September 1989

Janet Jackson releases 'Rhythm Nation 1814,' a socially conscious album addressing poverty, racism, and illiteracy. It generates seven top-five singles — a record at the time — and wins a Grammy while establishing Jackson as both a pop phenomenon and serious social artist.

Janet Jackson releases Rhythm Nation 1814, which yields seven top-five singles — a record for any album. The socially conscious album addresses racism, crime, and poverty, while its accompanying tour becomes one of the highest-grossing in history.

Deion Sanders became one of the first modern athletes to play both Major League Baseball and NFL football in the same season, suiting up for the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons in 1989. He later won two Super Bowl rings and was named to eight Pro Bowls, becoming one of the most versatile and charismatic athletes in American sports history.