA and sold ten million copies worldwide. Runaway is one of my favorite videos of Janet Jackson. As the 1990's went on, tons of people view Janet Jackson as a sex symbol. Before Beyonce was on the cover on tons of magazines as the beautiful black star, Janet Jackson was first being on tons of covers representing black beauty. Janet renewed her contract with Virgin Records for a reported 80 million dollars. That contract made Janet Jackson the highest paid recording artist in history. Her contract, at that time, surpassed the $60 million contracts of Michael Jackson and Madonna. By 1997, Janet Jackson suffered from severe depression and anxiety. These events lead her to chronicle her experience in the album of The Velvet Rope. It was released in October of 1997. I remember that time. This was another revolutionary change in her career and her life. Janet Jackson had a change in image, showed red hair, had nasal piercings, and wore more tattoos. The album was about promoting the view that everyone has an intrinsic need to belong. It was an album ahead of it time addressing many subjects (that were taboo back then) like themes of domestic violence, same-sex relationships, homophobia, and it had themes of sadomasochism. It was far more sexually explicit in its content than her album Janet. It was probably her most controversial work. The Velvet Rope was the most talked about album in 1997 and in 1998. It debuted number one on the Billboard 200 and was certified triple Platinum selling over 10 million worldwide.
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One of the most creative songs and videos on the album was the single Got 'til It's Gone being released in August 1997. Its vocals also included folk singer Joni Mitchell and hip-hop artist Q-Tip. The song's music video, depicting a pre-Apartheid celebration, won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video. "Together Again" became Jackson's eighth number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, placing her on par with Elton John, Diana Ross, and the Rolling Stones. It spent a record forty-six weeks on the Hot 100 and nineteen weeks on the United Kingdom's singles chart. It sold six million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. "I Get Lonely" peaked at number three on the Hot 100, and received a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. It was Jackson's eighteenth consecutive top ten hit, making her the only woman artist to garner that achievement; and surpassed only by Elvis Presley and the Beatles. The album had songs like Go Deep and Every Time. Every Time had nudity in the music video. Proceeds from Together Again were donated to the American Foundation for AIDS Research (as the song Together Again was about helping people suffering from AIDS. Free Xone and Tonight's the Night were pro-LGBTQ+ songs). The Velvet Rope received an award for "Outstanding Music Album" at the 9th Annual GLAAD Media Awards and was honored by the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum. Janet Jackson went on the The Velvet Rope Tour traveling into Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.
The tour was praised for theatrics, choreography, and Jackson's vocal performance. There was the HBO Special of The Velvet Rope: Live in Madison Square Garden. More than 15 million viewers watched the special. It surpassed the ratings of all four major networks among viewers subscribed to the channel. The concert won an Emmy Award from four nominations. Jackson donated part of the tour's sales to America's Promise, which is an organization founded by Colin Powell to assist disenfranchised youth.
As the tour concluded, Jackson lent guest vocals to several collaborations, including Shaggy's "Luv Me, Luv Me", used for the film How Stella Got Her Groove Back, as well as "Girlfriend/Boyfriend" with Teddy Riley's group Blackstreet, and "What's It Gonna Be?!" with Busta Rhymes. The latter two music videos are both among the most expensive music videos ever produced, with "What's It Gonna Be?!" becoming a number-one hit on the Billboard Hip-Hop Singles and Hot Rap Tracks charts, reaching the top three of the Hot 100. Jackson also contributed the ballad "God's Stepchild" to the Down in the Delta soundtrack. Jackson recorded a duet with Elton John titled "I Know the Truth," included on the soundtrack to Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida. At the 1999 World Music Awards, Jackson received the Legend Award for "outstanding contribution to the pop industry." Billboard ranked Jackson as the second most successful artist of the decade, behind Mariah Carey.
Ups and Downs (Janet Jackson being an Unfair Scapegoat)
By July of 2000, Janet Jackson was in her second film called Nutty Professor II: The Klumps. Her role was Professor Denise Gaines, opposite Eddie Murphy. Director Peter Segal stated, "Janet Jackson was a natural fit, and an obvious choice." The film became her second to open at number one, grossing an estimated $170 million worldwide. Jackson's single "Doesn't Really Matter", used for the film's soundtrack, became her ninth number-one single on the Hot 100. Before Janet Jackson's 7th album was released, MTV honored her with the network's inaugural MTV Icon ceremony. It wanted to honor Janet Jackson's contributions to music, music videos, and pop culture impacting the MTV generation. That was a long way from when MTV refused to show videos from black artists back in the early 1980's. The event paid tribute to Janet Jackson's career and influence. Commentaries came from Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Aaliyah and Jessica Simpson. Performances existed from Destiny's Child, Usher, Buckcherry, Mya, Macy Gray, 'N Sync Pink, and Outkast. The American Music Awards also honored Jackson with the Award of Merit for "her finely crafted, critically acclaimed and socially conscious, multi-platinum albums."
