Janet jackson

Janet Damita Jo Jackson (Gary, Indiana, May 16, 1966), better known as Janet Jackson, is an American singer, actress and dancer. She began her career on the entertainment show The Jacksons in 1976. She went on to appear on other major television shows during the '70s and early '80s, such as Good Times and Fame.

After signing a music contract with A&M Records in 1982, she became an R&B and pop icon with the release of her third studio album, Control, in 1986. Her work with music producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis incorporated elements of R&B, funk, disco, rap, and industrial music, leading to a style-setting in popular music. In addition to receiving recognition for her innovation in her music, choreography and music videos and for her prominence on radio and MTV, she has also been recognized for her social awareness.

In 1991, she signed the first of two multi-million dollar contracts with Virgin Records, establishing herself as one of the highest-paid artists in the industry. Her first album under this label, janet. (1993), found her developing a public image of a sex symbol, as she began to introduce sexuality into her work. That same year she performed her first leading role in a film, Poetic Justice. Since then, she has made several more movies. By the late 1990s, she was named the second most successful singer of the decade, behind Mariah Carey. She has achieved an extensive catalog of hits with singles such as "Nasty", "Rhythm Nation", "That's the Way Love Goes", "Together Again", "All for You" and "Feedback".

With more than 100 million musical productions sold, she is one of the best-selling musical artists of all time. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) ranks her as the 13th best-selling female solo artist in the United States, with more than 26 million certified albums. In 2008, Billboard magazine made a list of the 100 most successful music artists in the United States, ranking Jackson at number 7. In 2010, the same magazine made a list of the 50 greatest R&B artists of the last 25 years, ranking her at number 5. One of the most awarded artists in history, her tenure, successes and achievements reflect her influence in shaping and redefining of the concept of popular music. She has been cited as an inspiration by countless new artists.

Life and career

1966-1982: Childhood and television work

Jackson (below left) in a photo for the 1976 CBS, in the show studio The Jacksons.

Janet Damita Jo Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, the youngest of ten children, all the children of Katherine Esther Scruse and Joseph Walter Jackson. The Jacksons were lower-middle-class people and devout Jehovah's Witnesses. Janet clarified that although she was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, she eventually stopped practicing the religion, and that she sees her relationship with God as "one on one.", Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael) performed music in nightclubs and theaters under the name The Jackson 5. In March 1969, the group secured a contract with Motown Records, and by the end of the year they had recorded the first of four consecutive number 1 singles. The excellent commercial results obtained by The Jackson 5 allowed the Jackson family to move to the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, in 1971, where they settled in a mansion called "Hayvenhurst". Though born into a family of professional musicians, little Janet had no aspirations of entering show business. She rather dreamed of becoming a jockey, due to her love of horses. Despite this, her father already planned that her daughter should develop a professional career in the entertainment industry. Janet Jackson once commented in an interview: "Nobody ever asked me if I wanted to go into show business... It was expected."

In 1973, at the age of seven, Janet appeared with her brothers on the Las Vegas Strip at the MGM casino, where they performed a musical routine. Janet Cornwell, in her 2002 biography of the singer, revealed that, when Janet was eight years old, her father Joseph asked her not to call him 'Calin' anymore, as he was now his manager, and to just call him 'Joseph';. Janet began her acting career in 1976 on the CBS television series The Jacksons, in which she appeared alongside her brothers Tito, Rebbie, Randy, Michael, Marlon, La Toya and Jackie. In 1977 she was selected by producer Norman Lear to play the role of Penny Gordon Woods in the comedy Good Times. From 1979 to 1980, she played Jojo Ashton in another family comedy called A New Kind of Family, and between 1981 and 1982 she joined the cast of Diff'rent Strokes, where she played Charlene Duprey. starred in the fourth season of the series Fame , in which she played Cleo Hewitt, although she later commented that she had not enjoyed working on the series.

1982-1992: Early albums, Control and Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814

Although Janet Jackson initially had no intention of starting a music career, she agreed to participate in recording sessions with her family. The first song she recorded was one called "Love Song for Kids", a duet with her brother Randy, in 1978. When Janet was sixteen, her father and manager got her a recording contract with A&M Records. Her debut album, Janet Jackson, produced by soul singers Angela Winbush, René Moore, and Leon F. Sylvers III, was released in 1982. All the production of it was supervised by his father, Joseph. The album reached number 6 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart.

Jackson's second album, Dream Street, was released two years later. His father hired his brothers to help produce the album: Marlon co-wrote two songs, while Tito, Jackie and Michael contributed backing vocals and backing vocals. Dream Street reached number one. 19 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart, and its sales were lower than the debut album. The album's only hit was the lead single "Don't Stand Another Chance". /i>", which reached number 9 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. Also noteworthy is Cliff Richard's collaboration on the song "Two to the Power of Love". In early 1984, Janet married her childhood friend and former R&B singer James DeBarge. Shortly thereafter they separated, and the marriage was annulled in mid-1985. That same year, Janet joined her sister La Toya as a backing vocalist on her song "Baby Sister." & # 3. 4; at the Yamaha Music Festival, where they were crowned with a silver medal and an award for "outstanding song".

After the release of his second album Dream Street, Jackson decided to separate his business from his family. She later commented, "I just wanted to get out of the house, get out of my father's influence, which was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, telling him I never wanted to work with him again.". A&M Records executive John McClain hired producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to work with Jackson. Over six weeks Jackson, Jam and Lewis crafted the singer's third studio album, Control .During the recording of the album, Janet was threatened by a group of men in the vicinity of her hotel in minneapolis. In this regard, Janet said: "Instead of running to Jerry and Terry for them to protect me, I preferred to stand up and I managed to defend myself from them. This is how songs like "Nasty" and "What Have You Done for Me Lately" "arose, from a feeling of self-defense".

Although Jam and Lewis wanted Jackson's music to conquer all markets, their primary goal was to build a following for the singer within the African-American community. Jam once commented, "We wanted to make a album that was in every black home in the United States... We were going for the black album of all time." Released in February 1986, the album peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, with more of 200,000 copies sold in a week. Critic Connie Johnson of "Los Angeles Times" wrote: & # 34; Although she is only a teenager, the presence of this singer is remarkably bold and mature. She has a strong security type that allows for several cuts, plus the musical training to back it up." The "Newsweek" critique; for Control called the album an alternative to the soulful ballads and opulent arrangements of Patti LaBelle and Whitney Houston. Rob Hoerburger of "Rolling Stone" stated: "Control is a better album than Diana Ross has made in 5 years, and puts Janet in a similar position to the young Donna Summer, willing to accept state of innovation and taking his own steps above her." Five of the singles released entered the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart: "What Have You Done for Me Lately& #34;, "Nasty", "When I Think of You", "Control " and "Let's Wait Awhile". "When I Think of You" it also became Jackson's first single to reach number 1. "The Pleasure Principle" it entered the Top 20, peaking at number 14. Most of the choreography for the video clips was done by a then-unknown Paula Abdul. Jonathan Cohen of Billboard magazine said that the spectacular sounds and choreography in Jackson's videos were irresistible to MTV, helping the channel evolve from a rock music channel to one with much broader programming.

Control was certified five times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, and has sold more than 14 million copies worldwide. In addition, it won 4 American Music Awards from 12 nominations, a record that has yet to be broken, and was nominated for "Album of the Year" at the 1987 Grammy Awards. Richard J. Ripani Ph.D, author of the book The New Blue Music: Changes in Rhythm & Blues, 1950-1999 (published 2006), noted that Control was one of the first successful albums to influence the rise of new jack swing, creating a fusion of R&B, rap, funk, disco, and synthesized percussion. According to Ripani, the success of Control bridged the gap between R&B and rap.

