Did You Know...

Janet Jackson was born on May 16th, 1966 into one of the most musically famous families ever to exist. As the youngest of nine children, Janet grew up surrounded by music and a '70's pop group known as the Jackson 5. Janet began performing at a young age but gained most of her early fame through television. She had regular roles on Good Times, Diff'rent Strokes and Fame but released her debut album in 1982 under her father's guidance.

That album sold over a quarter million copies based on the Jackson name alone. In 1984 Janet married James Debarge in an attempt to escape her domineering fathers grasp. She released her second album Dreamstreet which didn't do as well as her debut, and she soon had her marriage annulled and began working again under her father's watchful eye.

In 1986, Janet hit the charts with a new image and new material produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Her first single, 'What Have You Done For Me Lately' reached the top five on American charts and helped propel her new album, Control, to the number one position on both Pop and R&B charts. Another smash album was released in 1989 and with hit songs like 'Miss You Much' and three other number one hits, Rhythm Nation 1814 also reached number one on the Pop and R&B charts. With over ten million sales worldwide, her first massive tour was the next big step.