By April of 2001, Janet Jackson's 7th album was released called All for You. The single All for You was very popular, and the album came out when I was a senior in high school. It opened at number one on the Billboard 200 with 605,000 copies sold, the highest first-week sales of her career, and among the highest first-week sales by a female artist in history. The album was a return to an upbeat dance style, receiving generally positive reception. Jackson received praise for indulging in "textures as dizzying as a new infatuation", in contrast to other artists attempting to "match the angularity of hip-hop" and following trends. All for You was certified double Platinum by the RIAA and sold nine million copies worldwide.
The album's lead single, "All for You", debuted on the Hot 100 at number fourteen, setting a record for the highest debut by a single that was not commercially available. Jackson was titled "Queen of Radio" by MTV as the single made airplay history, being "added to every pop, rhythmic and urban radio station" within its first week. The song broke the overall airplay debut record with a first week audience of seventy million, debuting at number nine on the Radio Songs chart. It topped the Hot 100 for seven weeks, also reaching the top ten in eleven countries. The song received a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. "Someone to Call My Lover" peaked at number three on the Hot 100. Built around a sample of the iconic 1972 hit "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon, "Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You)" featured Simon herself, along with Missy Elliott on remixes of the single. By July of 2001, Jackson created the All or You Tour. There was a broadcast special for HBO watched by 12 million views. The tour was in America and Japan. European and other Asian dates were cancelled, because 9/11 happened. Janet Jackson donated a portion of the tour's proceeds to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. By 2002, the media focused on Janet's romance life. Janet worked with Beenie Man for the song Feel It Boy, produced by the Neptunes. She also worked with Timberlake on the song (And She Said) Take Me Now.
Then, Janet Jackson was unfairly scapegoated for the Super Bowl situation. Even back in 2004, America was much more conservative country on sexuality displayed in public venues. Janet Jackson was chosen by the National Football League and MTV to perform at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show in February 2004. She performed a medley of "All for You", "Rhythm Nation", and an excerpt of "The Knowledge" before performing "Rock Your Body" alongside surprise guest Justin Timberlake. As Timberlake sang the lyric "I'm gonna have you naked by the end of this song", he tore open her costume, exposing her right breast to 140 million viewers. The incident was referred to as "nipple gate" by the media. Janet Jackson was stripped of her clothes, and she was blamed more than Justin by the media. Jackson issued an apology after the performance, saying that the incident was accidental and unintended, explaining that Timberlake was only meant to pull away a bustier and leave the red-lace bra intact. She commented, "I am really sorry if I offended anyone. That was truly not my intention ... MTV, CBS, the NFL had no knowledge of this whatsoever, and unfortunately, the whole thing went wrong in the end." Timberlake also issued an apology, calling the accident a "wardrobe malfunction." CBS, the NFL, and MTV denied any knowledge of the incident and all responsibility for it. The Federal Communications Commission heavily fined all companies involved and continued an investigation for eight years, ultimately losing its appeal for a $550,000 fine against CBS.
Janet Jackson was blackballed by the industry for a time. CBS permitted Timberlake to be at the 46th Grammy Awards, but they refuse to allow Janet Jackson to attend. They forced her to withdraw after being scheduled as a presenter. Janet Jackson was prevented to star in the biographical film of the singer and activist Lena Horne, which was to be produced by the American Broadcasting Company. Horne was said to not be happy by the incident, but Janet Jackson's representatives stated that she withdrew from the project willingly. Disney removed the Mickey Mouse statue wearing Jackson's iconic Rhythm Nation outfit. Janet Jackson's 8th studio album was Damita Jo. It was released on March 2004. Damita Jo is her middle name. The album had sonic innovation. It showcased her vocal harmonies. It was certified Platinum by the RIAA within a month, and sold over three million copies worldwide. The album's performance was blacklisted from radio and music channels by the CBS CEO Les Moonves. Conglomerates involved in the boycott included Viacom and CBS, subsidiaries MTV, Clear Channel Communications, and Infinity Broadcasting, the latter two among the largest radio broadcasters. The blacklist was placed into effect preceding the release of Damita Jo and continued throughout the course of Jackson's following two albums. Entertainment conglomerate Viacom owns MTV, VH1, and many radio formats, and a senior executive commented that they were "absolutely bailing on the record. The pressure is so great, they can't align with anything related to Janet. The high-ups are still p___ at her, and this is a punitive measure." So, this attack on Janet Jackson was done by the powers that be. Back then, I didn't know how vicious some corporations acted in trying to ruin Janet's musical sales. Janet Jackson promoted the album on Saturday Night Live and the show Will and Grace portraying herself.
