Essence Magazine
Black Banger Joy: The Iconic Janet Jackson Covers ESSENCE’s Happiness Issue, Pens Personal Essay About Finding Her Peace - Page 3
WARWICK SAINT/ESSENCE
Queen Of Pop, Janet Jackson Covers ESSENCE, Prepares To Headline Festival
She looks amaaaaaaaazing! Janet Jackson is back at the top of her game after taking a break from touring to give birth at 50, only to then endure difficult divorce. She’s now the subject of an ESSENCE cover story exclusive. For the story, Janet actually pens an intimate message to Black women for the magazine’s first-ever “Happiness” issue. In Letter From My Heart, the artist reveals herself like never before—connecting with the audience as she shares her personal journey to finding joy and happiness in her life.
In the essay, Jackson shares with her “ESSENCE Sistas” some of the lessons she learned from her childhood to adulthood—including her early struggles with depression, low self-esteem and failed relationships to her eventual growth as an artist, discovery of peace and learning to “fully embrace God’s love.” Here’s some of what she shares, via ESSENCE:
In Her Childhood:
“I was happy when my brothers came home from performing on the road. I was happy when my mother lavished me with love. But I wasn’t happy with the way I looked…”
In Her Teens:
“Happiness came when people asked me to perform…but I was happiest when I was pleasing others and not myself. An older and wiser Janet might have said, ‘True happiness is knowing you’re doing the best you can…’”
In Her Thirties:
“These were difficult years, when I struggled with depression. The struggle was intense. I could analyze the source of my depression forever. Low self-esteem might be rooted in childhood feelings of inferiority. It could relate to failing to meet impossibly high standards. And of course there are always the societal issues of racism and sexism. Put it all together and depression is a tenacious and scary condition. Thankfully, I found my way way through it…”
Today, at 52:
“Now the height of happiness is holding my baby son in my arms and hearing him coo, or when I look into his smiling eyes and watch him respond to my tenderness. When I kiss him. When I sing him softly to sleep. During those sacred times, happiness is everywhere. Happiness is in gratitude to God…”
Sounds like Janet is loving motherhood. We sure love her and appreciate her candor. How many of y’all are excited to see Janet at Essence Festival this year?
Of course, the story is accompanied by stunning photos of the gorgeous GRAMMY award-winning singer and actress, who was photographed with members of her J Tribe dancers in the background, in clothing and accessories from designers including Zac Posen, Givenchy, Haider Ackermann, Azzi & Osta and more.
Check out some photos when you continue, as well as upcoming spot dates for Janet’s tour.
WARWICK SAINT/ESSENCE
WARWICK SAINT/ESSENCE
WARWICK SAINT/ESSENCE
Tour Dates
Sunday, July 8, 2018
New Orleans, LA
Essence Festival
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Austin, TX
Austin360 Amp
Friday, July 13, 2018
Rogers, AR
Walmart Amphitheater
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Cincinnati, OH
Riverbend Music Center
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Syracuse, NY
Lakeview Amphitheater
Friday, July 20, 2018
Hershey, PA
Hershey Park Stadium
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Los Angeles, CA
FYF Festival
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Virginia Beach, VA
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Saturday, July 28, 2018
New York, NY
Panorama Music & Arts Festival
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Raleigh, NC
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Friday, August 3, 2018
Charlotte, NC
PNC Music Pavilion
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Miami, FL
American Airlines Arena
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Tampa, FL
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Friday, August 10, 2018
Lake Tahoe, NY
Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys
Sunday, August 12, 2018
San Francisco, CA
Outside Lands Festival
