Is Janet Jackson Related to Michael Jackson? The Truth About Their Relationship

Many people know that Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson are siblings, but not everyone knows the details of their relationship. The two pop icons were both part of the Jackson family, a musical dynasty founded by their father, Joe Jackson. They were close as children, but their busy careers made them drift apart as adults. Here are some facts about their bond and how it changed over time.

Janet and Michael grew up in a musical family

Janet Jackson is the youngest of the ten Jackson children. She was born on May 16, 1966, in Gary, Indiana. Her brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael formed the Jackson 5 in 1964, and soon became a sensation with hits like “I Want You Back” and “ABC”. Janet was inspired by their success and wanted to follow in their footsteps.

She started performing at a young age, appearing on variety shows with her siblings and acting in sitcoms like Good Times and Diff’rent Strokes. She also sang backup vocals for her brothers’ albums and joined them on tour. She was especially close to Michael, who was eight years older than her. They shared a love of music and dancing, and often played together.

Janet and Michael’s careers took different paths

In 1982, Michael released his landmark album Thriller, which became the best-selling album of all time. He skyrocketed into superstardom and became a global icon. He also changed his appearance and behavior, becoming more reclusive and eccentric. Janet felt that he was not the same brother she knew and loved.

“That’s the time Mike and I started going our separate ways. He just wasn’t as fun as he used to be,” she said in her 2022 documentary series Janet Jackson¹.

Meanwhile, Janet was trying to establish her own identity and career. She signed a record deal with A&M Records in 1982 and released her self-titled debut album in 1983. However, she was unhappy with the direction and control of her father, who was also her manager. She wanted to break free from his influence and express herself more creatively.

She fired her father in 1986 and teamed up with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for her third album Control. The album was a huge success, spawning hits like “What Have You Done for Me Lately” and “Nasty”. It also showcased Janet’s mature and confident persona, as well as her social and political awareness.

Janet and Michael collaborated on “Scream”

In 1995, Janet and Michael reunited for a duet called “Scream”. The song was a response to the media scrutiny and allegations of child abuse that Michael faced at the time. It was also a way for them to reconnect as siblings after years of distance.

The song was released as the lead single from Michael’s ninth studio album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. It was accompanied by an expensive and futuristic music video that featured the two stars dancing in a spaceship. The video won three MTV Video Music Awards and a Grammy Award.

However, the collaboration was not as smooth as it seemed. Janet revealed that she felt pressured by Michael to work on the song, even though she was busy with her own projects.

“He called me up one day out of nowhere,” she said in her documentary series. “He said ‘I want you to do this song with me.’ And I said ‘Mike I can’t do this right now.’ And he said ‘No you have to do this song with me. And I said ‘Mike I’m working on my own album.’ And he said ‘No you have to do this song with me.'”

She added that she felt like she had no choice but to agree. “He’s my brother so I love him dearly but he can be very persuasive,” she said.

Janet and Michael supported each other until his death

Despite their differences and challenges, Janet and Michael remained supportive of each other throughout their careers. They attended each other’s concerts, awards shows and events. They also defended each other from critics and controversies.

In 2004, when Janet faced backlash for her infamous wardrobe malfunction at the Super Bowl halftime show, Michael called her to offer his advice and encouragement.

“He said ‘If you need me for anything I’m here for you,'” she recalled.

In 2009, when Michael died from an overdose of propofol at age 50, Janet was devastated. She delivered a tearful tribute to him at the BET Awards and performed a medley of his songs at the MTV Video Music Awards. She also helped raise his three children, Prince, Paris and Blanket.

She has continued to honor his legacy and memory in her music and interviews. She has also defended him from sexual abuse allegations that resurfaced in the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland.

“My brother would never do something like that, but I’m still guilty by association — because that’s what they call it, right?” she said in her documentary series¹. “I know my brother. He didn’t have that in him.”

Janet and Michael’s relationship was complicated but loving

Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson had a complicated but loving relationship. They were both talented and successful artists, but they also faced many challenges and pressures in their lives. They grew apart and together, but they never lost their bond as siblings.

They influenced and inspired each other, as well as millions of fans around the world. They were both part of the Jackson family, but they also carved their own paths and identities. They were both legends, but they were also human.

Doms Desk

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