The Evolution of Janet Jackson

Celebrating Damita Jo's birthday with a look at her career.

That's the Way Love Goes - Happy birthday, Janet Jackson! The singer turns 48 years old today, May 16. And what years they've been: millions of records sold (over 140 million worldwide), millions of dollars made (including record-breaking contracts), Grammys, sold-out tours, controversy, love, rumors — you name it.Read on to take a look at her legendary journey from child star to Queen of Pop.(Photo: Rob Verhorst/ Redferns/ GettyImages)
Birth of a Rhythm Nation - Janet Damita Jo Jackson was born May 16, 1966, in Gary, Ind., the youngest of nine.(Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Famous Family - But of course, Janet wasn’t born into just any family. Her siblings were the Jackson 5, and she broke into showbiz by performing with them in Las Vegas at the age of seven. In 1976, she made her acting debut as co-star of the CBS variety show The Jacksons.(Photo: Courtesy CBS)Penny Evans - Janet Jackson played Penny Evans, the young adopted daughter of Wilona Woods on Good Times. Janet would go on to have some good times herself as a multi-platinum singer and award-winning actress. (Photo: CBS/Landov)

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That's the Way Love Goes - Happy birthday, Janet Jackson! The singer turns 48 years old today, May 16. And what years they've been: millions of records sold (over 140 million worldwide), millions of dollars made (including record-breaking contracts), Grammys, sold-out tours, controversy, love, rumors — you name it.Read on to take a look at her legendary journey from child star to Queen of Pop.(Photo: Rob Verhorst/ Redferns/ GettyImages)

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