Despite initially dreaming of becoming a horse racing jockey or an entertainment lawyer, the allure of show business was inevitable for Janet, especially as her brothers, including Michael Jackson, were achieving stardom with the Jackson 5.
Her early exposure to the entertainment industry began with performances alongside her siblings and later transitioned to acting roles in popular TV shows like “Good Times” and “Fame.” Despite this, Janet’s true calling was music, a journey that would eventually lead her to redefine the pop genre.
In 1986, Janet made a bold decision that would forever alter her career—she severed ties with her family’s business to establish herself as an independent artist. This move was not just about gaining creative freedom; it was about stepping out of the shadows of her famous siblings and asserting her identity. Teaming up with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Janet crafted her third studio album, Control, which became a cultural phenomenon.
The album’s fusion of dance-pop, industrial music, hip-hop, and R&B resonated with audiences worldwide, producing hits like “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” and “Control.” More than just a commercial success, Control was a declaration of independence and empowerment, especially for women, as Janet channeled her personal experiences into lyrics that spoke to resilience and self-confidence.