In September 1989, Jackson released her fourth studio album, titled Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814. Despite the fact that executives at A&M Records wanted an album similar to Control, Jackson did not want to compromise her artistic integrity and was determined to infuse her music with a socially conscious message of love and relationships. She said: 'I'm not naive, I know one album or one song isn't going to change the world. I just want my music and my choreography to be able to grab the public's attention and keep it long enough for them to hear the lyrics and what we want to say." Producer Jimmy Jam said in an interview with & #34;The Boston Globe": "We always used to have a TV on, usually tuned to CNN... And I think the social content of songs like "Rhythm Nation", "State of the World" and "The Knowledge" they came from there." Vince Aletti of Rolling Stone magazine observed that Jackson transitioned seamlessly from personal freedom to more universal concerns such as injustice, illiteracy, crime and drugs.

Reaching at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, the album was certified six times platinum in the United States. In total, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 is estimated to have sold more than 14 million copies worldwide. of music that has produced singles that have reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in three different years: "Miss You Much" in 1989, "Escapade" and "Black Cat" in 1990, and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" in 1991. In addition, it is the only album that has produced seven singles that have reached the Top 5 on the Hot 100 list. The video clip for the song "Rhythm Nation&# 3. 4; won a Grammy Award in the category "Best Long Music Video" in 1989. Billboard magazine named the album the best-selling album of 1990, winning numerous awards. The Rhythm Nation World Tour, Jackson's first world concert tour in support of one album, it became the most successful debut tour by a singer in history. When Jackson began her tour, she was immediately recognized for the social and cultural impact of her music. Joel Selvin of the "San Francisco Chronicle" wrote: "At 23, the singer has made numerous hit recordings over four years, becoming a fixture on MTV and a great role model for teenage girls across the country.". William Allen, then vice president of the United Negro College Fund, told the "Los Angeles Times": "Jackson is a role model for all young people, and the message that has reached them in this country through the lyrics of Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 is having a positive effect.". She created the Rhythm Nation Scholarship as a partnership with the United Negro College Fund, as well as donating proceeds from his tour to other educational projects, donating more than half a million dollars to pay for them. The editors of the book Routledge International Encyclopedia of Women: Global Women's Issues and Knowledge (published in 2000) documented in the book that Jackson's success during this period was enough for her to equal other artists such as his brother Michael Jackson, Madonna and Tina Turner.

Jackson's contract with A&M Records ended with the release of Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814. In 1991, after the singer was personally approached by the owner of Virgin Records, Richard Branson, Jackson signed a highly publicized multi-million dollar contract with the aforementioned record company. The amount of the contract, estimated between 32 and 50 million dollars, made her the highest paid musical artist in contemporary music, until her brother Michael signed a contract with Sony days later for 65 million dollars. The magazine "Ebony" wrote: "No solo artist or group has impacted show business as much as Michael and Janet Jackson, who have both recently signed multi-million dollar contracts. There are many imitators, but no one can emulate the impressive style and skill of the Jackson brothers.” Her reputation as a fashion icon also earned her recognition. Jackson was rocking millions of people on his successful Rhythm Nation World Tour, while scores of teenage girls imitated his distinctive look: long black semi-military jackets, tight black pants, and oversized white shirts. In the same year, Janet married for the second time, but in secret, with her old friend, dancer, composer and director René Elizondo Jr.. In early 1992, Jackson recorded a song titled "The Best Things in Life Are Free", with Luther Vandross, BBD and Ralph Tresvant, for the soundtrack of the film Mo' Money.

1993-1996: janet., Poetic Justice and Design of a Decade 1986/1996

In August 1992, after finishing his work on Poetic Justice, Jackson set to work recording his first album for Virgin Records. The recording sessions began in September 1992, until the first quarter of 1993. In May 1993, the singer's fifth studio album, titled janet. (pronounced " Janet, period", in Spanish: "Janet, period"), which debuts at number 1 on the Billboard 200. Jackson referred to the album title in an interview: "Las People think I got far just because of my last name. That's why I only titled "Janet" to my album, because I've never asked my brothers to write or produce music for me." Larry Flick of Billboard magazine noted that she also broadens her musical spectrum on janet., mixing elements of deep house, swing jazz, hip-hop, rock and Caribbean music with a strong predominance of funk. Rolling Stone magazine commented: "As a princess of the black American royal family, everything Janet Jackson does is important. Whether proclaiming herself in charge of her life, as she did in Control, or as an army commander with dance beats to fight society's problems, as she did in Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, she is influential. And when she announces her sexual maturity on her new album janet., it's a cultural milestone." "The New Rolling Stone Album Guide"; (released in 2004) comments that the album's first number 1 single, "That's the Way Love Goes" (1994 Grammy winner for "Best R&B Song"), and the Top 10 singles "If", " Because of Love", "You Want This" and "Any Time, Any Place", all contain "adult wishes.". janet. was certified six times Platinum by the RIAA, with worldwide sales of more than 20 million copies.

In July 1993, Jackson made his film debut in the film Poetic Justice. "Rolling Stone" described her work as a "seductive film debut"; despite her inexperience, while & # 34; The Washington Post & # 34; he considered it "believably eccentric". Several critics were also negative, such as Owen Gleiberman of "Entertainment Weekly", who expressed that Janet was not an inept actress, but that there were no more edges. in her personality than in her plastic doll face. The ballad "Again" Jackson's song was included in the film, and received her first Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for "Best Original Song". In September 1993, Jackson appeared topless on the cover of & #34;Rolling Stone," with the hands of her then-husband René Elizondo Jr. covering her breasts. The photograph is similar to the one used on the janet. album cover, which was taken by photographer Patrick Demarchelier. Sonia Murray of "The Vancouver Sun" observed: "Jackson, 27, remains clearly established as a role model and sex symbol. The Rolling Stone photo became one of the most recognizable and satirized magazine covers of the year.". Rolling Stone editor David Ritz likened the Jackson's transformation with that of singer Marvin Gaye, saying the following: "As Marvin Gaye went from What's Going On to Let's Get It On, from austere to fervent, Janet herself passes as seriously as Marvin from Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 to janet., in her statement of sexual liberation. His second concert tour, the janet. World Tour generated a standing ovation from critics. Michael Snyder of the "San Francisco Chronicle" described the Jacksons' stage presence as blurring the line between arena-sized pop concerts and large-scale theatrical extravaganzas.

During this period, her brother Michael Jackson was embroiled in a child sexual abuse scandal, which he denied any wrongdoing. Janet gave her brother moral support, and denied the allegations made by her sister La Toya Jackson in his book "La Toya: Growing up in the Jackson family" (1991), where she denounced that her parents had abused her and her brothers during her childhood. In an interview with Lynn Norment of 'Ebony', she spoke of her sister's estrangement from the family, stating that her She had been brainwashed to the point of alienating her from her family by her husband Jack Gordon. In addition, she became angry with her brother Jermaine Jackson for mocking Michael on his single "Word to the Badd& #3. 4; in 1991. In December 1994 Janet recorded with her brother Michael the song "Scream", which was released as the lead single from the album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I by Michael. The song was written by both brothers as a response to the press scrutiny Michael suffered from being accused of child sexual abuse. The song was a huge hit, debuting at number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming in the first single in history to debut in the top five positions. According to the "Guinness Book of Records", the video-clip of "Scream", filmed in May 1995, is the most expensive in the history of music, with a cost of 7 million dollars. Michael and Janet won with "Scream" the Grammy for "best short music video" in 1995.

