Since her very first recording ("Love Song For Kids", a 1978 duet with brother Randy), Janet Jackson had been collaborating with her siblings -particularly LaToya and Michael - on various musical endeavors.  In 1981, plans to form a vocal trio with sisters Rebbie and LaToya fell through due to infighting, and patriarch Joseph asked his youngest daughter to pursue a solo career.  However, Janet claimed that a musical future was not for her;  she was uncomfortable in the recording studio, and felt she could not compete with her vocally superior brothers.  Nonetheless, at age sixteen she cut her first album with producers Angela Winbush, Rene Moore and Leon Sylvers (of The Sylvers fame).  Janet Jackson was a modest hit, reaching #63 pop and #6 R&B in November, 1982.  At the end of 1982, Billboard declared Janet the tenth biggest-selling R&B artist of the year.