Janet Jackson Drops Bombshell: Stevie Wonder, Tracy Chapman, and Samuel L. Jackson Are Her Cousins

Already a part of the music industry’s elite, Janet Jackson recently disclosed that her family tree has even more famous people than we previously realized. The legendary singer revealed in an interview that she is related to Samuel L. Jackson, Tracy Chapman, and Stevie Wonder.

A Star Family

During a playful conversation on BBC Radio 2’s The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, the shocking revelation was made. Scott Mills, the host, was going to play “Do I Do” by Stevie Wonder when Jackson casually said, “He’s our cousin.” Few individuals are aware of that. He is our mother’s side relative.”

Taken aback, Mills couldn’t help but inquire about more. Then Jackson continued, “Tracy Chapman as well. as well as Samuel L. Jackson.” She reaffirmed that all three of them were her relatives when asked to confirm.

Joining the Dots

Though the precise nature of these interactions is still unknown, thinking about the possible connections between these well-known personalities is intriguing. The lack of an obvious connection in online records raises the possibility that they are second or third cousins, or even further removed in their family tree.

We do know that Katherine Scruse Jackson, Janet Jackson’s mother, is from Alabama. While Tracy Chapman hails from Ohio, Stevie Wonder was raised in Michigan, and Samuel L. Jackson was born in Washington, D.C., and later moved to Nashville. It’s interesting to note that Samuel L. Jackson has declared he is not connected to the Jacksons.

Janet Jackson Drops Bombshell Stevie Wonder, Tracy Chapman, and Samuel L. Jackson Are Her Cousins

An Account of Past Cooperation

These celebrities have crossed paths several times in their careers, even in the absence of hard genealogical proof. Stevie Wonder co-authored two duets with Michael Jackson and wrote “Let’s Get Serious” for Jermaine Jackson. In 2009, he also performed at Michael Jackson’s memorial ceremony.

When Wonder was unable to perform due to technical difficulties at Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday celebration, Tracy Chapman memorably took over for Wonder. In addition, Wonder composed the soundtrack for Spike Lee’s 1991 picture “Jungle Fever,” which starred Samuel L. Jackson in a breakthrough performance. Samuel L. Jackson most recently made an appearance in the Janet Jackson documentary on Lifetime in 2022.

An A-List Family Get-Together?

Although the specifics of these connections are still being worked out, Janet Jackson’s disclosure raises the mystery about her already remarkable legacy. It also emphasizes how intertwined the entertainment industry is and how talent may run in families in unexpected ways.

Maybe one day the Jacksons, Wonder, Chapman, and Samuel L. Jackson will all be at a star-studded family reunion. We can only gaze in amazement at the extraordinary ability that seemed to run through their blood until then.