Janet Jackson: It's All for YOU
I have always been a fan of Janet Jackson. She was my motivation to dance, sing and act. I loved her baby pie shaped face. As a child, I pictured myself as being beautiful just like her. I practiced the line "Why don't you come up and see me some time, a big boy" when I wanted to impersonate an actress. Her character name on Good Times was "Penny" and I'm affectionately called "Puddie." (It's pronounced like Jell-o Pudding.) That's pretty funny right? I remember the first time that I heard the song "Funny How Time Flies." I was 8 years old and visiting Los Angeles, California after my Uncle Lee passed away. I can remember that like it was yesterday. This is how far my admiration goes for Janet-- Miss Jackson if you're nasty. It wasn't until I watched this documentary JANET JACKSON on Lifetime that I understood her drive, passion and power.
BUILDING THE DREAM (DRIVE)
The Jackson Family was a household name when I was growing up. I listened to the Jackson 5 being played on vinyl and cassette tapes in my home. (I still love Michael Jackson). But they were known because of their father's vision of success. Joseph Jackson had a vision for his family. He taught them about togetherness, showmanship and dedication. They had a residency in Vegas during the 1970s, and there were no other Black families doing that kind of thing at that time. In fact, Joseph aka Joe Jackson was managing all of their careers at one time and his wife Katherine was sewing and designing their outfits. Now that's what I call vision. Janet began performing at age 7on stage.Now that's impressive, She learned early about learning lines, singing on stage, playing to the crowd and having stage presence. This beginning provided the genesis of Janet the performer. As time continued we would see Janet blossom into America's sweetheart.
SEVEN & SASSY (PASSION)
While other 7 year olds were playing with Barbies and easy bake ovens, Janet Jackson was performing on stage with her bothers and sisters. She had a command of the stage. According to the documentary, Joe Jackson knew that she would be a star because she caught on to things so quickly. It's pretty awesome when you are around people who perform. You can watch them and imitate their moves and sounds. That's what Janet did while she was growing up in the Jackson Family.
I always loved her fierce and focused disposition as she performed. It was a natural thing for her to blossom on stage right before your eyes because the stage was her playground. On the other hand, I'm sure there were times when she didn't want to perform because she really didn't have a chance to be a kid. After watching this documentary, it became apparent to me that this was fun for Janet. She stood on the stage with some of the greats--singing, dancing and holding her own. Although she was the youngest Jackson, she was presented early on as the one in charge. The "baby girl" of the family was a stand out. Janet found her purpose early and it motivated her passion to perform. I watched her on TV shows like Good Times and Different Strokes and marveled at her acting skills. She was a household name and she inspired all of us young Black girls to be our best. Instead of like Mike, we wanted to be like Janet. To say that I'm grateful for her example is an understatement. She began singing without her dad and then she emerged as a recording artist. But her journey from teen heart throb to a mature woman was a message to the world. To be a REAL woman, you have to take the reins of your own destiny. That's exactly what Janet did.
"I'm IN Control" (POWER)
In this documentary, Janet Jackson showed us how to take control of your own narrative and power as a woman, business woman and artist. Divorce did not define her neither family ties. When Janet decided that she was going to sing, her father knew that she was ready because she started putting words to some melodies in her head. At that time, Joseph her dad and manager thought it was time to start working on a record. We learned from the documentary that Janet wanted to go to Pepperdine and major in Business, but her career took off and she never materialized that dream. But what she did do was take control of her sound and image. She fired her father. That had to be a tough move, but Janet had a vision. She wanted a successful career and she knew that as long as her father controlled her decisions (and limited her power to create her image), she would not be happy. We all have to learn how to cut off the ones that hinder our progress-- even if they are family.
Regaining control of her career meant marrying James DeBarge initially. But after that marriage didn't work she moved on and sang about taking her power back as an artist and as a woman. She began writing her own music and started recording with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. In the movie we see and hear her laying down tracks, throwing in-studio tantrums, developing her sound and regaining her self confidence. This was the part I appreciated most about this documentary. There are several scenes where Janet is making decisions, working hard and shaping her own image. That was a huge takeaway for me. You have to learn to speak up for the things that you want. In class they call it "taking agency". We must embrace the fact that sometimes, "One has to break the rules to get what you want."-Diahann Carol I was thrilled to see her writing lyrics to Scream with her brother Michael. I felt her pain of always being in his shadow or being compared to his genius, but I also marveled at her tenacity and persistence. She did not let that stop her and she held her own.
All of the hard work paid off too. Her choreography was dynamic and her style was iconic. Many women imitated the military-esque all black look with big hoop earrings and a baseball cap. Everybody wanted to be Janet Jackson. We were proud of her stance to liberate herself. We were enamored by her beautiful transformation and we were loving her empowering lyrics. No other artist was talking about the power of music breaking color lines and women gaining their power back. She made us think and dance at the same time. She changed the entertainment game and she told everybody what to call her-- Janet or Miss Jackson!
It's All For You (VISION)
Joe Jackson said he knew that Janet would be a superstar. he said that she caught on faster than her brothers and sisters. We see just how amazing her talent extends in this documentary. We see her creating a vision and path for her career. She wanted to go to college to be an entertainment lawyer, but she became a BUSINESS, an ENTERTAINER, and a TRENDSETTER and a Pop Star instead. As far as performing, Janet wanted to be known for her attention to detail, her writing and her dancing. That's exactly what she did and then some.
Janet Jackson has released a total of 16 albums since her self-titled debut in 1982, selling an estimated 100 million copies overall. Eight of her albums have achieved platinum status, with Control going five-times platinum, while Rhythm Nation went six-times platinum. With her music, Janet taught us "That's the Way Love Goes, "It Doesn't Really Matter", "Love Will Never Do Without You" and 'It's All For You." She took us for an Escapade, let us behind the Velvet Rope, and even into her private life with songs like 'If" and "Should've Known better." Janet solidified her triple threat status as she continued to appear in movies like Poetic Justice co-starring TuPac and Regina King, The Nutty Professor and Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married. Miss Jackson is still forging the path ahead.
As of 2021, Janet Jackson’s net worth is valued at $190 million. She's a mom to Eissa now and she is STILL performing to sold out stadiums at age 56. To all of the moms out there, you still have time to live your dreams. I couldn't ask for a better example of "showing better than telling." If you doubted what Janet was capable of accomplishing, she's proven that she can do anything that she puts her mind to do. In the words of actress, director and childhood star Regina King, "Janet is the blueprint" and she's not going anywhere.
I've learned so much from Janet's style, creativity, courage and vision, I had to salute her. I hope that you've found some inspiration to do things the way God shows you and to never limit yourself. You're on the cusp of something great so Believe Bigger and then go for it!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."Romans 13:15 NIV
With love,
Preacher Girl Swag