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Main » Janet
Written by Lena, Courtney, and Ebony.
The year was 1966, it was the 16th day of May, when the Jackson family welcomed another member. It was the youngest member, a daughter, named Janet Damita Jo Jackson. Janet was born in Gary, Indiana to Katherine and Joseph Jackson. Katherine and Joseph had already produced 8 other children, Maureen (Reebie), Sigmund (Jackie), Toriano (Tito), LaToya, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael, and Steven (Randy). Seven years after her birth, Janet made her performing debut in Las Vegas with her brothers. Her performances as Mae West and Cher caught the eye of the directors of a 70’s sitcom, “Good Times.”
In this sitcom Janet portrayed an abused girl names Penny Gordon. After the show later ended, in 1976 she was given the role as Charlene Dupre in the sitcom Diff’erent Strokes, along side Todd Bridges. In 1982, Janet’s dad wanted her to persue a singing career. She sent in demo tapes to A&M records and got a four-album contract. Her first album entitled Janet Jackson did not do as well as it was anticipated to. It sold a measly 250,000 copies. Two years later Janet was casted on the show “Fame” as Cleo Hewitt.
This show was a place where JAnet could show the world that she had talent. It allowed her to show off her singing abilities. Though that same year , at the age of 18, she elpoed with James DeBarge. Janet later released her second album, Dream Street, it was less successful than Janet Jackson. Dream Street sold 200,000 copies. Less than a year after their marriage, she had it annulled. She realized it wasn’t the right time for marriage, and focused on her career and what she wanted to do in life.
So Ms. Janet came across Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and started on her third album, ‘Control’. It was Control that made Janet a huge Icon. Control went to sell over 14 million copies worldwide to date, The album also went #1 in the US, Japan, and South Africa. Control produced five hits including Nasty, Let’s wait awhile, and the #1 When I think of you.
After an incredible success with Control Janet decided to take her time and start her next project which was Rhythm Nation 1814. In 1988 Janet began working on the new project with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
1989 was the year of the Rhythm Nation. Janet’s new album, The album was released with a 30-minute long short movie. Rhythm Nation was about social problems, racism, bigotry, and illiteracy. The first single was “Miss You Much” and was number one for four weeks. Rhythm Nation sold over 10 million worldwide and the singles were even more successful. Janet then went out on her first tour. The Rhythm Nation World Tour which was the most successful premier tour by any other artists.
Janet also went into other major involvements such as different charities across the nations. With Rhythm Nation Tour making big success Janet collect 25 cents from ever ticket and sold and raised $450,000, Which she donated to the United College Fund. Other charities that Janet has been involved in were, Make a wish foundation, Starlight foundation, and the TJ Martell Foundation for children with cancer and leukemia.
In 1991, Janet signed a $32 million contract with virgin records. Then, in 1992 she did a duet with Luther Vandross for the movie ‘Mo Money’, “The best things in life are Free”. She then starred in the movie, ‘Poetic Justice’ which also starred Tupac Shakur, Regina King, and Joe Torry. She played Justice a woman who lost someone she loved and became a hair dresser and falls for a post office mail man. John Singelton directed the movie whom also directed ‘Boyz N Da Hood’.
Janet has now become one of hollywood’s sexiest and successful women.
Janet’s next album, Janet. Marked her new image. Not shy and more confident. She let all know the real Janet. The album was mostly about love and the relationships. That’s the way love goes was the fastest single of the year. Making #1 in three weeks and staying there for eight weeks. Janet then went out on her second world tour. The Janet. Tour. Which again was a smash hit. It was her best show to date.
In 1995 Janet did a duet with her big brother Mike. The song ‘Scream’ was Michael’s first single off his greatest hits album.
Scream won a grammy for best short form video. Later that year Janet then released her own greatest hits album ‘Design of a Decade 1986/1996’ which featured two new songs ‘Runaway’ and ‘Twenty Foreplay’. Runaway became her 17th solo top 5 single. Which made her the female artist with the most Gold singles. Janet has made a huge impact on the music world. With millions and billions of loving and caring fans who love and adore her.
In August of 1996, Janet and collaborators Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Rene Elizondo, Jr. began writing the
Songs for the new project. By January 1997, Janet was back in the studios recording songs for her long
Waited new album. It took Janet an unusually long time to finish the album.
