Janet Jackson

Janet Damita Jo Jackson, born May 16, 1966, is an American pop vocalist and actress known for her innovative, socially conscious output and elaborate stage shows. Jackson has been recognized as a central figure in pop culture for over three decades, having a significant influence on many contemporary artists. As part of the Jackson family, she began her entertainment career in their variety television series, segueing into pop stardom with her third and fourth studio albums, Control (1986) and Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). Jackson's record deals with Virgin Records in the '90s, and her sexually confident image in this period, made her one of the highest-paid artists and an enduring sex symbol. Despite career setbacks following the controversial 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, she has continued to release music with commercial success. Alongside her musical career, she has acted in several films as well as philanthropic efforts.

She was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, and later broke away from her family to establish herself as a record-breaking global pop icon. Known as one of the most erotic performers, she often faced criticism as well as praise for her on-stage sexuality. Her collaborations with record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis incorporated elements of rhythm and blues, funk, disco, rap, and industrial beats, which led to crossover success in popular music. Regarded as a role model for youth and an icon for the LGBTQ+ community, her musical content often encompassed socially conscious themes and lyrical depth. By the end of the nineties, she held the record for the most consecutive top-ten entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 by a female artist, an unparalleled feat at the time.