Moved with her family from Indiana to California before she was two (date approximate)

Began singing in her family's Las Vegas act when she was seven; became noted for doing an impersonation of Mae West (date approximate)

Appeared with her family on the short-lived CBS variety series, "The Jacksons"

Played recurring role of Penny Gordon on the popular CBS sitcom, "Good Times"

Played JoJo Ashton on the very short-lived ABC sitcom, "A New Kind of Family" (Dec-Jan)

Had recurring role of Charlene DuPrey on the NBC sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes"

Appeared as Cleo Hewitt on the syndicated series "Fame"

Released the album "Control", which went on to sell over eight million copies and produce five hit singles (date approximate)

Released even more successful follow-up album, "Rhythm Nation 1814", which was the first album in rock history to produce seven Top Five hit singles (four of which made it to Number 1); album also sold over eight million copies, becoming the top pop album of 1990

Went on first solo concert tour

Was played by actress Maya Nicole Johnson on the ABC-TV biographical miniseries, "The Jacksons: An American Dream"

Made film debut in the title role of John Singleton's romantic drama, "Poetic Justice"; also co-wrote and performed song "Again"; received Oscar nomination for Best Song

Album "janet." reached Number 1; spawned Number 1 single, "That's the Way Love Goes"

Collaborated with brother Michael on the Number One hit "Scream"

Released "The Velvet Rope", a collection of emotionally charged songs that drew on her battles with depression, self-image problems and a past abusive relationship; album went triple platinum

Returned to features starring opposite Eddie Murphy in "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps"; played Professor Klump's scientist fiancee Denise; also wrote and performed original song on the soundtrack

Headlined the HBO special "Janet Jackson: Live in Hawaii"

Performed with Justin Timberlake at Superbowl XXXVIII halftime show; resulted in scandle when a bodice-ripping stunt by Timberlake exposed her pierced nipple

Appeared as the host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live, spoofing her infamous wardrobe malfunction; her first network TV performance since the notorious Super Bowl halftime show

Guest-starred on the NBC sitcom "Will and Grace" playing herself (September); making this her first TV acting role in nearly two decades

Received two Grammy nominations for her album "Damita Jo"

Released the album, "20 Y.O." a nod to the 20th anniversary of her debut album "Control"; earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album; began touring March 2007

Co-starred in "Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?"