Scorp said:

SEANMAN said:

Yep, Bruce Springsteen's "The Streets of Philadelphia" won over "Again". As for Bruce, his "Born in the USA", Janet's "RN 1814" and MJ's "Thriller" are the only 3 albums in history to have 7 top 10 singes, but RN's singles all went top 5, which sets it apart from the other two.

that Rhythm Nation was extraextroardinaire.....

Janet came out the box from the opening bell w/that album.......

to this day, I love that title RHYTHM NATION 1814....she took it back 2 centuries......

I saw Janet at her ALL FOR YOU tour, and she performed for 3 hours straight, non stop, gave props to her brother Michael, and performed all of her classic hits, even Young Love......she was awesome, she puts on the ultimate show

No female performer out now can touch Janet in her prime..

mjscarousal said:

Scorp said:

that Rhythm Nation was extraextroardinaire.....

Janet came out the box from the opening bell w/that album.......

to this day, I love that title RHYTHM NATION 1814....she took it back 2 centuries......

I saw Janet at her ALL FOR YOU tour, and she performed for 3 hours straight, non stop, gave props to her brother Michael, and performed all of her classic hits, even Young Love......she was awesome, she puts on the ultimate show

No female performer out now can touch Janet in her prime..

yup yup

Azz said:

OfftheWall said:

I'd say no. She hasn't had a hit here in over 10 years, her albums get to 63 then vanish off the charts. She filled the Royal Albert Hall though in 2009 or '10. Unless she has some Cher like comeback, a big hit like Believe or teams up with her brothers then arenas will be filled. But I don't even think Rhythm Nation was that big here either, it was huge in America & Japan but not in Europe really. Janet. was bigger, her only number 1 record here. But Together Again always appears on 'Should've been number 1' countdowns.

She sold out three dates at Royal ALbert Hall in 2011.

Her Up CLose and Personal tour has been far, far more successful than her brothers recent tour. If she teamed up with her brothers it would be a big mistake for her.

I question your knowledge on the subject

[Edited 2/24/13 11:55am]

I said she filled the Royal Albert Hall

mookie said:

whitesockedfunk said:

No she can't. She had a good run in the late eighties/early nineties, especially considering her limited vocal abilities, but her time has passed -as her album sales clearly show- and there are others filling her spot.

Never understood how is it that The Spice Girls and News Kids on the Block can captalize on the whole nostalgia thing, but Janet Jackson can't.

I think Janet could if she wanted to, but I think she chooses NOT to go that route. I don't know about The Spice Girls, but I do know that NKOTB made a point to try to get personal with fans when they reunited. They started a media blitz of selling autographed cds, selling packages to meet them as well as sponsoring a cruise to get personal with fans. I don't think J would ever want to be that close to her fans.

I think a lot of it has to do with her family name, but who knows her reasons for not wanting to go that route.

daPrettyman said:

mookie said:

Never understood how is it that The Spice Girls and News Kids on the Block can captalize on the whole nostalgia thing, but Janet Jackson can't.

I think Janet could if she wanted to, but I think she chooses NOT to go that route. I don't know about The Spice Girls, but I do know that NKOTB made a point to try to get personal with fans when they reunited. They started a media blitz of selling autographed cds, selling packages to meet them as well as sponsoring a cruise to get personal with fans. I don't think J would ever want to be that close to her fans.

I think a lot of it has to do with her family name, but who knows her reasons for not wanting to go that route.

Interesting point.

I honestly just think Janets heart is not into the music business anymore. She seems to be more interested in other things.

mjscarousal said:

Scorp said:

that Rhythm Nation was extraextroardinaire.....

Janet came out the box from the opening bell w/that album.......

to this day, I love that title RHYTHM NATION 1814....she took it back 2 centuries......

I saw Janet at her ALL FOR YOU tour, and she performed for 3 hours straight, non stop, gave props to her brother Michael, and performed all of her classic hits, even Young Love......she was awesome, she puts on the ultimate show

No female performer out now can touch Janet in her prime..

Speaking of her prime.... I think out of ignorance and/or selective amnesia most do not realize that this woman was the highest paid entertainer in the industry (contract wise). Even big brother Michael had to demand more money from Sony after deals with Virgin.....

http://articles.latimes.c...et-jackson

Musicslave said:

mjscarousal said:

No female performer out now can touch Janet in her prime..