In October 1995, Jackson released his first compilation album, Design of a Decade 1986/1996, released under A&M Records. The album debuted at number 4 and peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart. The lead single, "Runaway", became the first song by a female artist. debuting within the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 3. The album was certified two times platinum by the RIAA, and has sold more than 4 million copies worldwide. Jackson's in popular music continued to gain recognition. Steve Morse of "The Boston Globe" remarked: "If we talk about the most powerful female pop elite, you cant talk about anything bigger than Janet Jackson, Bonnie Raitt, Madonna and Yoko Ono. Her collective influence is beyond measure. And who can question now that Janet Jackson has more credibility than her brother Michael?" In January 1996, the singer renewed the recording contract with Virgin Records, for a sum of 80 million dollars, thus becoming the highest paid artist in contemporary music, surpassing the contracts obtained by Madonna and Michael Jackson, which were estimated at 60 million dollars.

1997-2003: The Velvet Rope, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps and All for You

For a period of 2 years prior to the release of his sixth studio album, The Velvet Rope, Jackson suffered from depression and anxiety issues. Michael Saunders of "The Boston Globe" 3. 4; he considered the album to reflect an introspective look at her struggles with depression, describing it as a critical soul-searching and diary of one woman's journey to self-discovery.The Velvet Rope also introduced the sadomazoquism in Janet's music. Eric Henderson of 'Slant Magazine' wrote: "The Velvet Rope is a rich and dark masterpiece illustrating that, amidst whips and chains, there's nothing sexier than emotional nudity.". Larry Flick of "Billboard" called The Velvet Rope the best American album of the year and the most powerful of all their works. Released in October 1997, The Velvet Rope debuted at number 1. on the Billboard 200. In August of that year, the first single from the album, "Got 'til It's Gone", was released radioally, reaching number 12 on Billboard's R&B Radio Songs chart. This song is inspired by the song "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell, who appears on Janet's single alongside rapper Q-Tip. "Got til' It's Gone" won the Grammy for "best short music video" in 1997. The album's second single, "Together Again", became her eighth number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, ranking Janet on par with Elton John, Diana Ross and The Rolling Stones. The single spent a record 46 weeks on the chart, as well as spending 19 weeks on the UK charts. "I Get Lonely&# 3. 4; it peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Velvet Rope sold more than 10 million records worldwide, and was certified three times platinum by the RIAA.

Jackson donated part of the proceeds from "Together Again" to the Foundation for AIDS Research. Neil McCormick of "The Daily Telegraph" observed: "Jackson even takes a stance as a gay icon, giving a diva performance reminiscent of Diana Ross in "Together Again" (a pro-AIDS study pop song), singing a paean to homosexuality on the jaazistic "Free Xone" and culminating, if that's the right word, with a bizarre lesbian reinterpretation of the song "Tonight's the Night" by Rod Stewart.". "Rolling Stone" considered "Free Xone" as the best song on the album, describing it as an anti-homophobic song that varies modes and tempo on a dime, going from a sort of Prince-esque sound to a domineering Archie Bell and the Drells style on their song " Tighten Up". The Velvet Rope was honored by the National Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, receiving the award for "outstanding album& #3. 4; at the 9th GLAAD Media Awards.

In 1998, Jackson undertook The Velvet Rope World Tour, an international tour that included Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Robert Hilburn of "Los Angeles Times" wrote: "There is much of the ambition and glamor of Broadway musicals in The Velvet Rope World Tour, which only goes to show that these concerts credit her as the creator and director of the show. ". The HBO special The Velvet Rope: Live in Madison Square Garden was viewed by more than 15 million people. The 2-hour concert gained audiences from all four of the largest networks in HBO-subscribed households. This special was nominated for 4 Emmy Awards, winning one. Jackson donated part of the concert proceeds to America's Emmy Awards. s Promise, a non-profit organization created by Colin Powell to assist disenfranchised youth.

The following month, Jackson parted ways with René Elizondo Jr. Since her world tour ended in 1999, Janet has lent her voice to numerous songs by different artists: the singles "Luv Me, Luv Me " by Shaggy (for the soundtrack of the film How Stella Got Her Groove Back?), "Girlfriend/Boyfriend" by Blackstreet, and "What's It Gonna Be?!" by Busta Rhymes with Eve and Ja Rule. In addition, she recorded the song & # 34; God & # 39; s Stepchild & # 34; for the soundtrack of the film Down on the Delta, and a duet with Elton John on the song "I Know The Truth". At the 1999 World Music Awards, Jackson received the "legend award" along with Cher, for her lifetime contribution to the music industry and her outstanding contribution to the pop industry.At the end of the year, & # 34; Billboard & # 34; ranked Janet as the second most successful artist of the decade, behind only Mariah Carey.

In July 2000, Jackson appeared in her second film, The Nutty Professor 2: The Klump Family, as Professor Denise Gaines, opposite Eddie Murphy. This became his second film to debut at No. 1 at the US box office, earning approximately $42.7 million in its first week. His contribution to the film's soundtrack, the song "Doesn't Really Matter", became her ninth number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, her ex-husband filed for divorce. Jeff Gordinier of "Entertainment Weekly" reported that 8 of the 13 years that she and Elizondo had known each other, they had been married, a fact they arranged to hide not only from the international press, but also from Janet's father. Elizondo pursued a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Jackson, estimated between 10 and 25 million dollars. They did not reach an agreement until 2003.

Jackson was honored at the American Music Awards in March 2001, receiving the "Award of Merit" for her finely crafted, critically acclaimed, and socially groundbreaking multi-platinum albums. Additionally, she became the inaugural honoree of the mtvICON Award, an annual recognition of artists who have made significant contributions to music, music video, and film. pop culture, while having a tremendous impact on the MTV generation. Janet's seventh studio album, All for You, was released in April 2001, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200. At 605,000 copies in its first week, All for You became the best-selling first-week album of his career. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of "Allmusic" He said: "Jackson has crafted a hit that's luxurious and sensual, sprinkling leisure into the 70 minutes of it, managing to draw even when more is known." Jon Pareles of "The New York Times" He commented: "Like other R&B artists who marry her work with hip-hop, Jackson revels in textures as dizzying as a new taste."

The album's title track, "All for You", debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 prior to its release at number 14, the highest-charting debut on the Billboard Hot 100. the story for a single that was not yet commercially available. MTV's Teri VanHorn dubbed Jackson the "queen of radio", as the song made radio history, being played on every radio station. pop, R&B and urban that responded to the national business of the magazine "Radio & Records", in its first week. The single reached number 1, leading the chart for 7 consecutive weeks. In addition, he received a Grammy in 2001 for "best dance song"., "Someone to Call My Lover", which featured a heavy guitar circuit from the song "Ventura Highway" by the group América, peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album All for You was certified double platinum by the RIAA, and sold more than 9 million copies worldwide.

Jackson kicked off his All for You Tour in July 2001. Pop music critic Robert Hilburn gave a negative review of it, comparing it unfavorably to the Drowned World Tour by Madonna and Britney Spears' Dream Within a Dream Tour. Hilburn wrote: 'At 35, Jackson is only 8 years younger than Madonna, but this performance is more like Britney Spears. Madonna knows how to dig below the surface; Jackson lives in it.". Hilburn's review sparked a reaction from those who thought and felt that Jackson gave the superior performance. David Massey commented: "Janet surpassed the "material girl" for miles. And what's the point of the chutzpah in bringing the name of Britney Spears onto the scene by saying that Janet's show is like Britney's? Hello! It's the other way around.". Similarly, Rudy Scalese praised Jackson's performance, stating: "Janet Jackson hasn't missed a beat. She's still the Queen of Pop.” Jackson donated part of the proceeds from the tour to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, to which its president Roxanne Spillett said: "The increased awareness she brings to our cause, along with her generous financial contribution, will help us reach even more young people looking for hope. and opportunities.".