The whole recording process took six months to finish, the longest for any of her recording sessions. She recorded a total of 20 songs. In July of that same year, the album was finished. It was set for release in October. The first single from the set was a big departure from any of her previous recordings. The track, entitled ”Got Til Its Gone”, features Joni Mitchell singing the loops of her famous tune ”Big Yellow Taxi” and Q-tip rapping during the breakdown. Some fans were confused by the sound, while some loved it for itsSmooth and relaxed groove.
The video was even more of a surprise. In the 1998 Grammy Awards, the Video won for Janet another award for Best Short Film video. Virgin decided not to release it as a single in The US, and used it instead to promote the upcoming album. It was a Top 10 hit around the globe.
The album, on the other hand, gathered tons of accolades from the critics. It was labeled as Janet’s best Work in years, her boldest and most creative to date. Entertainment Weekly magazine even gave it a Straight A rating. The wheels seemed to be on the roll for the new album oddly entitled ”Velvet Rope”. Meanwhile, Janet was flying around the world promoting the album. On October 7, the album was released.
The Velvet Rope debuted at #1 on the Billboard’s Top 200 Albums Chart and #2 on the R&B Albums Chart. This was Janet’s fourth #1 album. It dealt with sensitive topics like homophobia, depression, Loving oneself, and being special. On the album, she symbolizes the velvet rope as the barrier that blocks Others from getting to know who we are. She confessed that writing the album was very therapeutic. The Album was not only Janet’s best, but also her most personal. She released ”You”, ”Everytime”, ”Go Deep”, ”I Get Lonely” and also a deeper remix to ”Together Again”. ”Together Again”, was Janet’s Second single off the album, it was a happy club song Janet wrote specifically for her friends she lost to AIDS. It quickly climbed the charts around the world, hitting #1 in Europe and Top 5 in Canada and
Australia. The single became Janet’s best-selling ever around the world. It sold over 3 million copies Worldwide. It has become Janet’s 18th Gold single in the US.
By April 1998, Janet was in the touring circuit. She opened her third world tour, The Velvet Rope Tour, to A sold out crowd of 10,000 fans at the Ahoy in Rotterdam. She toured Europe for 6 weeks. On October 11th Janet’s show at Madison Square Garden was screened on HBO when millions watched.
She then toured Africa, Asia and then Australia. Since then, she has taken place in a Pepsi commercial, And did duets with Elton John, Busta Rhymes and Blackstreet.
Janet was rumored to be starring in Scream 3, but couldn’t because of other commitments. Janet’s new
Adventure took her to the big screen again starring opposite Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor 2. It
took millions at the box office in its first few days. Janet contributed to the films soundtrack released on
July 11th 2000 with a song called ”Doesn’t Really Matter”.
Additionally, it was announced that Janet had been married to her ”long-time love” Rene Elizondo Jr., but
Managed to keep it a secret for 8 years until Rene filed for divorce.
Meanwhile, Janet has did it again! Janet’s single ”All For You” became a worldwide hit reaching number
One in the US. Her latest album, also entitled All For You, also hit the top spot. Soon after, Janet began
Rehearsing for her world tour which was traveling to many countries and included around 100 shows.
However, tragedy struck in September of 2001, when America came under attack and Janet decided to
Cancel her entire European tour.
She successfully completed the US tour and soon after announced Japan
Dates and a Hawaii date which, once again, would be aired live on HBO in February 2002.
Her summer release was ”Some One To Call My Lover” which included remixes from Jermaine Dupri
And Hex Hector.
The last single off the All For You album was ”Son Of A Gun”. In November, 2001 Janet collaborated
With Missy Elliot on a remix of her album track Son Of A Gun. Missy features in the video and the song
Also sees remixes from P.Diddy and Cottonbelly.
Virgin records re-released the All For You album, excluding ”Would You Mind” and including two
Remixes of Son Of A Gun. It was also packaged with a Limited Edition DVD that included several
Of Janet’s most recent music videos from the janet. Album through to the present day.
In summer of 2002, Janet collaborated with Beenie Man for their hit single Feel It Boy. Feel It Boy was the hit song for the summer time.
She was also named MTV’s first ICON
Janet has made a big impact on a lot of people of all ages, and races. She has inspired all her fans with her music and her voice. She is a wonderful and talented woman who will remain in our hearts forever and ever. Janet is and always will be the QUEEN of R n B!
Copyright 2003 written by three of Janet’s biggest fans Lena Jackson, Courtney Hall, and Ebony For Janet Jackson and Janet Zone. DO NOT COPY!
