Janet Jackson grew up on television with the family variety show The Jacksons, following that with Good Times and Diff'rent Strokes. She then took "Control" of her music career in the '80s thanks to producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. She went on to become one of the best-selling artists in the industry, with multimillion-dollar contracts and hit song after hit song, including "Rhythm Nation," "Together Again" and "All For You." She brings these number-one singles on tour with her to finish out another stellar year.
Windy City Times: Hi, Janet. Is there a hit that you never get tired of performing?
Janet Jackson: All of them. [Laughs]
WCT: On the current tour are you performing any different or remixed versions on past hits?
JJ: Yes, I have done special arrangements of many of my songs. You will still recognize them but I had to do them differently to get as many songs into the show as possible.
WCT: How long do you train for the dance moves in the show?
JJ: We rehearsed for hours but with this tour we were in dance rehearsal for about two weeks.
WCT: Sounds intense. This is a tour for the fans, correct?
JJ: Yes. I wanted my Number Ones: Up Close and Personal tour to be a thank you for all the fans that have supported me all these years.
WCT: Are you working on new music at the end of the tour?
JJ: I will go back into the studio at some point this year. I am always thinking about new songs, but I am not sure what it will be yet. My music is very personal and I write about what is going on in my life. So I will wait until I am in the studio to decide.
WCT: Is there someone that you would like to duet with but haven't?
JJ: There are so many people I would enjoy signing with; I couldn't give you just one.
WCT: You have influenced so many performers from Beyonce to Rihanna and they have publicly said that so you can take your pick on a duet.
JJ: There have been artists that have come before me that have been a big inspiration. I hope I do the same for others.
WCT: Tell our readers about your book, True You.
JJ: True You is not an autobiography, but it does have anecdotes from my life. I thought it was important to share what I have gone through. People always look at me and think I grew up with the perfect life. I thought that if people, especially the kids, could see what I have gone through, that they could relate to what I wrote about in "True You." It is a journey to finding and loving yourself. It has been a long road, but I am happy with who I am now.
WCT: What do you recommend for people with body-image issues?
JJ: You need to love and accept yourself for who you are, but you also need to appreciate and respect what God has given you and treat it with respect by trying to stay as healthy as possible.
WCT: Is it still a daily struggle for you?
JJ: Most of us struggle with something. The most important thing is to recognize when I am dealing with it so I can accept where I am and move on.
WCT: I think the new short hair displays a confidence in you. Is that true?
JJ: It is not the first time I have had short hair. I love it! I was filming a movie, For Colored Girls, by Tyler Perry, and I thought the character would have this hairstyle. It has been a lot of fun, though.
WCT: What has been the most challenging part of acting on television or movies?
JJ: Acting was my first passion. It is what I always thought I would do with my life—that or be a horse jockey or lawyer. I have been fortunate to enjoy success in music as well, which makes it hard to accept all the acting roles that I would like and I guess that would be the hardest part. … I am very fortunate.
WCT: Do you have more movies in the works?
JJ: I will definitely act in other movies. I am excited to have a deal with Lionsgate to produce a movie as well. I am looking forward to that experience.
WCT: What do you think of LaToya being on Celebrity Apprentice?
JJ: I'm happy for her.
WCT: Would you ever do a reality show?
JJ: I was on the season finale of American Idol, which was fun. I enjoyed getting to see all the talented kids on that show. I don't think my schedule would allow me to be on a show as a regular, though.
WCT: Have you thought about writing a musical? You could do Velvet Rope, the Musical!
JJ: I have, actually. We'll see. I have always wanted to be on Broadway. I have a friend who was and he said it is a whole different discipline. I want to experience that someday.
WCT: You have so many fans that will always support you. Any special shout out for your gay fans?
JJ: I want to thank all of my fans for their support over the years. It means a great deal to me. For the gay community, love yourself for who you are! I hope to see all of you in Milwaukee.
Janet brings her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal to the Milwaukee Theatre, 500 W Kilbourn Ave., on Sunday, Aug. 14. Visit www.janetjackson.com for tickets and details.
