Janet Jackson is blowing out 55 candles today, and with a life as fabulous as hers, this Jackson has a lot to celebrate. Born to Joe and Katherine Jackson on May 16, 1966, Janet Damita Jo Jackson is the youngest of nine children of the musically legendary Jackson family.
With over 150 million records sold, over 3 decades of ground-breaking music, videos, choreography and chart-domination, every music award under her belt, a discography beyond compare – Janet Jackson remains one of the highest selling artists in the history of contemporary music, and of course, one of THE most respected.
13 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Janet Jackson
Number Thirteen:
She Was Meant to Play Lena Horne
Jackson was slated to play Lena Horne in a biopic that would be released in 2004. However, after her infamous Super Bowl nip slip, Lena herself changed her mind.
Number Twelve:
She Is a Jehovah’s Witness
Yes, it’s true! Growing up, Jackson and all of her siblings (Michael included) were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses. They even had to go door to door. In 2012 the star became a Muslim after marrying Qatari billionaire Wissam Al Manna.
Number Eleven:
Her Favorite Singers Are…
Ella Fitzgerald and Marvin Gaye are Jackson’s two favorite singers. They both have an insane amount of talent.
Number Ten:
She Has an Interesting Connection to Stevie Wonder
In the film Jackson stars in, Poetic Justice, one scene involves her character listening to a Stevie Wonder song, “Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer.” Little did Jackson know that Wonder would perform that very same song 16 years later – at her brother Michael’s funeral.
Number Nine:
She Is Extremely Successful
With over 150 million records sold, over 3 decades of ground-breaking music, videos, choreography and chart-domination, every music award under her belt, a discography beyond compare – Janet Jackson remains one of the highest selling artists in the history of contemporary music, and of course, one of THE most respected.
Number Eight:
She Almost Starred Opposite Keanu Reeves
Jackson turned down an offer to play a role in 1999’s The Matrix just so she could go on a concert tour. The tour was her Velvet Rope concert tour, and it ended in January of 1999.
Number Seven:
For Jackson’s video of her song 'Again,' she wanted to be wearing her pajamas when she was sitting next to her bed. She wanted to be doing this because she was, in fact, wearing pajamas when she wrote the song for Poetic Justice. And isn’t that some poetic justice?
Number Six:
She Holds a Record for Her Tours
Jackson’s tour titled Rhythm Nation 1814 World Tour was the most successful debut tour from any artist at the time. Jackson clearly knew what she was doing from the very beginning.
Number Five:
Janet Jackson Does Not Compete With Her Brother, But if She Did…
Jackson has posted just one fewer hit in the top 40 of Billboard‘s Hot 100 than her brother, Michael. The exact number is 37. She also has had 10 number one hits on Billboard‘s Hot 100.
Number Four:
Her Success Has Been Consistent
Her third album, 'Control', was met with a lot of critical acclaim, In fact, it sold more than 10 million copies, and it contained five top five hits! These hits include 'When I Think of You,' 'Let’s Wait Awhile,' and 'Nasty.'
Number Three:
She Had Humble Dreams
Though most people aspire to be a singer when they are little, Jackson actually aspired to work at McDonald’s. Specifically, she wanted to work at the drive-thru window. We’re guessing she’s probably not too disappointed with the way things turned out.
Number Two:
She Was Hesitant to Collaborate With Michael
Apparently, Jackson was afraid that she would be pushed into a corner if she collaborated with then-more famous Michael. She said, “I felt I hadn’t come into my own and I hadn’t fully made a name for myself… and I didn’t want to ride anyone’s coattails.” Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, 'Scream' The cost of this music video featuring the iconic dynamic sibling duo topped $7 million in May 1995 -- the equivalent of $11 million today.
Number One:
She Is One Powerful Woman
Jackson is the only woman ever to make five consecutive number-one studio albums on the Billboard charts. These albums are 'Control', Janet Jackson’s 'Rhythm Nation 1814', 'janet.', 'The Velvet Rope' and 'All for You'.
