logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2021
41m 50s

Janet Jackson's Legacy After 'Control'

NPR
About this episode
On the 35th anniversary of Janet Jackson's first No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, we look back at Control, her career-defining album that changed the trajectory of pop music in the late '80s and '90s. In the second episode of a three-part series exploring crossover in pop music, we look at Jackson's musical and cultural legacy over the years. We also reconsider how Jackson was vilified after her Super Bowl XXXVIII appearance, and why. You can follow us on Twitter at @NPRItsBeenAMin and email us at samsanders@npr.org.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Today
People say college doesn't matter. They're right and wrong.
Does a college degree get you anything these days? Some people say no, but the reality is far more complicated. About 19 million people are going to college right now. But one recent poll from Gallup shows that the percentage of Americans who view college as very important is at ... Show More
20m 44s
Oct 8
Is the economy slowing? Ask Black women.
Black women’s unemployment rate is hovering at 6.7% — higher than the rate for white workers. Is it a sign the broader economy could sour? These economists say yes.Black women are the 'canary in the economic coal mine,' says Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman. She's the author of The Doubl ... Show More
19m 10s
Oct 6
If American films are meh...are China’s better?
Hollywood isn't performing as well at home or abroad. Is it losing its cultural dominance to China's burgeoning film industry? ‘Survive until 2025’ was the mantra that got Hollywood through the past five years of lockdown, streaming wars, and franchise fatigue. And while summer f ... Show More
18m 3s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2021
Janet Jackson's Legacy After 'Control' from It's Been A Minute with Sam Sanders
Sam Sanders is one of our favorite friends of the podcast. His NPR show, It's Been A Minute, has released an outstanding three part series exploring crossover in pop music. We want to share with you the 2nd episode form that series on the legacy of Janet Jackson. From It's Been A ... Show More
46m 21s
Oct 2021
Bonus: Janet Jackson's 'Control'
On the 35th anniversary of Janet Jackson's first No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, our friends at It's Been A Minute look back at Control, her career-defining album that changed the trajectory of pop music in the late '80s and '90s. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastcho ... Show More
41m 22s
Oct 2021
BONUS: Janet Jackson Once Had 'Control' of the Charts
Thirty-five years ago, Janet Jackson released an album that changed the course of her career, and of pop music. Control took over radio, reinvented the playbook for Black artists crossing over into pop and ushered in a whole new sound for R&B. But after the wardrobe malfunction a ... Show More
42m 37s
Jun 2021
The Jacksons
This week's guests on Questlove Supreme are THE American Music Dynasty. We can all agree with Quest in saying, "we would be pressed to find one person on this earth who has not been affected by their legacy." After selling well over 100 million records, recording and performing h ... Show More
2h 4m
Feb 2020
Justin Bieber's 'Changes' Proves the Enduring Allure of Child-Turned-Adult Pop Stars
Justin Bieber released his debut album, My World 2.0, almost exactly a decade ago, and last week, the pop star put out his fifth studio album, Changes, which is on track for yet another No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200. Keith & Katie talk all about the power of that connection be ... Show More
26m 27s
May 2017
Bruno Mars' 2010s vs. Michael Jackson '80s
A look at Mars' current success vs. Jackson's in the '80s, and Pandora's Rachel Whitney discusses the service's country programming with Billboard's Jim Asker. Plus, do we discuss, and play, everything from Ja Rule to Louis Armstrong and Bette Midler? (We do.) See acast.com/priva ... Show More
54m 48s
Aug 2017
Hot 100 This Week in 1987, pt. 2, With Debbie Gibson
Classic songs by Madonna, Michael Jackson & more highlight Nos. 20 through 1, as Gibson celebrates the 30th anniversary of her debut album, "Out of the Blue." See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 
1h 23m
Mar 2022
Janet vs The Halftime Show | Janet’s Other Legacy with Clover Hope | 104
Janet Jackson's infamous wardrobe malfunction might never be forgotten, but what about her legacy as a trail-blazing feminist? Janet cut a path for female pop performers controlling their own narrative. She was an advocate for women getting what they need in the bedroom before mo ... Show More
30m 30s
Apr 2016
Jackie Evancho Talks Going Pop; Plus Desiigner's No. 1 & Beyonce's 'Lemonade'
On our latest show, we welcome Jackie Evancho, the 16-year-old classical music prodigy who is dipping her toes in the top 40 waters with her debut pop single "Apocalypse." We talked about why she wanted to venture into pop music, which current pop star is her inspiration and what ... Show More
31m 34s
May 2022
Janet Jackson’s trauma led to the creation of YouTube. And it says a lot about the internet
WE’RE DOING A LIVE  SHOW in NYC and VIRTUALLY on 5/28! Get tickets: Tangoti.com/live    You probably know about Janet Jackson’s infamous SuperBowl “wardrobe malfunction,” but did you know it inspired the creation of YouTube? Kimberly Foster, founder of For Harriet discusses how s ... Show More
33m 45s