Janet Jackson is one of the world's biggest names in pop music. Her career spans more than 20 years and includes several platinum albums. Jackson recently held a press conference in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the release of her newest record, "20 Years Old." VOA's Larry London had an opportunity to talk with the superstar about her past, present, and future.
Janet Jackson is celebrating a music career that spans more than 20 years, from her album "Control" in 1986 to her upcoming release, "20 Years Old."
“It's music that inspired me 20, 25 years ago,” she says. “And there are some sounds that we've taken, and even the same actual keyboards that we used on the "Control" album, and put those sounds into certain songs on this project. It's not like an 80s album, but it has its moments of taking you back.
Jackson is very grateful to her international fans. “The acceptance has been wonderful. And I love to travel, I love visiting different countries and learning about other cultures. That's fun for me.”
Jackson thinks there is something especially moving about doing concerts in other countries.
“I can't express honestly how it makes me feel. There are moments when it's made me want to cry, because they don't speak the language, and yet they know every word to the songs. And that just shows you the love, it shows me the love that they have for the artist, for the music, for me.”
Jackson says she will keep making music as long as her fans keep supporting her.
“I've been in this for more than 20 years, and to still be able to create music and for people to still anticipate your work, I think there's a lot to be said about that,” she says. “For them to still want to hear what you're up to, what you're about to give to the world, that means a lot to me.
Jackson says the happiness of her fans is very important. “I wanted to bring them joy, the way I've always wanted my music to bring them joy. That's what's important to me, that's what's been given to me by other artists, and listening to their music. To put a smile on their face,” she adds.
“It really means a lot to me, and it's important to me because this is what I always sought for in my life and finally reached it, and that's happiness. I want to be remembered for making people smile, for bringing happiness into their homes.”
Music video footage courtesy Virgin Records