From People’s July 7, 1986, issue: While the rest of the Jackson family were on the Victory tour, Janet Jackson, then 18, eloped with singer James DeBarge. A&M record executive John McClain, who feared the marriage would torpedo Janet’s career, persuaded her to annul the pact. Asked how he justifies his actions, McClain responds, “Hey—I’m trying to make her a star!” There is no question that he has succeeded. Janet’s third album, Control, is No. 1 on Billboard’s charts and spawned two Top 10 singles, “What Have You Done for Me Lately?” and “Nasty.” The LP, laced with funk, represents a stylistic departure for Janet. Of her new image, she says, “I’m not saying I don’t want to be a part of the Jackson family, because, of course, that’s my…
