Janet Jackson Explains Epic Family Tree: How She's Related to Stevie Wonder, Tracy Chapman and Samuel L. Jackson

Mar. 15, 2025

Janet Jackson (left); Stevie Wonder; Samuel L. Jackson.Photo:Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic; Arturo Holmes/Getty

Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic; Arturo Holmes/Getty

Janet Jacksonis revealing her surprising relatives!

Speaking on the BBCRadio 2 Breakfast Showin a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Aug. 13, the musician, 58, shared that her family is related to a few big names in Hollywood.

“Now someone told me this earlier, are you related toStevie (Wonder)?” host Scott Mills asked.

“He’s our cousin,” Janet replied. “Not a lot of people know that. He’s our cousin on my mother’s side. So isTracy Chapman.”

“So isSamuel Jackson,” the “Rhythm Nation” creator added.

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After confirming that Chapman, 60, and Wonder, 74, were her cousins, Janet continued to note that Samuel L. Jackson, 75, “would be my cousin too, I mean he’s not my brother.”

Known for already having famous family members thanks to being part of the Jackson family, the icon is the younger sister of Rebbie, 74, Jackie, 73, Tito, 70, Jermaine, 69, La Toya, 68, Marlon, 67, Brandon - who died after birth in 1957 - the lateMichael Jacksonand Randy, 62.

Janet Jackson (center) with her brothers Marlon Jackson (left), Michael Jackson, Tito Jackson, Randy Jackson and Jackie Jackson.Gregg Cobarr/WireImage

Gregg Cobarr/WireImage

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Just last month, Janet opened up about writing her 1995 song “Scream” with her brother Michael.

Michaeldied in 2009at the age of 50 after suffering cardiac arrest.

source: people.com