In 2002, Jackson collaborated with reggae singer Beenie Man on the song "Feel It Boy". She later admitted that she regretted doing the collaboration, after discovering that Beenie Man's music contained homophobic lyrics. Soon, she issued an apology to her gay fans in an article published in 'The Voice.' Jackson also began her relationship with music producer and rapper Jermaine Dupri that same year.

2004-2005: Super Bowl XXXVIII controversy, Damita Jo and television appearances

At halftime of Super Bowl XXXVIII in February 2004, Jackson did a medley of his songs "All for You" and "Rhythm Nation", and later sang with Justin Timberlake. While Timberlake sang the part "gonna have you naked by the end of this song" from his single & # 34; Rock Your Body & # 34;, he ripped off Jackson's top, exposing his right breast. After the introduction, Janet apologized, saying it was an accident, as Timberlake only had to rip off her closed top and leave the red lace bra underneath intact. She later commented, "I'm really, really sorry if I offended you." tosomeone. That was not my real intention... MTV, CBS, the National Football League had no knowledge of this, and unfortunately, the whole thing went wrong in the end." Timberlake also issued an apology, calling to the accident as a "wardrobe malfunction". "Time" reported that the accident became the most repeated moment in TiVo history, and Monte Burke of "Forbes" said the fleeting moment drew an estimated 35,000 new subscribers to TiVo. Jackson was later listed in the 2007 Guinness Book of World Records as the most searched person in Internet history and as the most searched person ever. in the news section. CBS, the National Football League and MTV (CBS's sister network and producer of the halftime show) denied any prior knowledge of the event, and any responsibility for the accident. Even so, the Federal Communications Commission conducted an investigation, ultimately losing its appeal for some $550,000 against CBS.

As a result of the accident, CBS would only allow Jackson and Timberlake to appear at the 46th Grammy Awards if they each made a public apology to the network, without attributing the accident to a "wardrobe malfunction." 3. 4;. Timberlake issued his apology, but Jackson refused. Jermaine Dupri resigned from the awards committee as a result. The controversy halted Jackson's plans to star in a made-for-television biopic based on the life of Timberlake. singer Lena Horne, on ABC. Although Horne was reportedly upset by the Super Bowl accident and insisted that Jackson be removed from the project, according to Janet's representatives, she withdrew from the project in a good way.

In March 2004, Janet's eighth studio album, Damita Jo (singer's middle and third names), was released, debuting at number 2 on the Billboard 200. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of "Allmusic" referred to it as "the aural equivalent of hardcore pornography, leaving nothing to the imagination and endlessly repetitive". Alternatively, Ann Powers review of "Blender" 3. 4; he stated: "Ingeniously structured, without explicit apology, Damita Jo is erotic in its friendly and very well balanced. This one more hour of tantric mainstream even erases the memory of Jackson's clumsy accident in the Super Bowl.". By the end of the month, it was certified platinum by the RIAA, and has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. the world. Although the album debuted at number 2, all four of its singles failed to enter the Top 40. Keith Caulfield of "Billboard" commented that "for a unique artist like Janet Jackson, who has racked up 27 Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 singles in her career, including 10 No. 1 hits, this could probably be considered a disappointment". The same magazine's Hope reported that Damita Jo was largely overshadowed by the Super Bowl scandal, and that Jermaine Dupri, then president of Virgin Records' urban music department, delivered his sentiment of lack of support from the company.

Jackson appeared as the host of Saturday Night Live on April 10, 2004, and also guest-starred on the sitcom Will & Grace, playing herself.In November of that same year, she was honored as an "Afro-American Role Model"; by 100 Black Men of America Inc., which awarded her an Artistic Achievement Award from the organization, in recognition of a career that went from success to greatest success. Although the "New York Amsterdam News" Reporting that there were a number of attendees who expressed dismay about giving the award to the 38-year-old artist due to the Super Bowl incident, the organization's president, Paul Williams, responded: "The value of an individual it cannot 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 the AIDS Project Los Angeles, in recognition of her work and commitment to raise money to help AIDS patients.

2006-2010: 20 Y.O., Why Did I Get Married?, Discipline and Number Ones

To promote his ninth studio album, 20 Y.O., Jackson graced the cover of "Us Weekly" in June 2006, which became one of the magazine's best-selling issues. Virgin Records released 20 Y.O. in September of that year, which debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200. Janine Coveney of "Billboard" reported that the album title ("20 Years Old") represents a celebration of the joyous liberation and musical style that has made history since their 1986 album, Control. Evan Serpick of "Rolling Stone" He commented: "The title of Janet Jackson's latest album refers to the two decades since the release of her breakout album, Control , which yielded hits like " Nasty & # 34; and "What Have You Done for Me Lately". If we were her, we wouldn't make the comparison." However, Glenn Gamboa of "Newsday" gave the album a positive review, stating: "In 20 Y.O., she skips all that liberation drama, asserting herself. She also keeps a lot of hers from her 'binds/unbinds'. sex of the last album of hers in the closet. This album is all about dancing and going back to your R&B roots.".

The album's first single, "Call on Me", a duet with rapper Nelly, peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. 20 Y.O. was certified platinum by the RIAA, and sold 679,000 copies in the United States and 1.2 million worldwide. "Billboard" reported that the release of 20 Y.O. fulfilled Jackson's contract with Virgin Records. Jermaine Dupri, who co-produced 20 Y.O., stepped down as head of Virgin Records' urban music business after the disappointing performance of Jackson's album.

In January 2007, Jackson was ranked the seventh richest woman in the entertainment business by "Forbes" magazine, with a cumulative net worth of more than $150 million. That same year, Janet starred opposite Tyler Perry as a psychotherapist named Patricia in the film Why Did I Get Married?. This became Jackson's third consecutive film to debut at #1 at the box office, grossing $21.4 million in its first week. Ronnie Scheib of "Variety" described Jackson's performance as likeable, if somewhat soft, while Wesley Morris of "The Boston Globe" he commented that Janet played her character with a loose authority of hers.In February 2008, Jackson won the NAACP Award for Outstanding Performance in a Motion Picture for the role of her.

In July 2007, Jackson changed record companies, and signed a music contract with Island Def Jam Music Group. Her tenth studio album, Discipline, was released in February 2008, debuting on the Billboard 200 at number 1. Margeaux Watson of "Entertainment Weekly"; observed that "Her boy-mad lyrics, which often sound like the cheesy text messages of a lovesick teenager, undoubtedly lack the necessary taste to put this one-time pop star back at the top of the charts." critics". Andy Kellman of "Allmusic" He expressed, "Janet probably won't catch up to her late-'80s popularity again, but that's no excuse for deleting her. ".hers single hers" Feedback & # 34; peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. In April 2008, Jackson received the "vanguard award" at the 19th GLAAD Media Awards, honoring her contribution to promoting equal rights for LGBT people. Neil G. Giuliano, president of GLAAD, commented: "Mrs. Jackson has a tremendous number of fans inside and outside the LGBT community, and having his support against the defamation that LGBT people still face in our country is extremely significant.". Jackson's fifth concert tour, the Rock Witchu Tour, began in September 2008. That same month, she and her record company parted ways by mutual consent. Darkchild, who produced her last album, expressed: "It seems to me that it was not promoted correctly. She just hasn't made it as an artist of her magnitude.” In the 14 months she was associated with Island Def Jam, her album had sold 449,000 copies, without receiving any RIAA certification.. "Billboard" reported that, due to Janet's dissatisfaction with the promotion of her album, the company agreed to revoke her relationship with the artist at her request.

