A Black History Moment with Janet Jackson

There will be many...

I recently listened to the most recent episode of the Decoder Ring podcast titled "Jump, Jive, and Fail: The ’90s Swing Craze." Host Willa Paskin explored the 90s swing revival, a movement often dismissed as corny but a bit more complex than originally remembered. The episode featured key figures like Mando Dorame, Scotty Morris, and Tom Maxwell, mostly musicians from revival bands that found mainstream success.

But there was one glaring omission: Janet Jackson.

In 1990, years before swing made its so-called "comeback," Janet Jackson gave us a full-blown Black history lesson with her music video for Alright.

Janet (as always) was ahead of the “trend.” But for her, this was not a fad, it was a direct homage to the culture that birthed the genre in the first place. Alright featured Janet and her dancers decked out in sharp, stylish zoot suits. Legends Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers were also featured in delightful cameos.

Mind you, Janet is one of the biggest music stars in the world at this time, and she uses her platform to share their legacy for a new generation.

Notably, Trevor Payne, the choreographer behind the iconic Gap "Khakis Swing" commercial, got his big break on Janet's Rhythm Nation tour. He cited Hellzapoppin’ (1941) as a major influence.

So why was Janet left out of the conversation? Has the industry’s post-Super Bowl erasure of her contributions been so effective that people have forgotten her role in nudging or shaping cultural trends?

While Janet isn’t to “blame” for the trend, she brought it to the mainstream, and contextualized it, preserving its roots, and making sure the history remained intact.

I bet more than one person interviewed for that podcast remembers that video and was likely influenced by it. (I’m also looking at you, makers of “The Mask” starring Jim Carrey.)

Janet Jackson is the blueprint. She always has been. It’s time people remember.

Hi! 👋 My name is Aimee, and for 30 years, I’ve been quietly creating the largest collection of original artwork dedicated to Janet Jackson. Please click the image below to enjoy.

#JanetJacksonAppreciationDay is February 9, 2025 (aka Super Bowl Sunday)