Janis Ian

Janis Ian (born April 7, 1951) is a Grammy-winning American songwriter, singer and multi-instrumental musician. Born Janis Eddy Fink in a Bronx hospital (she was raised in New Jersey), she changed her name while still a child. She had a successful singing career in the 1960s and 1970s. She wrote and sang her first hit single at age 15, the song "Society's Child", which told the story of an interracial romance forbidden by the narrator's parents. She also legally emancipated herself from her parents at age 15. Her most successful single was "At Seventeen", released in 1975, a bittersweet commentary on adolescent cruelty and teenage angst, as reflected upon from the maturity of adulthood. She has also managed a sustained career as a songwriter.

External links:

• http://www.janisian.com/
• Getting the facts straight about Janis Ian
• Interview with Janis Ian by Jan Vanderhorst

Janis Ian's comments on the music industry:

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• Janis Ian's critique of the RIAA's policies
• Janis Ian interview on Slashdot
• USA Today: Music industry spins falsehood