Love, loss, and faith renewed as only Janis Ian can tell it.

OneMansGuitar · #1 04-25-2016, 11:03 AM

I know a lot of you probably already know all about Janis Ian's lost D-18.

But it was new to me. So a friend sent me this link, which I received when I happened to be visiting my mom.

For the benefit of my mother's aged eyesight, I read this story aloud. When I looked up at the end, tears were streaming down my her cheeks and she was sniffling and laughing at her own outpouring of emotion.

But then, emotional impact is something Janis Ian has been providing the general public since she was a teenager, through such songs as "Society's Child" and "At 17."

So, do yourself a favor and check this out!

On Guitars & Righteous Men by Janis Ian

rmyAddison · #2 04-25-2016, 11:10 AM

I LOVE Janis Ian, seen her a number of times.

When I was taking some Berklee sponsored songwriting workshops Pat Pattison used a number of Janis' songs as "this is how it's done right" examples. To me she is one of the great singer/songwriters of our generation.

Society's Child probably didn't do her career any favors, but it was profound and decades ahead of the social changes to come.

She is wonderful human being....

Irish Dave · #3 04-25-2016, 02:56 PM

Been a huge Janis Ian fan for years. Her album "Miracle Row" is one of my all-time favorites.

searead · #4 04-25-2016, 03:45 PM

I had not heard this story. Moving and inspiring. Thanks so much for posting Spoon.

fongie · #5 04-25-2016, 04:25 PM

WO! I have not heard of Janis Ian before, but after reading this article I felt I've known her a very long time. What a journey, so inspiring, so touching. Thanks Spoon. Lucky girl!

H165 · #6 04-25-2016, 05:02 PM

Another Ian fan here. She does some interesting stuff at concerts!

What I'm waiting to hear is that she has gotten back her LR Baggs guitar if she still wants it. It appears from her article she was forced to sell it due to a tax claim made by the IRS.

I still wonder what happened to it. Anybody know? I believe maybe 34 Baggs guitars exist, and I think hers is significantly different than the other 33, in that it is smaller.

Mr. Paul · #7 04-25-2016, 05:30 PM

I have recommended Janis' autobiography many many times. The half dozen
of my friends that have read it agree ... it is a fantastic read.

http://www.amazon.com/Societys-Child...=UTF8&qid=&sr=

fongie · #8 04-25-2016, 05:45 PM

You know I liked it so much, I went back and re-read the article. Spoon I share your Mum's joy.........what great ending.

Treenewt · #9 04-25-2016, 06:14 PM

That was awesome Spoon. Thank you for sharing!

Kerbie · #10 04-25-2016, 06:20 PM

Janis has been one of my favorite singer-songwriters since I first heard "At Seventeen" in the '70s. She was a fine guitarist back then, but after an injury severely limited her piano playing, she concentrated much more on guitar. And the results astounded me when I heard her play in the '90s after a decade-long hiatus. Remarkable guitarist... excellent singer-songwriter and storyteller.

Steel and wood · #11 04-25-2016, 07:12 PM

Yep, I'm a fan also.

Only recently was I was watching a Youtube video of her play her Martin D18 and singing "At Seventeen".

Borderdon · #12 04-25-2016, 07:21 PM

I was (am) a fan, but hadn't thought of her in ages, except when I'd hear some of her music.
What a powerful connection with an instrument.

woodbox · #13 04-26-2016, 01:24 AM

SEE HER LIVE!!

If you ever get half a chance, make it happen!
She is simply wonderful in person.
Obviously a fine writer, but also, as kerbie mentioned above, a remarkably skilled guitarist.
A diverse evening with songs about everything, I still recall the blues thing she dropped into at her show at Seattles Triple Door..solo blues guitar that I still marvel at..Oh My it was nice. And that was just one song.
We smiled, we laughed, we hurt, we were moved and touched, and it was over too soon.

If she's ever even remotely close to you, buy the ticket, go see her.
Professional and personable in perfect balance.
An unforgettable show.

jgmaute · #14 04-26-2016, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodbox

SEE HER LIVE!!

If you ever get half a chance, make it happen!
She is simply wonderful in person.
Obviously a fine writer, but also, as kerbie mentioned above, a remarkably skilled guitarist.
A diverse evening with songs about everything, I still recall the blues thing she dropped into at her show at Seattles Triple Door..solo blues guitar that I still marvel at..Oh My it was nice. And that was just one song.
We smiled, we laughed, we hurt, we were moved and touched, and it was over too soon.

If she's ever even remotely close to you, buy the ticket, go see her.
Professional and personable in perfect balance.
An unforgettable show.

Can't agree more...I think you're talking about Bright Lights And Promises. Here's a link to a video I shot in 2012 (can't figure out how to embed on my iPad)
http://youtu.be/_laSZLxrzhg

amyFB · #15 04-26-2016, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steel and wood

Yep, I'm a fan also.

Only recently was I was watching a Youtube video of her play her Martin D18 and singing "At Seventeen".

Another Janis Ian fan here , and a story:

Last year (or the year before ) she and tommy e were both at Philadelphia Folk Fest and it was a really sweet moment to see two people discover someone each has always admired from a distance and finally meet and play together/

They performed a fabulous version of that song together.

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