Janet Jackson Launches Tour

Janet Jackson, one of the few figures in pop history to have sold more than 7 million albums without ever doing a solo concert tour, will launch her first tour on March 1 in Miami. The itinerary is expected to include at least one Southern California date, most probably the Forum in Inglewood in April.

Tour producer Roger Davies said the U.S. leg of the tour--about 40 shows, including a United Negro College Fund benefit in mid-March at New York’s Madison Square Garden--will be followed by appearances in Japan, additional shows in the United States, then Europe.

The 23-year-old sister of pop phenom Michael Jackson will be joined by an eight-piece band, led by recording artist Chuckii Booker, and six dancers. Unlike many recent high-profile tours, there will be no corporate sponsorship, Davies said.

The show will incorporate much of the severe look and concept of Jackson’s recent “Rhythm Nation 1814” album and video package, which address such issues as drug abuse and inner-city violence in an impressionistic yet danceable setting.

The tour will feature a set--including video projection screens--designed by Fisher Park, the English company that did the Rolling Stones “Steel Wheels” stage, and lighting by Leroy Bennett, who has worked on Prince tours.