Jackson received several career accolades upon the album's release, including the "Legend Award" at the Radio Music Awards, "Inspiration Award" from the Japan Video Music Awards, "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the Soul Train Music Awards, and a Teen Choice Awards nomination for "Favorite Female." In November 2004, she was honored as a role model by 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and presented with the organization's Artistic Achievement Award saluting "a career that has gone from success to greater success." The organization responded to criticism for honoring Jackson in light of the Super Bowl incident by saying that "an individual's worth can't be judged by a single moment in that person's life." In June 2005, she was honored with a Humanitarian Award by the Human Rights Campaign and AIDS Project Los Angeles as recognition for her involvement in raising money for AIDS charities. Tons of people watched the Super Bowl incident. Jawed Karim said that the incident inspired the creation of Youtube. Janet Jackson's 9th studio album was 20 Y.O. It was produced by Jermaine Dupri heavily along with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Janet dated Dupri for a time. This album was about musical liberation. She toured everywhere to promote the album. She worked with Nelly in the song Call on Me, and her single So Excited was popular. It sold 1.5 million copies worldwide. She starred opposite Tyle Perry as a psychotherapist in the film Why Did I Get Married? in 2007. She became the 7th richest woman in the entertainment industry with a fortune of over $150 million. The film opened number 1 at the box office grossing $60 million.
The Comeback and more Blessings
In the year of 2008, Janet Jackson continued to perform. By this time, she signed with Island Records after her contract with Virgin was fulfilled. She recorded with many young producers like Rodney Jerkins, Tricky Stewart, and Stargate. Her 10th studio album was Discipline, which was released on February 2008. It opened at number one. The album's first single of Feedback was at number 19 on the Hot 100 and nine on Pop Songs. Feedback had an amazing dance choreography routine shown by Janet Jackson. This was her highest charting single since Someone to Call My Love. Greatest X was probably her best song vocally on the album. By February 2008, Janet Jackson won an Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in a movie. She was approached to record the lead single for the film Rush Hour 3. Janet Jackson was awarded the Vanguard Award at the 19th annual GLAAD Media Awards, honoring her contributions in promoting equal rights among the gay community. The organization's president commented, "Ms. Jackson has a tremendous following inside the LGBT community and out, and having her stand with us against the defamation that LGBT people still face in our country is extremely significant." Jackson was among hundreds of artists whose material was destroyed in the 2008 Universal Studios fire. Jackson's fifth concert tour was the Rock Witchu Tour. It started in September of 2008. She left Island Record via a mutual agreement. Billboard say that Janet didn't like LA Reid's handling of the album and its promotion. Producer Rodney Jerkins expressed "I felt like it wasn't pushed correctly.... She just didn't get her just-do as an artist of that magnitude." One of the most sad events happened by June 2009 when Michael Jackson, Janet's brother, passed away at the age of 50 years old. . She spoke publicly concerning his death at the 2009 BET Awards, stating "I'd just like to say, to you, Michael is an icon, to us, Michael is family. And he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love, thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much." In an interview, she revealed she had first learned of his death while filming Why Did I Get Married Too?
Janet Jackson and her family was mourning during this time. She focused on her art of music. By this time, she ended her seven year relationship with Jermaine Dupri. Several months later, Jackson performed a tribute to Michael at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, performing their duet "Scream." MTV stated "there was no one better than Janet to anchor it and send a really powerful message." The performance was lauded by critics, with Entertainment Weekly affirming the rendition "as energetic as it was heartfelt." Number Ones included her great hits being released in November 2009. Later, Janet Jackson performed many of her hits at the American Music Awards, Capital FM"s Jingle Bell Ball at London'sO2 arena, and The X-Factor. Make Me was one single from the Number Ones album being produced with Rodney Jerkins. It became Jackson's nineteenth number one on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart, making her the first artist to have number-one singles in four separate decades. Later that month of September 2009, Jackson chaired the inaugural benefit of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, held in Milan in conjunction with fashion week. The foundation's CEO stated "We are profoundly grateful to Janet Jackson for joining amfAR as a chair of its first event in Milan... She brings incomparable grace and a history of dedication to the fight against AIDS." The event raised $1.1 million for the nonprofit organization.
