What do Beyoncé, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, and Lady Gaga have in common?
They all live in the house that Janet Jackson built. A trailblazer, innovator, and cultural icon, her five-decade career remains iconic due to her innovative fashions, electrifying choreography, and socially and sexually conscious music. The tenth and youngest child of the famed Jackson family, she has created her own legacy that includes five Grammy Awards, 11 Billboard Music Awards, 10 Video Music Awards, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In celebration of her 60th birthday on May 16, here are some of Janet's greatest works.
When her first two albums failed to make a musical impact on the charts, Janet didn't give up. Instead, she proved that the third time is the charm with her 1986 magnum opus Control. Janet worked alongside legendary producer Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to release a female-empowering album that celebrated her independence. The album brought the then 20-year-old Janet crossover success, the chart-topping single "When I Think of You," and her first Grammy.
The year 1989 marked the end of mullets, mohawks, and the slasher film craze. However, it was the beginning of a new era for Janet. Released on September 19, 1989, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 was envisioned to be a follow-up to Control but became an instant classic due to its acknowledgment of social issues such as racism, poverty, and substance abuse. It is the only album in history to have seven singles peak within the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 in addition to producing three number ones in three calendar years.
Before becoming a musical powerhouse, Janet rose to prominence as a child actress. Following roles in the hit TV shows Good Times and Fame, she made her way onto the silver screen in John Singleton's 1993 classic Poetic Justice. As the titular character, Janet showcases a vulnerability that complements the grit and intensity of Lucky, portrayed by the late Tupac Shakur. The film remains a highlight of both musicians' respective careers.
By the mid 1990s, Janet was one of the wealthiest musicians. However, she wasn't the happiest. Upon experiencing an emotional breakdown, she channeled the ordeal into creating her sixth studio album, The Velvet Rope. Released on October 7, 1997, the concept album uses introspection as its theme and highlights subjects such as domestic violence, self-worth, and sexuality. Critically acclaimed, The Velvet Rope reestablished Janet's image as a sex symbol and a icon for the gay community.
We know Janet to be a singer and actress, but we cannot forget to add author to her resume. Her 2011 self-help bestseller True You sees the icon at her most vulnerable. She chooses transparency when recalling facing pressures in the Jackson family, emotional fragility in past relationships, and struggles with food and body dysmorphia. Writing the book may have been difficult, but readers will find it worthwhile.
What Janet Jackson album or film is your favorite? Why are you a fan? Sound off in the comments below.
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