Icon, living.
Janet Jackson is another living legend that is assuring her legacy is told, her way and from her mouth. Joining Tina Turner (and recently, Bobby Brown) – Ms. Jackson’s documentary is being released on January 28-29 in a two day simulcast event broadcasting across A&E and Lifetime’s networks.
The four-hour doco, which has been “five years in the making”, was executive produced by Janet and her brother Randy Jackson, and directed by Ben Hirsch. The documentary falls on what marks the 40th anniversary of Jackson’s 1982 self-titled debut LP.
Janet features exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage from Jackson’s upbringing in Gary, Indiana and throughout her career, showcasing her childhood, behind the scenes of her brilliant Rhythm Nation tour, and of course – her infamous Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction and close relationship with her late brother Michael, who she typically refers to as “Mike.”
The Janet trailer reveals many of the artists who were inspired, or close friends with the artist: Missy Elliott, Janelle Monae, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Mariah Carey, Teyana Taylor, Tyler Perry, Jermaine Dupri (with whom she had a notoriously secretive relationship) and many others.
For fans, industry professionals and the general public this is opportunity to pear in to the star’s life is momentous: Jackson has long been deeply secretive about her personal life and experiences in the music industry – “..for her to want to open up, I’m flabbergasted,” Q-Tip says of the documentary.
To watch this documentary, tune into Lifetime and A&E on January 28 at 8pm ET or stream on Hulu or Philo.