Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana. By the time she was three years old, five of her brothers had achieved success with their vocal group, the Jackson 5. Janet made her performing debut at age seven in a Jackson family stage show in Las Vegas, Nevada. She later played roles on the television shows "Good Times," "Diff'rent Strokes," and "Fame."

Jackson established her musical success with her third album, Control (1986). In 1989 she released Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, a record with a political theme that became an even bigger hit. The release of janet. in 1993 continued her series of commercial triumphs. She also starred in the film Poetic Justice (1993).

Many of Jackson's songs have a strong dance beat, and she has achieved much of her popularity through live performances and rock videos that feature elaborate dance choreography. She also performs romantic ballads.