Speaking of her prime.... I think out of ignorance and/or selective amnesia most do not realize that this woman was the highest paid entertainer in the industry (contract wise). Even big brother Michael had to demand more money from Sony after deals with Virgin.....

http://articles.latimes.c...et-jackson

Janet Jackson Spins a New Record: $80-Million Deal

Music: Pop superstar to ink contract with Virgin for four new albums.

January 12, 1996|CHUCK PHILIPS | TIMES STAFF WRITER

Pop diva Janet Jackson is expected to sign a four-album contract today with Virgin Records worth an estimated $80 million--an unprecedented fee that analysts say could set the stage for another round of music industry mega-deals.

The pact is the biggest ever awarded, surpassing the $60-million mark shared by such superstars as Michael Jackson and Madonna, whose six-album deals included film and joint-venture record label components.

The 29-year-old entertainer has been the target of a ferocious industry bidding war since her Virgin contract expired last year. Jackson is so hot that sources said Walt Disney Co. President Michael Ovitz met with Jackson's representatives three weeks ago, hoping to woo her with a huge offer that included film opportunities. Jackson starred in John Singleton's 1992 movie, "Poetic Justice."

But executives at Disney as well as at Sony, PolyGram, Bertelsmann, Time Warner and DreamWorks dropped out of the bidding because they believed their companies could not make enough money under the terms sought by Jackson.

Industry reaction to the deal was mixed. Analysts and executives agreed that Jackson is worth a hefty price but many said the deal she sought went too far.

"A deal of this size is a huge risk," said Harold Vogel, entertainment industry analyst at Cowen & Co. "It's true that an artist of Janet Jackson's stature adds prestige to a roster and functions as a magnet to draw other acts to the company. But just like in the movie business, the price of these music industry bidding wars just keeps escalating and tends to sap the profitability of the companies who participate."

Jackson's pact comes at a juncture in the record business when sales are flat and many retail record chains are in severe trouble. But competition for market share among the big six record conglomerates is fierce; several large entertainment companies, including Disney, want to become major players in the music industry, and a flurry of new labels has arrived on the scene--several managed by powerful industry veterans.

The spectacular size of Jackson's deal raises the stakes in the battle for other superstars such as rock act R.E.M., whose contract with Warner Bros. Records runs out this year. Analysts also expect the price to sign potentially hot new acts to skyrocket in the months ahead.

One reason Jackson was able to secure such favorable terms from Virgin is that she is the label's best-selling artist and her deal was negotiated at a time when Virgin's parent company, EMI Music, is perceived as a takeover target in entertainment circles, sources said.

The firm also recently signed a $12-million, two-album deal for the international rights to music released by pop singer George Michael, who is under contract in the United States to DreamWorks. EMI and DreamWorks reportedly coughed up an additional $40 million to buy out the British star's contract from Sony.

Even if EMI Music doesn't reach the auction block, the firm could not afford to lose one of its best-selling artists in the United States, where the company ranked fifth last year in the album market share race. Jackson's attraction is that she is young and has mastered a dance-pop style that helped push the combined sales of her last three albums near the 30-million mark.

Representatives for Jackson and Virgin refused to discuss the pact, which was negotiated by Virgin Records Chairman Ken Berry, EMI Music Chairman James Fifield, the singer's attorney, Donald S. Passman, and her manager, Roger Davies.

But sources said Jackson will be paid a $35-million advance upon signing and guaranteed an estimated $5-million advance per album plus a 24% royalty on the retail price of each record sold--about $2.50 per record.

Jackson's new deal covers four albums of new material plus a greatest hits compilation. Under the terms of the contract, ownership of the masters to those albums will revert to Jackson seven years after the contract ends.

Sources said the agreement also requires Virgin to allocate about $25 million in video production, marketing and promotion costs--a huge amount by industry standards. Virgin will deduct all cash advances from Jackson's portion of the royalties until they are paid off.

Sources at Virgin said the company plans to dramatically expand Jackson's presence on the international front, where compact disc sales are still booming.

Companies that dropped out of the bidding said they would have had to sell more than 50 million Jackson albums over the course of the contract to break even. But several entertainment attorneys disagreed, saying Virgin could break even after selling about 25 million. Jackson's last Virgin album, "janet.," has sold nearly 10 million copies since its 1992 release.

Jackson stunned the pop world in March 1991 when she announced her estimated $40-million, three-album pact with Virgin Records. Although the pact triggered a series of huge deals, hers was widely considered to be the shrewdest pact ever negotiated.