In June 2009, his brother Michael Jackson died at the age of 50. At the BET Awards that year, Janet spoke publicly for the first time about the death of her brother, stating: "I just want to say that for all of 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, I thank everyone for his love, thank you for all his support. We miss him so much.' In an exclusive interview with 'Harper's Bazaar,' Janet revealed that she learned of her brother's death while filming the movie Why Did I Get Married Too?. In the midst of the public and private mourning with her family, she focused on work to face the pain, avoiding any press report about the death of her brother. She stated: "It's still important to face reality, and it doesn't mean that it's running away from it, but sometimes you just need to run away for a second." At the same time, she also ended their 7-year relationship. years with Jermaine Dupri. In September 2009, Janet sang "Scream" at the MTV Video Music Awards, as part of a tribute to her brother. Stephen Friedman, general manager of MTV, stated: "We felt like there was no one better than Janet to really anchor and send a message." powerful.". She worked with numerous world-renowned choreographers, and with her personal creative director, Gil Duldulao, who coordinated the performance. The performance was lauded by critics. Michael Slezak of "Entertainment Weekly" He commented, "Janet Jackson worked that stage harder than a low-paid assistant doing overtime and, as a tribute to herself, she was as energetic as she was heartfelt."

Her single "Make Me" was released after her performance at the VMAs, initially in "audio stream" on his official website, and was later made available for digital download. Shortly after its release, the single became Jackson's 19th number 1 on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. Later that month, Jackson presided over the inaugural benefit for the Foundation for AIDS Research, held in Milan in conjunction with Fashion Week. Kevin Robert Frost, CEO of the foundation, commented: "We are deeply grateful to Janet Jackson for joining our foundation, chairing our first event in Milan. She brings unparalleled harmony and a history of dedication to the fight against AIDS.". One of the signature pieces sold at the auction was a pair of crystal-studded boots that her brother Michael was going to wear at his This Is It tour, which sold for $14,650. The event raised a total of $1.1 million for the nonprofit organization. Jackson said: "I would just like to thank everyone here in the global fashion community, who have done so much to help the Foundation for AIDS Research, and for supporting research on AIDS. HIV/AIDS.". Their second compilation album, Number Ones (titled The Best outside the United States), was released in November 2009, on a joint venture between Universal Music Group and EMI. It debuted at number 22 on the Billboard 200, with sales of 27,000 copies in its first week of release.

Janet sang as the opening act at the 37th American Music Awards, and was also one of the singers at "Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball" in December 2009 at the 02 Arena in London.

2010-present: Film projects, True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself and Number Ones: Up Close and Personal

In April 2010, Jackson reprized his role opposite Tyler Perry in the sequel to Why Did I Get Married?, titled Why Did I Get Married Too?. The film grossed $30.1 million in its first week box office, debuting at number 2. Wesley Morris of "The Boston Globe" expressed that "the total experience of the film is 120 minutes of emotional Stairmaster", adding that "watching a hysterical (and hysterically coiffed) Janet Jackson redecorate a house with a golf club burns 500 calories". Mike Hale of "The New York Times" referred to her performance as "invigorating and singularly funny," while Jackie K. Cooper of "The Huffington Post" described her performance as "invigorating and uniquely funny." commented: 'Janet comes across as very impressive at times, and a little less so at others. She does show a willingness to be seen more disheveled.". Her performance earned her a 2011 NAACP Award nomination for "Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture". In addition, she recorded the lead single for the film's soundtrack, titled "Nothing", which was released prior to the film's debut. In May 2010, Janet performed in the finale of American Idol, where she sang "Again", "Nothing" and "Nasty".

Jackson performed at the "2010 Essence Music Festival," along with Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige. According to the Associated Press, "Janet Jackson wowed the Friday audience of the Essence Music Festival, kept people on their feet for over two hours and reminded her fans why it was worth waiting 2 years to see her in concert. In July 2010, Jackson became a spokesperson for the brand. of Blackglama furs, from the American Legend Cooperative company, in the campaign "What Becomes a Legend Most", previously carried out by celebrities such as Lena Horne, Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall and Diana Ross. According to the company's press release: "Jackson was selected as the most recent of the Legends campaign, because he is an icon in the world of music and entertainment, a true legend. She represents everything this campaign embodies. Janet is to show business what Blackglama is to luxury." Her approval sparked outrage from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) as well as activist Pamela Anderson. Anderson and the organization's vice president, Dan Mathews, found Jackson's decision hypocritical, as he had in the past refused to approve the use of fur. In August of the same year, Universal Music Group released their third compilation album, titled Icon: Number Ones, as part of the debut album series "Icon". According to the press release, this series includes the greatest hits, classic rhythms and favorites of the most popular artists in music history.

In November 2010, she played Joanna in the drama film For Colored Girls, Tyler Perry's film adaptation of the play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf (1975), by Ntozake Shange. Christopher John Farley of "The Wall Street Journal" praised her performance, stating: "She recites verses written by Ntozake Shange, author of the play that inspired the film. But instead of delivering a mannered coffee house-style reading of lines, Jackson makes the words sound like ordinary, if highly eloquent, speech." Matt Zoller Seitz of "Salon.com" 3. 4; He said: 'She outdoes herself here, especially in the scene where she confronts her husband about her secret life. It wasn't just Jackson's short haircut and her traumatized eyes that might remind viewers of Jane Wyman or Joan Crawford. Perry taps into the mix of masculine hyper-competitiveness and feminine vulnerability that have always defined Jackson, and ties it to the shrewd, lonely cool often seen in the work of Wyman and Crawford, a tremendously perceptive managerial tactic.". Manohla Dargis of "The New York Times" commented: 'Janet Jackson is, to put it mildly, an actress of limited expression. But his quiet presence has a punch, partly because of his uncanny resemblance to his brother Michael, but also because his characters' fragile haughtiness, privileged self-involvement and artificialism have, like the martyrs in ermine played by the likes of Lana Turner., her own strange truth.". Numerous critics have compared her portrayal of Jo to Meryl Streep's portrayal of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Fashion. It earned her nominations at the 2011 Black Reel Awards, in the categories "outstanding female performance" and "outstanding wardrobe".

On November 18, 2010, in an exclusive interview with AOL's The Boombox, Jackson announced his plans to embark on his "biggest world tour ever," support for their second compilation album, Number Ones. The tour, called Number Ones: Up Close and Personal would have concerts in 35 cities around the world. They would be selected by his fans, who had to submit suggestions on his official website. During the tour, Jackson featured his 35 number 1 hits and dedicated a song to each city. Jackson partnered with Mattel to release a limited edition Barbie doll that reflect their appearance. Named 'Divinely Janet', the doll was auctioned for $15,000, with proceeds donated to Project Angel Food. A self-help book by Jackson, titled True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself, was released on February 15, 2011, reaching the top of "The New York Times" the following month. In March of the same year, he signed a film production deal with Lions Gate Entertainment to curate, develop and produce an independent feature film. Mike Pasenterek, Lionsgate's president of film development and production, stated: 'Janet has a powerful presence onstage, with a huge audience, and we believe she will have the same powerful presence behind the scenes. We are honored to be able to provide a home for her ideas, her passion and her immense talent." Jackson became the first female pop star to sing at the Louvre Museum's Pyramid, the work of the architect I.M. Pei. In order to raise money for the restoration of iconic works of art, it was presented as part of the museum's biannual fundraising event, "Liaisons au Louvre", on Tuesday, June 14. Henri Loyrette, president and director of the museum, said: "Janet Jackson is one of the greatest artistic gems in the world. We are therefore not deeply honoured, and rightly believe that her unveiling at the Louvre Museum will be yet another piece of art made under our glorious glass pyramid.". In August 2011 she was announced as the first celebrity to be present at the campaign "What Becomes A Legend Most" of Blackglama for 2 consecutive years. Joe Morelli, CEO of the company, said: "It was clear in our discussion of who should be this year's Legend that continuing Janet's moment was completely sensible. She embodies glamour, luxury and sophistication - everything Blackglama needs.". In November 2011, Jackson partnered with the brand to launch a 15-piece collection of luxury leather goods, which is distributed by "Saks Fifth Avenue" and "Bloomingdale's".

