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The biggest brother-sister stars in show business history - Michael and Janet Jackson

NO individual or group has impacted the world of entertainment as have Michael and Janet Jackson, who both signed multimillion dollar contracts in recent months. With a creative one-two punch, this dynamic brother-sister combination has dazzled fans, dazed record industry officials and set records.

Ironically, both Jacksons are exceptionally shy. While Michael is considered a brilliant entertainer, off stage he is a mysterious enigma. And though her Control recording presented a bolder look and sound for Janet, she prefers to let her music speak for her. For both, the shroud of mystery is an effective marketing device.

Janet fulfilled a dream to break one of Michael's records when she recently signed with Virgin Records in an unprecedented deal reported to be worth $60 million. But her triumph was surpassed by her brother a few days later when Sony Music (formerly CBS) signed Michael in a deal reported to be worth a billion dollars. Michael got a lucrative record contract, substantial up-front cash, the highest royalty rate of any recording artist, potential monies from films and music videos, and his own record label.

Michael and Janet both eclipsed records set by White recording artists, such as Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, who got $28 million in 1983, and Kenny Rogers, who got $21 million in 1982. They have set standards that will be hard for other artists to match.

These mega record deals are further indications that Michael and Janet Jackson are catalysts for change in the fiercely competitive music industry. They already have ushered in the current era of the multidimensional video-artist, a time when dancing is oft-times just as important as singing, when the visual image impacts just as much as the audio. While Michael set trends with his inimitable "Moonwalk," they both enthrall audiences with robotic precision dance moves. There are many imitators, but few can match Michael and Janet's stunning style and dexterity.

In addition, they have both greatly influenced teen fashion trends. Silver gloves, white and silver socks with above-the-ankle pants and glittering jackets were inspired by Michael. As Janet was entertaining 2 million fans during the triumphant Rhythm Nation tour, hoards of teen girls were imitating her distinctive look - black quasi-military long jackets, black tight-tight pants, and big white shirts.

But music is where the Jackson siblings are having a phenomenal impact. They are the first brother-sister duo to earn individual, not to mention back-to-back, No. 1 pop hits, as Michael did with Thriller and Bad (combined sales of 64 million), the two best-selling albums of the |80s, and as Janet did with Control and Rhythm Nation 1814. The latter stayed high on the pop charts for more than a year and a half, yielding a record seven Top 5 singles.

Music industry insiders also point out that Michael Jackson was a leader in the swift creative changes that swept music videos. His Thriller video was among the first to have a real storyline, a cast of actors, and stunning dance sequences. What he accomplished was so avant-garde that there is even a video on how the original was made. Consequently, other artists, including Janet, now do long-form videos.

Though the fast-paced world of entertainment is forever changing, it's a safe bet that Michael and Janet Jackson will continue to exert their considerable influence on into the future.