THE WOMAN

"Self-expression is my goal," says Janet Jackson. "I want to be real with my feelings. Singing and dancing-and all the joy that goes with performing-come from my heart. If I can't feel it, I won't do it."

Janet's artistry is about honesty.

Janet's artistry is about spirit.

Optimism.

The sheer delight of movement. The strong allure of romance. The realities of heartache and discrimination. The pain of loss. The power of love. The finesse of funk.

Janet's artistry is about courage and candor and the unapologetic ambition to fulfill a potential. The drive to expand a creative vision. Taking it to the edge; growing upward; moving ahead...

Although her soft-spoken demeanor and casual grace are the twin hallmarks of her personal style, ultimately, it is Janet Jackson's strength, compassion, courage, confidence, sincerity and passion which have shaped he professional career and evolving artistry.

Able to capture raw, intimate feelings and bridge the gap between conflicting themes-strong yet vulnerable, serious yet playful, sensual yet spritual, self-assured yet searching-Janet explores the mercurial nature of human emotions, emotions all of us experience in our own lives.

Whatever the topic-the power of sisterhood, the courage of conviction, the pursuit of new challenges, or the intricacies of love-Janet connects with the audience on a very personal level, evoking a powerful reaction among tens of millions of fans worldwide.

As a result, Janet has earned an unprecedented blend of accomplishment and respect, as illustrated by four consecutive multi-platinum albums, scores of chart-topping singles, dozens of honors and awards, and far-reaching critical acclaim.

THE CAREER

A few statistics help illustrate the point. Janet has sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Her 16 gold-certified singles are among the most any female recording artist in history. Her first-ever world tour, in 1990, became the most successful premeire by any artist, with over two million fans attending the record-breaking performances.

The magnitude of her artistic and commercial success is succeeded only by the sheer scope of her pursuits as a singer, songwriter, producer, actress and fashion trendsetter. Janet's award winning videos testify to her cutting-edge choreography, athleticism, dancing and all-around visual flair.

Moreover, her critically acclaimed film debut as "Justice," the lead female role in director John Singleton's compelling 1993 film "Poetic Justice," marked Janet's emergence as an actress of uncommon poise. The film debuted as #1, with over 13 million tickets sold it first weekend.

Amid all her career accomplishments, it's important to recognize Janet's humanitarian efforts. Her compassion is unequaled. She is a drum major in giving, not only financially but, of herself. Through her generosity, she has made an indelible imprint on the lives of many in this country, and around the world, who are in need. She seeks no recognition but the satisfaction of knowing that her efforts helped to make a positive impact on someone else's life. A strong advocate for children, education, civil and human rights, and AIDS research, the many organizations Janet has supported include: The Starlight Foundation, Congress of Racial Equality, NAACP, Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Foundation for AIDS Research (AMFAR), Cities in School, Americare, and the United Negro College Fund. Additionally, she works closely with the Watts (LA) - Willowbrook YMCA and, "A Place Called Home," a transitional home for abandoned and abused children located in South Central LA.

THE GOAL: FREEDOM

To all of her pursuits, Janet brings a charisma, and breadth of talent which places her among the foremost icons in the history of popular culture. But unlike many other artists, Janet's work is fueled by her own distinctive life experiences: virtually every faucet of her career and her art offers a glimpse into the essence of her evolving self identity. During the past decade, we have seen Janet step forward as a youthful spirit, youthful woman, and youthful African American woman -- a multi-dimensional character, but singular in her determination to sing sincerely about freedom.

Freedom -- a personal freedom to explore one's destiny, political freedom to realize one's potential, sexual freedom to enjoy one's body -- provides the central theme which has unfolded and blossomed in Janet's life and music.