Janet’s early childhood sees the family move from Gary, Ind. to Los Angeles, as the Jackson 5 become a phenomenon.pic.twitter.com/fUP3RoFzwu
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The youngest in her famous family, Janet Damita Jo Jackson seemed predestined for stardom. Only 2 when her brothers joined Motown Records.pic.twitter.com/4sGIz6HavV
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Janet grows up under the glare of her brothers’ fame. She idolizes Michael. But loves horses more than music.pic.twitter.com/BtDwFmUW56
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By 1974, the Jackson 5’s popularity has waned. Dad Joseph decides to put together a family Vegas show, adding Randy, LaToya and lil Janet.pic.twitter.com/mao2du2lCc
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In 1975, Joseph and the boys (except for Jermaine) decide to leave Motown for Epic, a subsidiary of CBS.pic.twitter.com/cMWiwXyaJJ
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With the jump from Motown comes new opportunities. The Vegas shows lead to an offer for The Jacksons to star in their own CBS variety show.pic.twitter.com/gws6smXFkX
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In June 1976, “The Jacksons” premieres on CBS. And, as she had from the beginning in Vegas, Janet becomes a show favorite.pic.twitter.com/LsbA1qkn8E
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The variety show ended in 1977, but “Good Times” producer Norman Lear was impressed with 11-year old Janet and cast her on the show.pic.twitter.com/Vn5sCV5A1j
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Janet joins the cast as abused neighbor Penny in 1977. She remains with the show until “Good Times” ends in 1979.pic.twitter.com/bLbixQHFl2
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Janet follows “Good Times” with “A New Kind Of Family” in 1980. Featuring Rob Lowe and Telma Hopkins, the sitcom only lasts 10 episodes.pic.twitter.com/gn4JkU4bFK
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Music was becoming more a part of Janet’s focus. She’d recorded “A Love Song For Kids” with Randy in 1978.pic.twitter.com/JCZhCfeLLP
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Joseph put Janet with her sisters Rebbie and LaToya as a trio. But conflicts between Rebbie and Latoya led to the group idea being abandonedpic.twitter.com/SDs9qkXlru
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LaToya was involved with Bobby DeBarge of Switch, and Bobby’s little brother James often talked to Janet on the phone.pic.twitter.com/rVpmUH2PeI
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Michael was enjoying major success as a solo artist. Janet’s bond with James would grow as she felt growing distance from her brother.pic.twitter.com/nb2jqrQ656
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But Janet was still landing high-profile television work. In 1981, she was cast as Charlene Duprey on NBC’s hit sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes”pic.twitter.com/KXTDBEkXPX
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Janet had co-written songs and sang backing vocals on Latoya’s first two albums. Joseph was pushing the 15-year old to record her own.pic.twitter.com/ghgo96bOpG
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At a Soul Train taping, Janet finally meets James Debarge after yrs of phone contact. His group DeBarge is on with Janet’s bro, Jermainepic.twitter.com/9vrZS2H7Y1
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Smitten with James, 16-year old Janet is indifferent when Joseph lands her a deal with A&M Records. She goes into the studio spring 1982.pic.twitter.com/dG6UEjRtpa
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Janet wants to focus on acting; she’s also growing more apprehensive of the musical shadow of her now-superstar brother, Michael.pic.twitter.com/yeJVLOdHmi
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Michael is prepping the follow up to his smash album “Off the Wall.” Janet sings backup on one of his new songs, “P.Y.T.”, with LaToya.pic.twitter.com/LtW1bk2i8B
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Nonetheless, Janet reluctantly records her debut. Joseph taps Foster Sylvers, Bobby Watson and duo Rene & Angela for production.pic.twitter.com/MwNGBIJpih
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In July 1982, Janet Jackson releases her first single; written by Rene & Angela. “Young Love”pic.twitter.com/meapunMmbe
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The single has a moderate showing on the R&B charts. In September 1982, Janet releases her eponymous debut.pic.twitter.com/0kvVp6mTvp
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Janet’s debut album peaks at No. 63. She releases the second single “Come Give Your Love To Me” in early 1983.pic.twitter.com/ADlbCJxnnW
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Janet releases “Say You Do” that spring—another single that only sees modest chart success.pic.twitter.com/9miaP0Tp6A
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As Janet’s singles floundered, Michael had become the biggest star on the planet in the wake of his album Thriller and Motown 25 performancepic.twitter.com/qm8Ah7l8VL
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She was deeply in love with James, whose own group DeBarge had released two gold-selling albums in 1982 and 1983.pic.twitter.com/OxLzTEZBuv
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But James had demons that fame was only exacerbating. His father and older brother Bobby’s abuse would lead to self-destructive behaviorpic.twitter.com/dp7pV4DrWD
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Janet was finding a confidante in her brother Marlon. With Michael’s megastardom causing distance, she and Marlon had grown closer.pic.twitter.com/nNRTOtXNij
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But in November 1983, it was announced that her brothers were to embark on The Victory album and tour throughout 1984.pic.twitter.com/DEh0vkdRZ8
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Joseph was urging Janet to get back into the studio. She reluctantly starts recording her sophomore album. Marlon assists on production.pic.twitter.com/maZCoB3DbQ
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