Janet Jackson revealed her family connections to three other celebrities during an interview on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show. She explained that Stevie Wonder, Tracy Chapman, and Samuel Jackson are her cousins on her mother’s side. Janet is the youngest child of Katherine and Joe Jackson, who also had several other children, including the late Michael Jackson. Janet has previously shared insight into her family life, particularly her close relationship with her brothers Michael and Randy while growing up.
In a documentary released in 2022, Janet discussed the change in her relationship with Michael after he achieved massive fame with the release of Thriller in 1982. She recalled a shift occurring between them where they started to drift apart. When Michael passed away in 2009 from a drug overdose, Janet was initially in disbelief, finding it difficult to accept the reality of his death. Despite the changes in their relationship, Janet remembers her brother fondly, especially when they collaborated on the song “Scream” in 1995, which she continues to perform at her concerts as a tribute to him.
Janet reminisced about writing “Scream” with Michael in his New York apartment and the journey they shared during that time. The song, which won a Grammy for best music video, short form in 1996, delved into Michael’s struggles with fame and the public scrutiny he faced. Through the lyrics, Michael expressed his frustration with injustice and lies, highlighting the challenges he experienced in the public eye. Janet described how the song allows her to relive the memories of writing and recording with Michael, emphasizing her role as his supportive younger sister.
Janet’s interview and documentary shed light on the personal aspects of her family life, particularly her relationships with her famous siblings and the impact of Michael’s sudden passing. Despite the changes in their relationship over the years, Janet continues to honor her brother’s memory through their collaborations, such as the song “Scream,” which holds deep meaning for her as a way to remember their time together. The documentary provides a glimpse into the dynamics of the Jackson family and how they navigated fame, success, and loss throughout their lives. Janet’s openness about her family connections and experiences offers fans a greater understanding of her personal journey within the iconic Jackson family.
