Janet Jackson, one of the most iconic figures in the music industry, recently disclosed some surprising details about her life and family in an interview with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2.
The legendary artist said her family tree is even more star-studded than previously known.
According to Jackson, she shares bloodlines with musical legends Stevie Wonder, Tracy Chapman, and Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson.
She explained that while Stevie Wonder is her third cousin once removed on her mother Katherine’s side, the exact nature of her relationship with Chapman and Samuel L. Jackson remains unclear.
Growing up as part of the famous Jackson family, which includes her brothers Michael, Randy, and Jermaine, she was no stranger to the limelight.
Her connection to Stevie Wonder, a fellow Midwesterner and Motown legend, highlights the depth of her roots in the music world.
Notably, Janet presented Stevie with a Hall of Fame Award at the NAACP Image Awards in 2008, highlighting their close bond.
Janet Jackson is in the midst of the European leg of her “Together Again Tour,” which runs through October. This tour follows the thriving North American leg that concluded in late July.
The tour showcases the breadth of her career. It has been her most successful, featuring hits from her groundbreaking albums Control and Rhythm Nation 1814 to more recent releases.
Fans across Europe are eagerly snapping up tickets to see the pop icon perform live.
Janet Jackson’s journey to superstardom began very young, influenced by her brothers’ early success as The Jackson 5.
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Janet Jackson opens up about her early stardom
In a previous conversation with BBC, she recalled her first foray into music at nine.
Left with time on her hands while her brothers recovered from a gruelling world tour, Janet ventured into the family’s recording studio in Encino, California. She created her first song, “Fantasy.” (Scroll to the end of the article)
To her surprise, her father, Joe Jackson, insisted she pursue a career in music after hearing the track, despite her initial desire to study business law.
Reflecting on her father’s influence, Janet noted that it was difficult to argue with his decisions, given the success he had already achieved with her brothers.
This early start set the stage for a career that would span nearly five decades, during which Janet Jackson became one of the most successful recording artists ever.
Her albums, such as Control and Janet, have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. She has been recognized as an MTV Icon and the first woman nominated for Best Producer at the Grammys.
In an interview with the BBC, she expressed her astonishment at this achievement, noting that it was long overdue.
Janet admitted being shy and uncomfortable with interviews despite her commanding presence on stage. She revealed that she dislikes talking and feels awkward in the spotlight.
However, during her conversation with the BBC, she appeared candid, relaxed, and even humorous, joking about her tumultuous love life, which includes three marriages.
Janet Jackson’s role as a mother has become a significant part of her life. Her son, Eissa, born in 2017, often accompanies her on tour, standing proudly at the side of the stage.
Janet described motherhood as the most beautiful experience, emphasizing that she cherishes every moment with her son. This maternal bond has provided her a sense of purpose and fulfilment that complements her illustrious career.
Janet recounted how she was thrust into the entertainment industry in her early years with little say. Her first TV appearance came at seven on the Carol Burnett Show, and by her teens, she was already releasing music.
Despite her initial albums, Janet Jackson and Dream Street, failing to make a significant impact, she persevered, eventually finding her voice and sound with the help of producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on her breakthrough album, Control.
Control marked a turning point in Janet’s career, showcasing a new, assertive side of her personality.
The album, driven by powerful rhythms and bold lyrics, resonated with fans and critics alike, becoming a staple of MTV thanks to iconic tracks like “Nasty” and “The Pleasure Principle.”
This newfound confidence in her music was complemented by her distinctive choreography, which became one of her trademarks despite her lack of formal training.
Janet’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. She faced pushback from the music industry, particularly as a woman trying to assert her creative vision.
Despite the success of Control, she encountered resistance when she decided to move in a new direction with her next album, Rhythm Nation 1814.
Inspired by the social issues of the time, Janet aimed to address topics like homelessness, drug crime, and school shootings through her music.
While her goal was to blend these severe themes with infectious grooves, she admitted that seeing many of the same issues persist today was disheartening.
Sexism in the industry was another hurdle Janet had to overcome. Despite her achievements, she was often told that specific roles or creative decisions were inappropriate for women.
This pushback only fueled her determination to succeed on her own terms, leading to the creation of some of her most memorable work. Her 1993 album, Janet, which featured hits like “That’s The Way Love Goes” and “If,” was a critical and commercial triumph, selling over 14 million copies.
However, it was her follow-up album, The Velvet Rope, that truly pushed boundaries with its exploration of darker, more personal themes, including domestic violence, depression, and same-sex relationships.
One of the standout tracks from The Velvet Rope was “Together Again,” a tribute to friends Janet had lost to AIDS.
The song became her signature hit and was a bittersweet anthem resonating with fans worldwide.
Despite initial concerns from her record label, the track went on to become a massive success, further cementing Janet’s status as a trailblazer in the music industry.
The ongoing success of her Together Again Tour demonstrates Janet Jackson’s continuing appeal.
The tour, which has featured deep cuts from her extensive catalogue, has allowed her to reconnect with fans and reflect on her incredible career.
Performing alongside video footage of her late brother Michael during the song “Scream,” Janet acknowledged the emotional toll of revisiting those memories. Still, she emphasized the importance of honouring their shared legacy.
