Rebirth of a Rhythm Nation

Just in time for the Thanksgiving weekend shopping bonanza, Janet Jackson will release her new album "Number Ones" featuring all 33 of her global No. 1 singles, including the new single "Make Me." The double-disc set is a collaboration between Universal and EMI, who share her catalog, to create a definitive collection that hits stores Nov. 17.

Tracks include "Rhythm Nation," "Control," "When I Think of You," "All For You" and "Scream," her famous debut with brother Michael. Each song has reached No. 1 on one of the Billboard charts like the Hot 100, Pop, R&B or Dance. She is the only artist to have a No. 1 hit on every chart except Country and to receive Grammy nominations in five different genre categories. Jackson, who has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, last released a retrospective collection 14 years ago.

Interestingly, the album title nods to her brother Michael, who also released a "Number Ones" album. Following his death, Michael's retrospective quickly re-topped the charts worldwide and will finish 2009 as one of the year's bestselling discs.

Outside music, Jackson is also a major activist for needy causes, for which she has been recognized many times. Recent nods include the 2008 Humanitarian of the Year award from the Lisa Lopes Foundation, the 2008 Vanguard Award from GLAAD and the NBA's 2004 Touching a Life Humanitarian and Philanthropic Award. Just last month, she chaired amFAR's inaugural fundraising event -- which raised over a million dollars -- during Fashion Week in Milan, Italy. She's even created a Rhythm Nation Scholarship with the UNCF to assist students in need.

Next year, Jackson will release her first book, which tackles her own issues with self-esteem. In the meantime, fans can remember why they love her by rockin' out to "Number Ones."

Image by Mark Liddell