Not only did she exact substantial advances and a 22% royalty rate, it also contained an unprecedented clause allowing her to bow out after one album--if Virgin Records was sold to another company, which it was. Her new contract does not have such a contract option, sources said.

Jackson's 1991 pact set the stage for several other multimillion-dollar contracts by stars including her brother Michael, Madonna, Prince(100 million contract), Barbara Streisand, the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith.

Analysts say that few of these deals have delivered the profits that the companies were hoping for. But in an industry full of uncertainty and single-hit acts, these superstars are perceived as the closest thing to a sure bet. The superstars also provide a record company with leverage in the retail market for other offerings.

Here's some brief details on her first contrat with Virgin @ 24 years old....

http://www.nytimes.com/19...tract.html

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Musicslave said:

Speaking of her prime.... I think out of ignorance and/or selective amnesia most do not realize that this woman was the highest paid entertainer in the industry (contract wise). Even big brother Michael had to demand more money from Sony after deals with Virgin.....

http://articles.latimes.c...et-jackson

Janet Jackson Spins a New Record: $80-Million Deal

Music: Pop superstar to ink contract with Virgin for four new albums.

January 12, 1996|CHUCK PHILIPS | TIMES STAFF WRITER

Pop diva Janet Jackson is expected to sign a four-album contract today with Virgin Records worth an estimated $80 million--an unprecedented fee that analysts say could set the stage for another round of music industry mega-deals.

The pact is the biggest ever awarded, surpassing the $60-million mark shared by such superstars as Michael Jackson and Madonna, whose six-album deals included film and joint-venture record label components.

The 29-year-old entertainer has been the target of a ferocious industry bidding war since her Virgin contract expired last year. Jackson is so hot that sources said Walt Disney Co. President Michael Ovitz met with Jackson's representatives three weeks ago, hoping to woo her with a huge offer that included film opportunities. Jackson starred in John Singleton's 1992 movie, "Poetic Justice."

But executives at Disney as well as at Sony, PolyGram, Bertelsmann, Time Warner and DreamWorks dropped out of the bidding because they believed their companies could not make enough money under the terms sought by Jackson.

Industry reaction to the deal was mixed. Analysts and executives agreed that Jackson is worth a hefty price but many said the deal she sought went too far.

"A deal of this size is a huge risk," said Harold Vogel, entertainment industry analyst at Cowen & Co. "It's true that an artist of Janet Jackson's stature adds prestige to a roster and functions as a magnet to draw other acts to the company. But just like in the movie business, the price of these music industry bidding wars just keeps escalating and tends to sap the profitability of the companies who participate."

Jackson's pact comes at a juncture in the record business when sales are flat and many retail record chains are in severe trouble. But competition for market share among the big six record conglomerates is fierce; several large entertainment companies, including Disney, want to become major players in the music industry, and a flurry of new labels has arrived on the scene--several managed by powerful industry veterans.

The spectacular size of Jackson's deal raises the stakes in the battle for other superstars such as rock act R.E.M., whose contract with Warner Bros. Records runs out this year. Analysts also expect the price to sign potentially hot new acts to skyrocket in the months ahead.

One reason Jackson was able to secure such favorable terms from Virgin is that she is the label's best-selling artist and her deal was negotiated at a time when Virgin's parent company, EMI Music, is perceived as a takeover target in entertainment circles, sources said.

The firm also recently signed a $12-million, two-album deal for the international rights to music released by pop singer George Michael, who is under contract in the United States to DreamWorks. EMI and DreamWorks reportedly coughed up an additional $40 million to buy out the British star's contract from Sony.

Even if EMI Music doesn't reach the auction block, the firm could not afford to lose one of its best-selling artists in the United States, where the company ranked fifth last year in the album market share race. Jackson's attraction is that she is young and has mastered a dance-pop style that helped push the combined sales of her last three albums near the 30-million mark.

Representatives for Jackson and Virgin refused to discuss the pact, which was negotiated by Virgin Records Chairman Ken Berry, EMI Music Chairman James Fifield, the singer's attorney, Donald S. Passman, and her manager, Roger Davies.

But sources said Jackson will be paid a $35-million advance upon signing and guaranteed an estimated $5-million advance per album plus a 24% royalty on the retail price of each record sold--about $2.50 per record.

Jackson's new deal covers four albums of new material plus a greatest hits compilation. Under the terms of the contract, ownership of the masters to those albums will revert to Jackson seven years after the contract ends.

