The youngest of Joseph and Katherine Jackson’s nine children, Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966, in Gary, Indiana) was already a seasoned vet by the time she recorded what would become her breakthrough and mission statement, the 1986 album, Control.

At the age of 7, she appeared on The Jacksons, her brothers’ TV variety show, stealing hearts as a pintsized Mae West – at her famously controlling father’s bidding, she later recalled; as a preteen, she had supporting roles on the series Good Times and Fame.

Guided by her father/manager, teenaged Janet released two moderately successful, albeit somewhat generic solo albums – but something was missing. At 19, she found herself at a point where she wanted to establish herself as more than a Jackson.