Janet Jackson is a pop and R&B artist who has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She is the youngest of the Jackson family from Gary, Indiana — which makes her Michael Jackson’s sister, which means two members of the same family each individually became famous enough to be known by a single name.
Her albums Control (1986) and Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989) are considered landmarks of 1980s pop music, influential not just musically but in their engagement with social and political themes. Nasty. What Have You Done for Me Lately. Together Again. If you were born in any decade between 1960 and 2000, you know these songs.
She is not me. I am not her. I am not related to her or any of the Jacksons from Gary, Indiana. I do not have a recording contract. My life is considerably quieter, which is mostly fine.