Sources said the agreement also requires Virgin to allocate about $25 million in video production, marketing and promotion costs--a huge amount by industry standards. Virgin will deduct all cash advances from Jackson's portion of the royalties until they are paid off.

Sources at Virgin said the company plans to dramatically expand Jackson's presence on the international front, where compact disc sales are still booming.

Companies that dropped out of the bidding said they would have had to sell more than 50 million Jackson albums over the course of the contract to break even. But several entertainment attorneys disagreed, saying Virgin could break even after selling about 25 million. Jackson's last Virgin album, "janet.," has sold nearly 10 million copies since its 1992 release.

Jackson stunned the pop world in March 1991 when she announced her estimated $40-million, three-album pact with Virgin Records. Although the pact triggered a series of huge deals, hers was widely considered to be the shrewdest pact ever negotiated.

Not only did she exact substantial advances and a 22% royalty rate, it also contained an unprecedented clause allowing her to bow out after one album--if Virgin Records was sold to another company, which it was. Her new contract does not have such a contract option, sources said.

Jackson's 1991 pact set the stage for several other multimillion-dollar contracts by stars including her brother Michael, Madonna, Prince(100 million contract), Barbara Streisand, the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith.

Analysts say that few of these deals have delivered the profits that the companies were hoping for. But in an industry full of uncertainty and single-hit acts, these superstars are perceived as the closest thing to a sure bet. The superstars also provide a record company with leverage in the retail market for other offerings.

Speaking of Prince. I remember Prince used to say, "Own your masters, or your masters will own you" or something like that. If I'm not mistaken, Janet should own her masters from her Virgin years by now. Hasn't it been longer than 7 years since she they parted ways?

She's a free agent now.... If she didn't already sign with Universal.

mjscarousal said:

daPrettyman said:

I think Janet could if she wanted to, but I think she chooses NOT to go that route. I don't know about The Spice Girls, but I do know that NKOTB made a point to try to get personal with fans when they reunited. They started a media blitz of selling autographed cds, selling packages to meet them as well as sponsoring a cruise to get personal with fans. I don't think J would ever want to be that close to her fans.

I think a lot of it has to do with her family name, but who knows her reasons for not wanting to go that route.

Interesting point.

I honestly just think Janets heart is not into the music business anymore. She seems to be more interested in other things.

Wouldn't u be if u were a newlewed to a billionaire?

Musicslave said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Speaking of Prince. I remember Prince used to say, "Own your masters, or your masters will own you" or something like that. If I'm not mistaken, Janet should own her masters from her Virgin years by now. Hasn't it been longer than 7 years since she they parted ways?

She's a free agent now.... If she didn't already sign with Universal.

Well, it's been 7 years since she left Virgin, but I'm not sure.

I would LOVE for her to strike a distribution deal with someone and reissue her Virgin catalog with outtakes. Especially the "janet" and "Velvet Rope" albums.

Musicslave said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Speaking of Prince. I remember Prince used to say, "Own your masters, or your masters will own you" or something like that. If I'm not mistaken, Janet should own her masters from her Virgin years by now. Hasn't it been longer than 7 years since she they parted ways?

She's a free agent now.... If she didn't already sign with Universal.

Yes she should have them by now. But I never heard any news report about her getting ownership yet. So she may not...

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Musicslave said:

Speaking of Prince. I remember Prince used to say, "Own your masters, or your masters will own you" or something like that. If I'm not mistaken, Janet should own her masters from her Virgin years by now. Hasn't it been longer than 7 years since she they parted ways?

She's a free agent now.... If she didn't already sign with Universal.

Yes she should have them by now. But I never heard any news report about her getting ownership yet. So she may not...

But you know how that could go. Hell, we just found out she's been married since last year.

daPrettyman said:

Musicslave said:

Speaking of Prince. I remember Prince used to say, "Own your masters, or your masters will own you" or something like that. If I'm not mistaken, Janet should own her masters from her Virgin years by now. Hasn't it been longer than 7 years since she they parted ways?

She's a free agent now.... If she didn't already sign with Universal.

Well, it's been 7 years since she left Virgin, but I'm not sure.

I would LOVE for her to strike a distribution deal with someone and reissue her Virgin catalog with outtakes. Especially the "janet" and "Velvet Rope" albums.

That sounds great!

