Janet Jackson: Background

Janet Jackson had to overcome a lot to become the top-selling artist she is today. She had to overcome a controlling father her pushed her into show business at the age of seven in 1973, she had to overcome the immense star of her older brother, Michael Jackson, and she had to overcome the depression and anxiety she felt about entering such a high pressure industry so young in life.

At the age of 15 her father signed her to a record deal with A&R Records. After two commercial duds, the record studio hired Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in 1985 to work with the young artist. Focusing on lyrics that offered Janet Jackson as role model, Control, was her first viable hit. The album produced six hit singles. Janet Jackson took more control of her music in 1989 with Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. The album established her as huge star that could come out of the shadow of her older brother. The accompanying tour was her first and it was an amazing success, selling more than two million tickets.

Born in 1966, she was just a toddler when the Jackson 5 were touring in 1969. She initially loved horses, but her father, Joseph Jackson, had her performing in the variety show with the brothers at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Soon after she went into television, starring in Diff’rent Strokes, A New Kind of Family, and Fame. But Janet seemed destined to be selling tickets as a musician.

In March 2004, she released Damita Jo, her 8th studio album, which debuted at number 2. She was also the host of Saturday Night Live and made an appearance on the sitcom, “Will and Grace.” In September 2006, her album, 20 Y.O. was released, which was a nod to the 20th anniversary of her album, Control. In March 2007, she began work on Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? The movie was released in October and was a huge success. In July of that same year, she signed on with Island Records. Her upcoming album, Discipline, is set for release on February 26, 2008. Get your tickets to see Janet Jackson live in concert right away!

Janet Jackson continued her success in the ‘90s with janet and The Velvet Rope. Both reached number one and both sold platinum several times. Janet Jackson’s first album of the 21st century, All For You, did the same, and was last time she toured. The tour did well, not having a problem selling out tickets.