Janet Jackson: Through the Years

Janet Jackson: Through the Years
Janet Damita Jo Jackson is the youngest child of the Jackson family, but the Gary, Ind., native is the most famous female to come out of the Jackson clan. She made a name for herself as a television actress in the 1970s, appearing on 'Good Times' and 'Fame,' before releasing her solo breakout album, 'Control.' Today, she continues to record music, appear in successful films such as 'Why Did I Get Married,' and most importantly preserve the legacy of her brother Michael. Blackvoices.com takes a look at Janet Jackson: Through the Years.

Janet Jackson: Through the Years

Although she began performing with her brothers as part of the Jackson 5 as early as age 7, it was in 1976 that Janet made her television debut on the CBS variety show 'The Jacksons.' Through the years, she remained very close to her brother Michael Jackson.

Janet Jackson: Through the Years

In 1977, Janet was approached by producer Norman Lear to play a recurring role as Penny Gordon Woods on the sitcom 'Good Times.'

Janet Jackson: Through the Years

At 16, Janet signed a recording contract with A&M Records. Her self-titled debut album, completely overseen by her father, Joe, received little fanfare. Its follow-up, 'Dream Street,' included production from Michael, Marlon, Tito and Jackie, but sold even less units than her debut.

Janet Jackson: Through the Years

The early '80s were filled with music highs for Janet, but her personal life was filled with highs and lows. In 1984, she eloped with R&B singer James DeBarge. The couple, who were childhood friends, annulled the marriage less than a year later.

Janet Jackson: Through the Years

Frustrated and full of angst, Janet decided, literally, to take "control" of her business affairs. Her label hired production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to helm her five-times platinum third album, 'Control,' which, in 1987, peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Hit singles, such as 'What Have You Done for Me Lately,' 'Nasty,' 'Control,' 'When I Think of You' and 'Let's Wait Awhile,' made Janet a pop superstar on the rise.

Janet Jackson: Through the Years

Janet's fourth album, 'Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814,' remains the only album in history to produce No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 in three separate calendar years.

Janet Jackson: Through the Years

In 1991, the same year Janet signed a highly publicized multimillion-dollar contract with Virgin Records, the 'That's the Way Love Goes' singer secretly wed Rene Elizondo, Jr. He was a background dancer, songwriter and director. Elizondo, four years Janet's senior, filed for divorce in May 2000. It was finalized that October.

Janet Jackson: Through the Years

Janet appeared on the cover of the September 1993 issue of Rolling Stone with the hands of then-husband Rene Elizondo, Jr. covering her breasts. The photograph, shot by Patrick Demarchelier, was a cropped version of her 'Janet' album cover.

Janet Jackson: Through the Years

Janet's film debut would come in the 1993 John Singleton film 'Poetic Justice.' In the movie, which hit No. 1 at the box office, Janet starred opposite rapper Tupac Shakur and actors Regina King and Joe Torry. 'Again,' a ballad that Janet performed for the film's soundtrack, earned an Academy Award nomination for best original song.

Janet Jackson: Through the Years