When the first episode of Saturday Night Live aired, the cast was a bundle of nerves because none of them had ever done live television before. But for Janis Ian, it was just another day at work. Despite battling a raging fever and strep throat, she delivered an unforgettable performance as the musical guest. "Everybody in the cast was very nervous because they’d never done live TV," Janis recalls with a chuckle. "But for me, performing live was no big deal. I sang, I did my job, and then I left."
Janis Ian, now 73, has been a professional singer since the age of 14. Her career soared in 1975 with the release of her iconic hit, "At Seventeen," a bittersweet tale of teenage longing that resonated with millions of listeners. The song became a defining moment in her life and career, showcasing her ability to connect deeply with her audience through her music.
Documentary Sheds Light on Janis Ian's Impactful Journey
Director Varda Bar-Kar delves into Janis Ian's life and contributions to popular music in the new documentary, Janis Ian: Breaking Silence. Varda shares how Janis's music has touched her personally, saying, "I think all of us have something in us where we feel outside somehow. When I was in high school, I listened to her album Between the Lines and I was just so moved." The documentary, set to hit theaters on March 28 and stream starting April 29, promises to offer a deeper understanding of Janis's remarkable career and her influence on the music world.
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Breaking Barriers and Speaking Truth Through Music
At just 14 years old, Janis wrote and recorded her first hit, "Society’s Child (Baby I’ve Been Thinking)," a song about an interracial romance. It not only made her a star but also turned her into a target of hate. Reflecting on her journey, Janis says, "I think stardom is a lot at any age. It’s a constant struggle to better yourself—to be a better artist, to be a better human being, to live up to your talent." Over her 60-year career, Janis has continued to write songs that tackle tough subjects with courage and authenticity.
Beyond Music: A Multifaceted Creative Spirit
While Janis is best known for her music, she has never confined herself to one label. She doesn’t see herself as just a singer-songwriter or even a "protest singer." In the early 1980s, she took a nine-year break from recording to study acting, and she has also written science fiction novels. Yet, music remains her primary creative outlet. "Music crosses culture," Janis explains passionately. "It crosses race, ethnicity, language, country—all the things that divide us are the things that music unites us with. To me, music is the great unifier."