Personal life

Married for the third time since 2012 to the millionaire Qatari businessman Wissam al Mana, nine years her junior, on January 3, 2017 Janet gave birth to their son Eissa al Mana, becoming a mother for the first time at the age of fifty. In addition, he also told his son to call him "mother". Eight months later, she announced her divorce.

Artistic quality

Musical style and performance

Many critics have noted that she was never considered a strong vocalist, noting that her voice is often enhanced by the production of her music. Biographer David Ritz commented that "Her subdued voice is a pale echo of Michael's, but on Janet's albums, as well as her video clips and live performances, which revealed a fresh, athletic dance technique, not dissimilar to his brother, the singing's not the point', noting that importance was placed on his pounding beats, infectious hooks, and impeccable production value. Music critic J.D. Considine noted that "on the albums, Janet's sound is defined less by her voice than by the way her voice is framed by the lush, propulsive production of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis". Her voice has also been praised on occasion. Eric Henderson of Slant Magazine criticized those who harshly judged Jackson for his thin voice, noting: "Somehow, they forgot about the explosive pyrotechnic vocal that he unleashes throughout the "Nasty", or have completely dismissed how their tremulous indecision fits perfectly into the abstinent anthem "Let's Wait Awhile".". The Classical composer Louis Andriessen has also praised Jackson for his "rubato tempo, sense of rhythm, sensitivity, and the childlike quality of his strangely erotic voice." Ritz compared Jackson's musical style to that of Marvin Gaye, stating: 'Like Marvin, autobiography seems the only source of his music. His art, also like Marvin, floats on a reservoir of secret suffering.". His 1980s hits have been strongly described as being heavily influenced by Prince, as their producers are former members of the band The Time. Sal Cinquemani wrote that, in addition to defining Top 40 radio, it gave Prince's Minneapolis sound a distinctly feminine quality, and with songs like "What Have You Done for Me Lately& #34;, "Nasty", "Control" and "Let's Wait Awhile", a distinctively feminine effect.

Jackson's music has spanned a wide range of genres, including: R&B, soul, disco, hip-hop, rap, pop, rock, and dance. Qadree EI-Amin, Janet's former personal manager, commented: 'She's bigger than Barbra Streisand, because Streisand can't draw the crowds off the streets the way Janet does. But Streisand's wealthy elite supporters also love Janet Jackson." Richard J. Ripani wrote that when music producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis collaborated with Jackson on his album Control in In 1986, the trio crafted a new sound that melds the rhythmic elements of funk and disco along with heavy doses of synths, percussion, sound effects, and a rap music sensibility. Rickey Vincent noted in his book Funk: The Music, The People, and The Rhythm of The One from 1996 that she has often been cited for redefining the criteria of popular music with the industrial strength of her album's rhythms. Richard Rischar, in A Vision of Love: An Etiquette of Vocal Ornamentation in African-American Popular Ballads of the Early 1990s, observes that "black pop ballads of the mid-1980s have been dominated by vocal and production style. that was thin and flowing, fronted by Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and James Ingram". Jackson continued her musical development by blending a contemporary urban sound with hip-hop in the 1990s. This included a softer portrayal of R&B, articulated by luxurious sentimental ballads and up-tempo dance beats. She has been cited. as an artist who has reshaped the sound and image of R&B in the first decade of her career. Critic Karla Peterson commented that "she is a strong dancer, an attractive artist and, as evidenced by the song "That's the Way Love Goes", an expert pop songwriter. Her material from the 2000s has been viewed less favorably. Sal Cinquemani commented that, except perhaps for R.E.M., no other superstar has been as prolific with so much commercial decline and creative turns.

Jackson has shifted his lyrical approach over the years, becoming a subject of analysis for musicology, African-American studies, and gender studies. Much of his success has been attributed to "a series of powerful, metallic grooves, his joyful, multi-tracked vocals, and a lyrical philosophy built on pride and self-discovery'. David Ritz stated: "Mystery is the slow fire that burns around the perimeters. from the soul of Janet Jackson. The flame is fueled by the very good fuels: survival and ambition, caution and creativity, supreme confidence and dark fear.". During the '80s, her lyrics expressed self-actualization, feminine principles and driven political ideology. Gillian G. Gaar, author of She's a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & Roll (2002), described Control as "an autobiographical account of his life with his parents, his first marriage and liberation". Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 as an embodiment of hope, Timothy E. Scheurer, author of Born in the U.S.A.: The Myth of America in Popular Music from Colonial Times to the Present (2007), wrote: "Might be reminiscent of something from Sly and the Family Stone before There's a Riot Goin' On and other African-American artists of the 1970s in their tacit assumption that the world imagined by Martin Luther King is still possible, that the "American dream" it is a dream for all people.".

In janet., Jackson began to transit mainly for sexual themes. In her 1996 book You've Come A Long Way, Baby: Women, Politics, and Popular Culture, Lilly J. Goren wrote that "Jacksons evolution of a politically awareness towards a sexy diva set the direction that society and the music industries were encouraging dance-rock divas to pursue. Joshua Klein wrote in "The Washington Post" that Jackson's public image over the course of his career shifted from innocence to experience, inspiring such carnal albums as janet. in 1993 and The Velvet Rope in 1997, the latter of which explored the sides, figuratively and literally, of love and lust. Jackson explained the recurring themes in her later albums by saying: "I love love and I love sex.". She stated, while promoting janet.: "I love feeling deeply sexual, and I don't mind letting the world know. For me, sex has become a celebration, a joyous part of the creative process.". The explicit sexual content of his latest albums has elicited mixed reactions, ranging from praise to loathing, often in as opposed to Madonna, who is seen as her counterpart. Stephen Thomas Erlewine commented that "while sex inarguably stimulates much of the best pop music, it is not an inherently fascinating factor in pop music, although like everything, it depends. of the artist".

Influences

Jackson has cited his older brothers Michael and Jermaine as his early musical influences. He also describes actress and singer Lena Horne as a profound inspiration, not only to his own career, but to black artists across multiple generations. On Horne's death in 2010, Janet stated: "Horne brought a lot of joy into everyone's life, even the younger generation, even younger than myself. She was a great talent. It opened so many doors for artists like myself." She also considers Dorothy Dandridge one of her idols. Describing herself as a huge Joni Mitchell fan, she explained: "When I was As a child, I was drawn to Joni Mitchell's songs... Along with Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, Joni's songs spoke to me in an intimate and personal way." Jackson also has a reverence for Tina Turner, saying: 'Tina has become a heroic figure to many people, especially women, due to her tremendous strength. Personally, Tina doesn't seem to have a beginning and end to my life. I felt like his music was always there, and I feel like it always will be." He has also named other socially conscious artists as sources of inspiration, such as Tracy Chapman, Sly and the Family Stone, and U2. Other artists attributed as influences on Jackson's music, according to 'Rolling Stone' magazine, are The Ronettes, Dionne Warwick, Tammi Terrell and Diana Ross.

Music Videos and Choreography

Jackson drew her inspiration for her music videos and performances from musicals she watched in her youth, and was heavily influenced by the choreography of Fred Astaire and Michael Kidd, among others. Throughout her career, she has worked with numerous professional choreographers, including Paula Abdul, Michael Kidd himself, and Tina Landon. Landon also choreographed the music video "Scream" from 1995, a duet between Janet and her brother Michael Jackson.Janine Coveney of & # 34;Billboard & # 34; observed that "Jacksons musical declaration of independence on Control featured a string of hits, an indelible sound production, and an enduring image cemented by innovative choreography in his videos and images that the vocalists of pop they still emulate". Qadree El-Amin commented that artists such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera fashioned their performances after the proven "dance-diva" from Janet.

