As a four year old Jan
would spend all her time singing for herslf and her parents in the Victorian town of Hayfield
where she was born. Jan wasn't much interested in playing with other children, she would spend
her playtime singing, from a very young age Jan knew she wanted to be a singer.
Jan's inspiration came from her mother who used to sing on the radio, growing up Jan would sing
in her school choirs, she would also sing where ever she could at concerts.
At the local movie theatre at the age of 13 Jan was surprised to see her name flash across the
screen telling her to make contact with the foyer, once there she saw her father, she became
quite worried when all her dad told her was that she should come with him. It happened that the
Thornton Hotel was having it's official opening that night and Jan was delighted to find
she had been requested to sing on this special occasion.
The little girl with such a big voice did herself proud singing better than ever before. Her
payment for the night's entertainment was a glass of cold lemonade.
During the holiday season the Wanderers Band used to visit Eildon, where Jan was living
at the time and she got to sing with the the band where she gained valuable experience singing
with a group.
At 15, and a move to Melbourne Jan found work at a concert party club
performing for the aged. She was a member of the group The Falcons for a year.
In 1968 after a break from music for a
period of four years Jan moved to Sydney taking in a number of talent quests. After winning
quite a few of these quests she was encouraged to become more involved in the entertainment
business. Jan was approached by an agent and from then on was kept very busy on the club scene.
Jan got her start in Sydney working with Nev Nicholls
& The Country Playboys at the Texas Tavern.
where she met Terry Smith whilst doing a gig there, Terry has played a big part in Jan's life.
A few years later another track recorded with Nev titled "Country Music Turns Me On" which received
a nominated at Tamworth Country Music Festival. This track was recorded on an album titled
"Barrooms and Bedrooms"
Albums released by Jan include; Sorry, Without Reason and I'm A Woman
R.I.P.
It is with much regret that we advise the passing of Terry on the 3rd February 2005 after a battle with cancer,
Terry leaves a daughter Dannielle and four grandchildren.
As a four year old Jan
would spend all her time singing for herslf and her parents in the Victorian town of Hayfield
where she was born. Jan wasn't much interested in playing with other children, she would spend
her playtime singing, from a very young age Jan knew she wanted to be a singer.
Jan's inspiration came from her mother who used to sing on the radio, growing up Jan would sing
in her school choirs, she would also sing where ever she could at concerts.
