Janet Jackson’s First No. 1 Hit Turns 40, Marking AMajor Turning Point In Her Music Career

Forty years ago, Janet Jackson reached a career milestone that helped establish her as one of the biggest pop stars of the 1980s. On October 13, 1986, her infectious hit “When I Think of You” was enjoying its second week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking an important moment in the young singer’s journey toward musical independence.

According to Grunge, at just 20 years old, Jackson was beginning to step out of the shadow of her famous family and establish an identity of her own. The song, which appeared on her breakthrough album Control, demonstrated her growing confidence and introduced listeners to the distinctive sound that would shape much of her later success. Four decades later, the track remains a reminder of the moment her solo career truly took off.

Janet Jackson Celebrates 40 Years Since Her First No. 1 Hit

Released in July 1986, “When I Think of You” became the third single from Control and quickly gained momentum on the charts. Its catchy synthesizers, upbeat rhythm, and layered vocals helped distinguish it from the singer’s earlier recordings. The track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated October 11 and remained there for two consecutive weeks. It also became the first of ten chart-topping singles Jackson would earn throughout her career, establishing her as a major force in pop and R&B music.

Behind the song’s success was her collaboration with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who helped develop a fresh musical direction for the rising star. Interestingly, the duo had initially created much of the album’s material for another singer, Sharon Bryant, before the songs found their way to Jackson. She contributed to the creative process by reworking vocals, arrangements, and musical elements to reflect her own style. The result was a softer, danceable track that balanced electronic production with her youthful, expressive voice.

How ‘Control’ Helped the Singer Step Out of Her Famous Family’s Shadow

Before releasing Control, Jackson had already spent years in entertainment, appearing on television programs such as Good Times, Diff’rent Strokes, and Fame. However, her first two albums, Janet Jackson in 1982 and Dream Street in 1984, failed to achieve the commercial success she hoped for.

Much of her early career had unfolded under the guidance of her father, Joe Jackson, who also managed members of the famous Jackson family. Determined to make her own decisions, she eventually chose a different direction and began working with a new creative team.

That decision transformed Jackson’s career. Control produced five Top 5 singles, including “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” and “Let’s Wait Awhile,” establishing her as a confident, independent artist beyond her brother Michael’s shadow. She later released influential albums like Rhythm Nation 1814 and Janet, earning acclaim for her music and performances. Forty years later, “When I Think of You” remains more than a chart-topping hit. It marked a defining moment in Jackson’s journey toward building her own legacy.