By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Janet Jackson vividly recalls writing her first song at the age of nine. On a rainy afternoon in 1975, feeling bored, she sneaked into the recording studio at her family's home in Encino, California, while her older brothers, already international stars, were recuperating from a long world tour. She created a tune called "Fantasy," laying down the drum track, background vocals, and playing all the instruments. Janet left the tape in the studio, not thinking much of it.
The next day, she was embarrassed to find her brother Michael and other family members listening to her song. Her father, Joe Jackson, then declared that she would become a singer. Although she initially wanted to study business law, Janet eventually agreed, acknowledging her father's influence over her brothers' successful careers.
Nearly 50 years later, Janet Jackson is one of the most successful recording artists, with over 100 million records sold and numerous accolades, including being the first woman nominated for Best Producer at the Grammys in 1990. During a backstage interview at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where she was performing her Together Again tour, Janet revealed her mixed feelings about interviews and public speaking but appeared candid, relaxed, and humorous.
Her son, Eissa, born in 2017, was present for her New York show. Janet described motherhood as a beautiful experience and reminisced about her own childhood stardom, recalling her early TV debut on the Carol Burnett Show at the age of seven. She noted that she never remembered being asked to perform but simply did as directed.
In her teens, Janet released her first two albums, which did not achieve significant success. At 18, she eloped with soul singer James DeBarge, a tumultuous marriage that ended after eight months due to DeBarge's drug addiction. This period was challenging for Janet, affecting her work on the TV show Fame.
Janet's breakthrough came with the album "Control," produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The album, featuring hits like "What Have You Done For Me Lately" and "Nasty," showcased a new, assertive side of Janet. The album's success, with its aggressive tracks and bold lyrics, marked a turning point in her career.
Her follow up album, "Rhythm Nation 1814," addressed social issues like homelessness, drug crime, and school shootings, inspired by the 24 hour news cycle. Despite initial pushback from the music industry, Janet's socially conscious lyrics resonated with audiences.
Janet continued to break barriers with albums like "Janet" and "The Velvet Rope," the latter addressing themes of domestic violence, depression, and same sex relationships. "Together Again," a tribute to friends lost to AIDS, became her signature song and the title of her current tour.
During her performances, Janet pays tribute to her brother Michael, with whom she wrote the song "Scream." The Together Again tour, featuring a mix of her greatest hits and deeper cuts, has been her most successful to date.
Reflecting on her career, Janet expressed gratitude for her enduring popularity and the support of her fans. As she prepares for the UK leg of her tour, she remains focused on delivering memorable performances and cherishing her role as a mother.
