January : At Hayvenhursrt, Michael gives an interview to John Pidgeon with 13 years old Janet by his side. “In January 1980, the gates of 4641 Hayvenhurst Avenue in Encino, California, were open, unguarded. The record-company PR greeted me at the door, and I waded after her through shaggy ivory carpet. Overhead, chandeliers twinkled like lights in an elfin grotto. “One thing,” she said, as if it were an insignificant point she had just remembered. “You don’t mind if his sister sits in on the interview, do you?” “Of course not. What’s her name?” “Janet. Oh, and one more thing. If you could direct your questions to Janet, she’ll put them to Michael.”
February 4 : Randy is seriously injured in a car crash in Hollywood, California. Katherine, Michael, Janet & LaToya visit him at the hospital. He almost looses a leg but after 6 months and 7 operations, he finally manages to walk again.
February 27 : Michael boycotts the Grammy Awards because Off The Wall was not nominated for best album of the year. He watches the ceremony at home with Katherine, Janet & LaToya. He wins his first Grammy but vows that his next album won’t be ignored…
March : Michael is on the cover of Melody Maker with an exclusive interview given to reporter Steve Demorest at Hayvenhurst in February. During the interview, the reporter asks the questions to 13 years old Janet who repeats them to Michael.
June 24 : Latoya’s debut album titled “LaToya Jackson” is released by by Polydor. Janet is one of seven people credited with providing handclaps on LaToya’s track “If You Feel The Funk”. She also co-writes the song “Lovely Is She” with LaToya.
September 3 : In recognition of their contribution to music , The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honour The Jacksons with a Star on Hollywood Boulevard’s “Walk Of Fame”. Michael, Jackie, Tito, Marlon and Randy attend the presentation with Joe & Katherine, Rebbie, LaToya, Janet and Joe’s mother Crystal Jackson. Michael is also presented a special plaque in “recognition of 4 Top ten singles from the album Off The Wall”. Later the Jackson family has dinner at Chasen’s restaurant in West Hollywood.
October 16 : Katherine, Randy & Janet attack Gina Sprague, Joe’s personal assistant at Joe Jackson Productions.
November : Janet joins the cast of “Diff’rent Strokes” sitcom on NBC. She plays the character of Charlene DuPrey, Willy’s girlfriend.
November 8 : Janet gives an interview to Don Cornelius on the Soul Train Show.
December 31 : “Diff’rent Strokes” ‘s first episode with Janet tirled “first love” airs on NBC.
Jackson Dynasty 