That deal would have to involve JJ&TL who have also joined the Universal brand. Which makes me think that the three of them are up to something...

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

That deal would have to involve JJ&TL who have also joined the Universal brand. Which makes me think that the three of them are up to something...

Well, that Number Ones compilation was distributed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

Musicslave said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

That deal would have to involve JJ&TL who have also joined the Universal brand. Which makes me think that the three of them are up to something...

Well, that Number Ones compilation was distributed by Universal Music Enterprises (UMe).

So was the Icon compilation. I wonder if those projects closed her deal with Universal?

Universal distributes Virgin Records old catalogs...

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Universal distributes Virgin Records old catalogs...

Which label you think would make a good home for her at this stage of her career. The article I posted earlier talked about "The Big 6". Now its down to what 3 (if that)? I'd be shocked if she took the independent route. I think its too big of a shift from what she's accustom too.

Musicslave said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Universal distributes Virgin Records old catalogs...

Which label you think would make a good home for her at this stage of her career. The article I posted earlier talked about "The Big 6". Now its down to what 3 (if that)? I'd be shocked if she took the independent route. I think its too big of a shift from what she's accustom too.

She has kinda already gone that route with her last 2 singles. If you look at the credits for "Make Me" and "Nothing" you will see that it says that it is on Queendom Records. That is her own imprint. The only difference is that those 2 songs were included on compilations.

daPrettyman said:

Musicslave said:

Which label you think would make a good home for her at this stage of her career. The article I posted earlier talked about "The Big 6". Now its down to what 3 (if that)? I'd be shocked if she took the independent route. I think its too big of a shift from what she's accustom too.

She has kinda already gone that route with her last 2 singles. If you look at the credits for "Make Me" and "Nothing" you will see that it says that it is on Queendom Records. That is her own imprint. The only difference is that those 2 songs were included on compilations.

Really? Cool. I never heard of her Queendom Records imprint. I recall her Black Ice Publishing Co. and JDJ Entertainment (which I don't remember what that's for). Learn something new everyday. Thanks!

Daprettyman Im lovin your facts! Keep em coming! and to answer your question, I am just happy for Janet. She seems to be very happy right now and she deserves to be happy.

I've been playing janet more than any other artist, including certain relatives all week I feel like her music is really putting me in a good mood and it's a nice change from all the grieving and depressing drama I couldn't stop keeping up with after such a long time.

Two of my favourite choreography's by Jan.

I think Rhythm Nation 1814 has become my favorite Janet album. I have been playing it a lot recently. I guess Rhythm Nation 1814 and The Velvet Rope are my top two now. lol.

Musicslave said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Universal distributes Virgin Records old catalogs...

Which label you think would make a good home for her at this stage of her career. The article I posted earlier talked about "The Big 6". Now its down to what 3 (if that)? I'd be shocked if she took the independent route. I think its too big of a shift from what she's accustom too.

I think Universal would be a wise choice for her.She could do a joint deal with them with her own label. Plus JJ&TL are with them..I think they are in talks now. Because she is being very quiet & sneaky lately ...The independent route would be too much work for her. She has too much on her plate already. With her film production deal with Lionsgate... Even though she wouldn't have any problems now fitting the bill independently..

[Edited 2/26/13 14:50pm]

Great posts everyone! I, too, think the media has selective memory when it comes to Janet and everything she's accomplised (and everyone she's inspired). I also think she could do a NKOTB thing and hit arenas again, especially now that it's been awhile since there's been any new music from her. It'd be up to her to want to go that route, though.

babybugz said:

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Musicslave said:

Which label you think would make a good home for her at this stage of her career. The article I posted earlier talked about "The Big 6". Now its down to what 3 (if that)? I'd be shocked if she took the independent route. I think its too big of a shift from what she's accustom too.

I think Universal would be a wise choice for her.She could do a joint deal with them with her own label. Plus JJ&TL are with them..I think they are in talks now. Because she is being very quiet & sneaky lately ...The independent route would be too much work for her. She has too much on her plate already. With her film production deal with Lionsgate... Even though she wouldn't have any problems now fitting the bill independently..

[Edited 2/26/13 14:50pm]

I don't think the independent route would be too much for her. Especially if she signs a deal like Prince signs (where they promote and distribute the music and she retains her master recordings). I would think that she has the resources to do it in this digital media age.

She could also strike some deal with a retailer (Target, Walmart, Best Buy, etc.). I think that would work well for her.