Beretta E. Smith-Shomade, author of Shaded Lives: African-American Women and Television (2002), wrote: "Jackson's impact on the music video sphere came from much of the success in musical sales, which gave him more visible freedoms and control. This assumption of control directly impacted the image and content of his music videos, giving Jackson an action not taken by many other artists, male or female, black or white.". Parallel Lines: Media Representations of Dance (1993) documents that his videos have often been reminiscent of live concerts or elaborate stage musicals. Many of his Control video-clips, including "Nasty" and "When I Think of You", were choreographed using Broadway theater influences. Multiculturalism has also been a cornerstone of the image portrayed by Jackson in his music videos. The military iconography of his video "Rhythm Nation" of 1989 signifies a need for both racial and gender equality. In it, she and her dancers dance in identical uniforms, while Jackson herself is acting asexually and almost anonymously, as one of the group's members.In the '90s, her videos, such as & # 34; If & # 34; from 1993 (exuding lust and mystery similar to that of The Last Emperor) and "Runaway" from 1995, draw cultural influences from the East. Others, such as "Got 'til It's Gone" and "Together Again" from 1997, explore African roots and the Serengeti. Jackson's music videos have also found rapport with the gay community, such as the dramatic image in "Rhythm Nation" which led to the recreation of the video in gay clubs, and the video of her & # 34; Love Will Never Do (Without You) & # 34; from 1990, which is supposed to explore the aesthetics of the male body from the perspectives of both women and gay men. Janet received the MTV Video Vanguard Award in 1990 for her contribution to the art form, and at the In 2001, she became the first honoree of the mtvICON award, celebrating her impact on the music industry as a whole.

Their music videos have contributed to a greater degree of sexual liberation among young women, to which Jean M. Twenge, author of Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled - and More Miserable Than Ever Before (2007), he wrote: 'In Alfred Kinsey's studies in the 1950s, only 3% of young women had performed oral sex on a man. By the mid-1990s, however, 75% of women between the ages of 18 and 24 had experienced cunnilingus. Music videos by female artists have contributed to the trend, with Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson strongly insinuating men performing oral sex on women in their video clips, pushing the men down by their heads until they are exactly in the right position. fair position.". Similarly, Paula Kamen, in Her Way: Young Women Remake the Sexual Revolution (2000), establishes that "between the early and mid-1990s, oral sex even found its way into mainstream music, as truly liberated women's politically charged demand', citing TLC, Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson as examples of female artists simulating cunnilingus in their videos. However, accusations of cosmetic surgery, skin lightening, and an increasingly hypersexualized image came to her, being seen as a conformer of whites, and a view of domineering male sexuality rather than her own or others' liberation.

"Jet" commented that "Janet's groundbreaking stage performances on her world tours have earned her a reputation as a world-class entertainer. " Chris Willman of "Los Angeles Times" commented. he observed that "the riveting choreography on the Rythm Nation World Tour represents the pinnacle of what can be done in his style, a fast mix of stiffly jerky and gracefully flowing movements. Nicholas Barber, a columnist for "The Independent," commented in his review for The Velvet Rope World Tour that "Janets concerts are the pop equivalent of a blockbuster movie. of summer, with all the explosions, special effects, surrogate sentimentality, gratuitous excision and the emphasis on spectacle over the coherence that the term implies. When journalist Robert Hilburn of "Los Angeles Times" #3. 4; asked Jackson if she understood why people were talking about The Velvet Rope World Tour in Broadway terms, she replied: "I'm a Broadway nut... It's what I've been with. grown.". His Number Ones: Up Close and Personal tour deviated from "large-scale theatre" present in the past concerts of her in huge places, to other smaller ones. Critics noted that being scaled down had no effect on the impact of her talent, and in some cases, she intensified it. Greg Kot of the "Chicago Tribune" wrote: & # 34; On previous tours, Jackson's fine voice was often swallowed up by the sheer size of her productions. In today's smaller setting, Jackson achieves a warmth and passion that wasn't always evident in stadiums. It's the best Janet Jackson performance I've covered in over 20 years.".

Thor Christensen of "The Dallas Morning News" He pointed out that Jackson lip-synced at his concerts. She wrote: 'Janet Jackson, one of pop's most notorious lip-sync performers, admitted that she uses some pre-recorded vocals to augment her voice live. But she declined to say what percentage of her concert voice is recorded and how much is live." Richard Harrington of "The Washington Post" observed: "Since the advent of MTV and the proliferation of dance-oriented singers such as Millie Vanilli, Madonna, Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, George Michael, MC Hammer, Michael Jackson and New Kids on the Block, the expectations of the audience have been drastically redefined.", pointing out that few artists are able to recreate the spectacle of elaborately choreographed music videos, while performing vocals with studio precision. Michael MacCambridge of "Austin American-Statement", which reviewed Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour, described Jackson's lip-syncing as a moot point, stating that she frequently sang live along with her own pre-recorded vocals., to achieve a sound similar to the radio versions of her singles. MacCambridge also noted that it seemed unlikely that anyone, even a cherished member of the First Family of Soul Music, would be able to dance the way she did hard. before 90 Minutes and Above delivering the kind of powerful vocals that '90s super concerts are expected to achieve. Similarly, Chris Willman commented that "even a classically trained vocalist would be hard-pressed to maintain any sort of of volume level (or, more appropriately, "Control"), while moving up and down stairs, and flailing limbs in unearthly directions, at impeccable, dizzying speed&# 34;. Critics noted that on the smaller scale of her Number Ones: Up Close and Personal tour, she gave up lip-syncing. Chris Richards of "The Washington Post" He stated that "even in her breathless breath, that delicate voice hasn't lost the laser-beam precision that seems to be part of the Jackson family's DNA. " Richards complimented her physically grueling performance, saying: & # 34; 34; Come on, Janet. Let them see your sweat. Because in the 21st century pop sphere where concerts are driven by spectacle, we need to know that beneath all those sci-fi costumes, strobe lights, and auto-tuning, we're still witnessing a concert for the vivid, soulful and profusely sweating human being, whose name is stamped on the entrances through which we empty our pockets to see.".

Legacy

Jackson at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2018

The baby sister of the treasured Jackson clan, Janet Jackson, has made a point of separating her professional career from that of her older brother Michael and the rest of the Jackson family. Steve Dollar of "Newsday" wrote that "she brings out that homey "girl next door" that she belies her place as the youngest of the family's siblings, whose inner and outer lives have been as stoked, gossiped about, docudramatized and copied as that of the Kennedys." Phillip McCarthy of & # 34; The Sydney Morning Herald & # 34; noted that, throughout her music career, one of her common conditions for interviewers has been that there would be no mention of Michael at all. Joshua Klein wrote: "For the first half of her music career, Janet Jackson sounded like An artist with something to prove. Emerging in 1982, just as her older brother Michael was casting his biggest shadow, Jackson filled his albums not so much with songs as with statements, from "The Pleasure Principle" to the radical sound of "Rhythm Nation" and the "Control"." Statement of Purpose. Steve Huey of "Allmusic" He stated that despite being born into a family of artists, Janet Jackson has managed to emerge as a superstar in her own right, rivaling not only various female music artists such as Madonna and Whitney Houston, but also her brother, while successfully changing her image from a strong and independent young woman to a sexy and mature adult. Forging her own unique identity through her artistic and business endeavors, she has been esteemed the "Queen of Pop" or the "Queen of R&B". Klein argued that "stardom was not a very difficult thing to predict, but few could have foreseen that Janet, "Miss Jackson if you& 're nasty', she would one day replace Michael as the true heir to the Jackson family legacy.

