FROM TEEN IDOL TO PRINCE OF POP
Justin Timberlake and the Tennessee Kids are coming to Canada as part of his Man of the Woods tour. With a career spanning three decades and encompassing film, music and more, Lynn Saxberg highlights five things to love about the superstar.
1. Talent overload
When they were handing out talent, Timberlake got more than his fair share. He’s not only an expressive singer with a skyhigh falsetto who can dance up a storm, but he can also write and produce music that connects with people in a big way. And he plays guitar and piano. As a solo musical artist, he’s unquestionably a phenomenon, having sold more than 32 million albums and 56 million singles. But in addition to music, he’s managed to carve out a niche as a decent supporting actor — remember his turn as Napster founder Sean Parker in The Social Network? — and a quick study in comedy, particularly when he teams up with pal Jimmy Fallon. Is there anything the guy can’t do?
2. Groomed for show biz
The son of a Baptist church choir director based in Memphis, Timberlake began performing as a child, making his first television appearance at age 11, when he played country songs on Star Search. In the early 1990s, he was a cast member on The Mickey Mouse Club (with future girlfriend Britney Spears) and subsequently recruited for a boy-band project. Timberlake was still a teenager when he joined forces with JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone and Lance Bass to form ’N Sync. Before they parted ways in 2002, they set young women’s hearts aflutter with hits such as Bye Bye Bye, This I Promise You and Tearin’ Up My Heart, establishing a devoted fan base for anything Timberlake would tackle in the future.
3. Crossover appeal
Every time Timberlake embarks on a new chapter, his fame and fortune grow. With the possible exception of the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime performance, there have been few false steps. After ’N Sync he launched his solo career with the R&B-influenced Justified, scoring a couple of big hits and a pair of Grammy Awards. After 2006’s FutureSex/LoveSounds, he took a break for a few years to focus on acting, then came back in 2013 with the Timbaland-produced album The 20/20 Experience, which promptly became the bestselling album of that year. On his latest, Man of the Woods, he delved into his country roots, slapped on a beat and came up with tracks such as Filthy and Say Something, co-written with country dude Chris Stapleton. Despite critics’ misgivings, both songs were top-10 hits.
4. Hot dad
Affectionately described as a “rock star who can commit,” Timberlake has been married for six years to actor Jessica Biel, who makes no secret that his parenting ability turns her on. In fact, judging by the mutual appreciation and love demonstrated on their social-media accounts, it’s a romance that’s still going strong. One recent example: on a photo Timberlake posted to Instagram of himself working, Biel commented: “My wordsmith at work. Always in awe of your big … brain,” and added a kissy face emoji. The adorable couple have an even more adorable three-year-old son named Silas Randall.
5. The future is wide open
At 37, the former teen idol has won 10 Grammy Awards and four Emmys, to name a few of his many accolades. The Prince of Pop, who counts Prince and Michael Jackson among his biggest influences, is also a dancer who can match steps with the best of them. Plus, whether he’s in a suit and sneakers or a plaid shirt and jeans, he’s an icon of male style. So what’s next for the multi-talented star? How about author? A memoir, co-written with Sandra Bark and titled Hindsight & All the Things I Can’t See in Front of Me, is due for release Oct. 30. In the meantime, the Man of the Woods world tour continues, with Canadian stops in Ottawa, Toronto, Quebec City, Edmonton and Vancouver. Also confirmed: a high-profile headlining slot at next year’s Coachella festival.