By April of 2010, Why Did I Get Married Too? came with Janet Jackson in it. The film opened at number 2 grossing sixty million dollars. Her role was funny and serious. She won an Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture. Jackson recorded the film's theme "Nothing" as a promotional single. She promoted fashion. She starred as Joanna in the film For Colored Girls in November 2010. The film is adapted from the late Ntozake Shange's 1975 play of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.
The Wall Street Journal stated Jackson "recites verses written by Ntozake Shange, the author of the play that inspired the film ... But instead of offering up a mannered coffeehouse reading of the lines, Jackson makes the words sound like ordinary—though very eloquent—speech." Jackson's portrayal the film was likened to Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. Her performance earned Black Reel Awards nominations in the categories of Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Ensemble. Janet Jackson toured to support her second hits collection called Number Ones. The tour was Number Ones, Up Close and Personal. It was held in 35 global cities. He performed 35 number hits and dedicated a song to each city. Mattel released a limited-edition Barbie of Jackson titled "Divinely Janet", auctioned for over $15,000, with proceeds donated to Project Angel Food. Jackson released the self-help book True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself in February 2011, co-written with David Ritz. It chronicled her struggle with weight and confidence, also publishing letters from fans. It topped The New York Times' Best Seller list the following month. Additionally, she signed a film production contract with Lions Gate Entertainment to "select, develop and produce a feature film for the independent studio." Janet Jackson was the first woman pop singer to perform at the I. M. Pei glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum raising contributions for the restoration of iconic artwork. She promoted the fashion line of Blackglama. She endorsed Nutrisystem to promote an weight lost program. In the program, she donated 10 million dollars in meals to the hungry. She was honored by amfAR for her role in AIDS research when chairing the Cinema Against AIDS gala during the Cannes Film Festival. She was in a public service announcement for UNICEF to help starving children.
By May 16, 2015, Janet Jackson announced by she will release a new album and embark on a world concert tour. Her new record label, Rhythm Nation will released the album. It will be disturbed by BMG Rights Management. She is one of the few African American women musicians to own a record label. Her lead single No Sleeep ft. J. Cole was popular. It was at number 1 on the Billboard and Twitter Trending 140 immediately after its release. Dates of the Unbreakable tour were set on June 15, 2015. BET present Janet Jackson with their Inaugural Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual award at the BET Awards. It showed a dance tribute to her performed by Ciara, Jason Derulo, and Tinashe. It was announced she would launch a luxury jewelry line called the "Janet Jackson Unbreakable Diamonds collection," a joint venture between herself and Paul Raps New York. On August 20, she released a preview of a new song "The Great Forever," while also confirming the title of her eleventh studio album as Unbreakable. Unbreakable the single was released on September 3, 2015. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis said that the album's concept was introspective and developed with the tour's production. Burn It Up with Missy Elliot was another song in the album. Unbreakable was released on October 2, 2015, with massively positive reviews. She later in that week was on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, being her 7th album to chart in America. On April 6, 2016, Janet was planning to start her family with then husband Wissam Al Mana. By 2017, her Unbreakable World Tour was launched. By this time, the racist President Donald Trump was in office. So, her tour talked about themes to address racism, white supremacy, fascism, xenophobia and police brutality. Many people loved the tour praising her socially conscious messages, showmanship, and physical fitness. Janet divorced Al Mana. Janet's brother, Randy, accused Al Mana of doing verbal abuse against Janet Jackson. What About was her emotional song about domestic violence that she performed. Money from the concert on September 9, 2017, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas was used in relief efforts supporting the evacuees of Hurricane Harvey.
Janet Jackson met with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center before her performance. By May 2018, it was announced that she will receive the Billboard Icon Award at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. She was working on new music. By August 16, 2018, Jackson and Rhythm Nation had entered into a partnership with Cinq Music Group. The next day, Jackson released the single "Made for Now", a collaboration with Daddy Yankee. By December 13, 2018, Janet Jackson was announced to be one of the 7 inductees of the 2019 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On February 26, 2019, Jackson announced a four-month Las Vegas residency entitled Metamorphosis. The initial schedule comprised fourteen shows at the Park Theater at Park MGM resort; three additional shows were announced in May. In September and November 2019 Jackson performed a series of concerts in support of the 30th anniversary of the Rhythm Nation album in Welch Treasure Island Resort & Casino, San Francisco and Hawaii. In 2019, Jackson played a variety of festivals in the US and abroad, including The Glastonbury Festival. On season 30 of Dancing with the Stars in 2021, the 8th week's theme, "Janet Jackson Night", was dedicated as a tribute to Jackson. Janet Jackson loves his son, Eissa Al Mana, who was born on January 3, 2017.