Jackson has also been recognized for playing an essential role in crossing racial lines in the music industry, where black artists were once considered deficient. In Right to Rock: The Black Rock Coalition and the Cultural Politics of Race (2004), author Maureen Mahon states: "In the 1980s, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Prince were among the African-American artists who crossed... When black artists they crossed over to pop success, they stopped being black in the meaning of the industry world. They were promoted from racialized black music to universal pop music in an economic process of racial transcendence.". Routledge International Encyclopedia of Women: Global Women's Issues and Knowledge (2000) documents that Jackson, along with other prominent African-American women, have achieved financial breaks in mainstream popular music, earning the reputation of superstars in the process. She, along with her contemporaries, offered a viable, creative, intellectual and entrepreneur to engage and maintain action, lyrical power, marketing, and ownership. Her understanding of the business has been compared to Madonna's, gaining a level of autonomy that allows creative latitude and access to financial resources and distribution for the mass market.

Musicologist Richard J. Ripani identified Jackson as a leader in the development of contemporary R&B, since her 1986 album Control and its follow-up Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 created a unique combination of genre and sound effects, which led to the use of rap in mainstream R&B. Ripani also argues that the popularity of Jackson's signature song, &# 34;Nasty", influenced the new jack swing genre developed by Teddy Riley. Leon McDermott of the "Sunday Herald" wrote: & # 34; Her million-selling albums of hers in the '80s helped create contemporary R&B, through the lean, muscular production of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The sinuous grooves threaded on Control in 1986 and on Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 in 1989 are the foundation upon which today's producers and singers rely.". Jim Cullen expressed in Popular Culture in American History (2001) that, although it was the video for "Thriller" From Michael Jackson who originally synchronized music videos with album sales, Janet Jackson was also among the first generation of artists to see their music viewing elevated them to the status of [Exhibit:Pop Icon|Pop Icon]] In July 1999, she was ranked at number 77 on the "100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll" from VH1 She also appeared at number 134 on her list of "200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons of All Time"; and at number 2 on "50 Greatest Women of the Video Era", behind Madonna. In March 2008, Business Wire reported: "Janet Jackson is a Top 10 Selling Artist in the history of contemporary music, ranked by "Billboard" as the ninth most successful rock and roll artist in history, and the second most successful female in pop history.". Jackson is the only female artist in Billboard Hot 100 history to have 18 consecutive singles. within the Top 10, from "Miss You Much" in 1989 to "I Get Lonely" in 1998. The magazine ranks her at number 7 of the greatest artists of all time, a list made on the 50th anniversary of the Hot 100, making her the third most successful female artist in the history of the chart, behind Madonna and Mariah Carey. In November 2010, the magazine made a list of the best R&B and hip-hop artists of the past 25 years, ranking her at number 5. She is listed as the top artist on the list, with 15 No. 1 hits in the previous 25 years, scoring 27 Top 10 hits between 1985 and 2001, and 33 consecutive Top 40 hits from 1985 to 2004. The most awarded artist in Billboard Music Awards history with A recipient of 33 awards, she is part of an elite group of musical artists, along with others such as Madonna, Aerosmith, Garth Brooks and Eric Clapton, credited by the magazine for redefining the landscape of popular music.

Den Berry, CEO and Chairman of Virgin Records, stated: "Janet is the full embodiment of a global superstar. Her artistic brilliance and her personal appeal transcend geographical, cultural and generational barriers." Similarly, executive Lee Trink of the same company expressed: "Janet is an icon and a figure. historical in our culture. She is one of those gifted artists that people look up to, emulate, and want to believe in. There aren't too many stars that stand the test of time.” Her musical and choreographic style has influenced and inspired a younger generation of musical artists. Sarah Rodman of the "Boston Herald" He commented: 'For every hand-flinging, over-arousal and melisma addiction out there imitating Mariah's dog calls, there are an equal number trying to match Janet's bubbly grooves and fantastic footwork, including Britney Spears, Aaliyah and Destiny's Child.". Pop music critic Gene Stout commented that "she has widely influenced a younger generation of artists, from Jennifer Lopez to Britney Spears, who have copied so many of Jackson's dance moves". Elysa Garner of "USA Today" wrote: "Jackson claims not to be upset by the brigade of barely post-teen baby divas who have been inspired (and in some cases, notoriously copied) by her strong, upbeat choreography and childish yet decidedly post -feminist artistry, which have long been hallmarks of her interpretive style.' Artists who are considered to have followed in her footsteps have been referred to as "Janet-come-lately's' 34;.

Toni Braxton stated that she was inspired by Janet Jackson because, when she released her album Control, she made it easier for "sheepgirls," who were supposed to be sweet and docile, in being comfortable with their sexual feelings. Aaliyah commented: 'I admired her so much. She is a total artist. I would love to do a duet with Janet Jackson." Jennifer Lopez praised Jackson's videography, stating that his music videos had a terrible impact on her both as a fan and as an artist. 'N Sync and Usher, who both performed as opening acts on his The Velvet Rope World Tour, cited Jackson for teaching them how to transform a stage show into a theatrical performance. Usher said: 'I learned a lot about how to make an artist look like a star. On a personal level, I had the chance to hug her.". Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, of the band TLC, stated that when the group was first forming, she said, "I'm ready to be the next Janet Jackson!". Britney Spears commented: "Always I've been most influenced by Janet in everything she does.". Christina Aguilera said: "I remember watching MTV as a kid. To me, Janet had it all: amazing music videos, hot songs, and the sexiest voice." Cassie has referred to herself as a die-hard Janet Jackson fan, saying, "I I would love to fully emulate Janet's career. She's incredible, from her movements to her voice." Jay Bobbin of the "Chicago Tribune"; wrote: "Cassie isn't the first artist to be measured against Janet Jackson, and what's unique is that she won't be the last.". Ciara has credited Jackson as one of her main influences, stating: "To think that just yesterday I was watching Janet Jackson on TV, and nowadays people compare me to her." Beyoncé expressed: "I love Janet Jackson! I have nothing but positive things to say about her." Kelly Rowland named her the biggest inspiration of her career, because she works extremely hard. Rihanna has commented: "She was one of the first pop icons with whom I have related. She was so vibrant, she had so much energy... And she still has power. I've seen her on stage, and she can stand there for 20 minutes and have the whole audience screaming. You've got to love Janet...". Keri Hilson stated that she admired Janet Jackson just for being herself, a great artist. Japanese singer Crystal Kay said: "I've always listened to American music., and the artists I admire the most are American, like Janet Jackson." Australian DJ and singer Havana Brown cited Jackson as her biggest influence, declaring: "She is my idol. I wanted to be Janet Jackson, but the Janet Jackson DJ! I wanted to be able to put on big shows, I wanted dancers and fireworks around me... I wanted it all." Other artists who have been compared to Jackson are Brandy, Tatyana Ali, Christina Milian, Mýa, Lady Gaga, Namie Amuro and BoA, among others. Joan Morgan of "Essence" observed: "The albums Control, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 and janet. established the vocal and dance hallmark in pop culture that we now take for granted. So when you're thinking about asking Miss Jackson "What have you done for me lately?", remember that Britney Spears, Ciara and Beyoncé live in the house that Janet has built.".

Discography

Other work

Further reading

• Bronson, Fred. The Billboard Book of Number One Hits. Billboard Books, 2003. ISBN 0-8230-7677-6
• Hyatt, Wesley. The Billboard Book of Number One Adult Contemporary Hits. Billboard Books, 1999. ISBN 0-8230-7693-8
• Warner, Jay. On this Day in Black Music History. Hal Leonard, 2006. ISBN 0-634-09926-4