Sunday Diva / Three From The Hip: Janis Ian

Sunday Diva / Three From The Hip: 

Janis Ian

In my own, personal, big gay church, there is a wing dedicated to Those of the Heart. These are the singers, songwriters and muses who have spent a lifetime capturing various aspects of the human condition. Frequently, due to the whims of the music industry, their lives were not always their own... but they persevered... ultimately remaining true to their roles as seers of the heart. One such soul?

Janis Ian.

It's rare that a career has four acts, but Ian has managed to do exactly that.

First, there was the somewhat-precocious, earnest idealist; one who felt music could change the world and set about doing exactly that, by opening minds and hearts with her first hit, Society's Child (Grammy Hall of Fame 2001). It was a heady beginning for anyone, but at the age of 15, it was a case of too much, too soon. The song ignited controversy, placing her firmly in the crosshairs of Lyndon Johnson's administration, resulting in the beginning of her very own FBI file. In an effort to walk the talk, she gave away her money, and that's when the IRS paid her a call - the first of many.

Public and industry indifference set her adrift, allowing her to focus on her one true strength - her ability to write music. 

A second chance in the limelight then came. At Seventeen (Grammy Hall of Fame 2008) brought her accolades, mass exposure and success. Ironically, while her music explored the delicate details of the heart, she was not a good steward of her own; personal matters soon threatened to overshadow her renewed career - which brought with it industry pressure to conform and evolve as dictated. She did her best to weather the whims of changing tastes and trends while struggling to remain true to herself. 

It was a losing battle.  

Once again, indifference would render her inconsequential. 

A move to Nashville accompanied by years of self-reflection and healing helped to reveal who she truly was - innately and in light of all she'd experienced. It made her stronger and her voice as a songwriter grew even braver. Sharing these insights, an album called Breaking Silence would usher in a third opportunity to dance in the light - an opportunity not wasted, one handled with grace, dignity and an eye toward the future. Lessons previously learned would help ensure a fourth act.

And that fourth act? Well, I would suggest reading her autobiography, Society's Child in order to discover how an American treasure grows to become an amazing business woman (buying back all her original recordings), a philanthropist (The Pearl Foundation), and a venerable touring attraction - making the most of her legacy during the latter part of career.

If she is unfamiliar to you, I urge you to discover her... in all her incarnations. 

Four distinct acts. Each gifted with a type of wisdom and the means to share it. 

A talent this immediate, this intimate, this knowing must be experienced to be appreciated.

The gospel according to her? 

Well, here are three from the hip, dropping from her lips. 

The topic: Perseverance

"The best thing you can learn from the worst times of your life is that it always gets better. It may take a month, a year, a decade, but it will get better if you leave yourself open to it."

"At the end of the day, all you can hope for is to go on. The older I get, the more I realize that just keeping on keeping on is what life's all about."

"Once you're halfway home, you know that you can probably get the rest of the way there."

Society's Child - Janis Ian

Love Is Blind - Janis Ian

Getting Over You - Janis Ian

And one last final parting shot...

"It's neat to have finally reached a point where I can accept what I was and what I am."