By January 28 and 29, 2022, Lifetime and A&E released the 2-part documentary called Janet Jackson. It is about her life. It was highly praised. She planned to do a Black Diamond tour, but it was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On January 29, 2022, Jackson previewed a clip of a new song, "Luv I Luv", during the end credits of the last episode of her documentary, Janet Jackson.
"I'm convinced that we Black women possess a special indestructible strength that allows us to not only get down, but to get up, to get through, and to get over."
-Janet Jackson
The Legacy of Sister Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson has been around for almost 60 years on this Earth. Her mezzo-soprano vocal range is incredible. One major legacy of Janet Jackson was that she created a large foundation where future artists (especially black women artists) can thrive and flourish. She inspired Brandy, Monica, Aaliyah, Beyonce, Rihanna, Mya, Toni Braxton, Namie Amuro, Lady Gaga, Tatyana Ali, Kelly Rowland, Christina Milian, and other musicians who love to perform on the global stage. Janet Jackson's performances have been incredible with its messages, dancing, and excitement. Her respect for her fans and her respect for the art of music and performance always have been apparent. When she goes into a music video, she takes things seriously. Her music encompasses many genres of music like R&B, pop, funk, and new jack swing. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis worked with her for decades in perfecting her own music sound too. Being a trendsetter of fashion, popular culture, and black expression are large parts of her legacy too. During the 1980's, she was decades ahead of her time with her singing about politics, social issues, and other issues. The album of Control including Rhythm Nation 1814 alone set Janet Jackson up as one of the greatest artists in history period. By the 1990's, she performed music about politics and her own power within her sexuality. By the 2000's, 2010's, and 2020's, Janet Jackson proved the naysayers wrong, made music about love, and gave tons of charity to help the oppressed. The video and the stage were used by her to show her gift. She was inspired by the choreography of Fred Astaire and Michael Kidd. Some of her friends are choreographer legends like Tina Landon, Paula Abdul, Shawnette Heard, Kelly Konno, Nikki Pantenburg, Tish Oliver, Omar Lopez, etc. Janet Jackson broke down racial barriers like the rest of her family did for over 50 years. From Gary, Indiana to other places of the world, she has blessed us with her talent. She has sincerity too. She loves what she does, and she is a naturally down to Earth, nice human being. Now, we realize the contributions of Janet Jackson to the world.
Appendix A: Lifetime's Janet Jackson documentary
I watched both parts of the historic Janet Jackson documentary at Lifetime. It was very much important as the documentary is made with the voice and words from Janet Jackson (who loves to show music that celebrates dance, celebrates human expression, and has music that talks about socially conscious issues too). Therefore, it is the definitive account of Janet Jackson's life with the total views from Janet herself. It shows many parts of her life that we know, and other facets of her life that we didn't know. I didn't know that Janet Jackson debated with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on lyrics on Rhythm Nation. I didn't know that in the Scream music video, they recorded many of their parts separately. Much of the film is very emotional with Janet Jackson feeling melancholy and crying because of the pain that she had experienced during the many decades of her life. Janet Jackson is almost 60 years old remaining a premier icon of music. Janet Jackson established a large foundation where future artists like Kelly Rowland, Keri Hilson, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Janelle Monae, Rihanna, Ciara, Teyana Taylor, and other human beings stand on. One prime point of the film is that Janet Jackson praised her father, Joe Jackson, for instilling in the Jackson family discipline and strength to achieve greatness involving their music career. She is very close to Michael Jackson and Randy Jackson too. From her roles in Good Times, Fame, Different Strokes, and other shows plus movies like Poetic Justice, Janet Jackson was always a multifaceted entertainer. Choreography and being one of the greatest dancers of all time represent a large part of her legacy too.
I feel like the Janet Jackson documentary was excellent, and it shows the ups and downs of her relationships (with James Debarge, with Rene Elizondo, with Q-Tip, with Wissam Al Mana, and with Jermaine Dupri). The unfairness of the Super Bowl fiasco was clear, and it showed the double standards of some who want to slander a woman (while ignoring others who done incredible injustices towards black people). Also, it shows the unconditionally powerful love that she has for her son. You can tell that she had bountiful joy when Janet Jackson is around her child. The beauty of Janet Jackson is that she is a very kind person, a very strong human being, and she still has an aura of mystery behind her personality. There is great wonder about that mystery. Not to mention that Janet is transparent in answering questions and showing great honor to her humble beginnings at Gary, Indiana. Being moved by a mural of the Jacksons at Gary touched her soul. The Jackson family started as a Midwestern working class family who became very successful in our culture. Janet Jackson remains the best at what she does. She is a global icon of human culture and black excellence indeed.
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