Jan Howard was once told that she would be great
in a Soap Opera, laughing she replied, "My Life
is a Soap Opera". Jan's third husband was
recently departed Mr Songwriter…Harland Howard,
which ended in divorce in 1967. Jan has suffered
several hardships and tragedies in her life, the
greatest being the loss of two sons. Jan is still
touring today and can be found most weekends playing
the prestigious Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
This tempting box set finds four CDs, three
holding 22 tracks each and the fourth with 14 tracks.
A 16-page booklet is also included in the set,
containing facts and numerous photos of Jan from the
age of nine until the present time. Included are
several publicity shots and photos taken from her
early career. Also to be found are photos of Jan's
family, leisure pursuits and Jan alongside many of her
friends in show business.
This exciting collection takes us back as far as the
late 1950's highlighting Jan's early career and
comes right up to date. Two warm and engaging duets are
featured with her first duet partner Wynn Stewart, 'We'll
Never Love Again' and 'Wrong
Company'. We are also treated to eight first-class
duets with "Whispering" Bill Anderson, who Jan
toured and worked with for seven years on his syndicated
TV series, with the duo being nominated for CMA Duet Of
The Year.
'Pick Me Up On Your Way
Down' (Harland Howard) was #2 in the charts for
Charlie Walker in 1958, but Jan also recorded it on
the small Sundown label drawing much airplay on the
radio. Jan own success in the charts came with 'What
Makes A Man Wander' on the Decca label,
followed by 'Evil On Your Mind'
(Grammy Nominated) written by Harland Howard, with 'They
Listened While You Said Goodbye' being the
first song that Harland wrote as a teenager. Amongst
Jan's many Top Ten hits were 'Bad
Seed', 'Rock Me Back To
Little Rock' and 'The One
You Slip Around With' came from an earlier
shared recording session with Wynn Stewart. Jan's own
prowess as a noted songwriter includes the bluesy 'Love
Is A Sometime Thing'.
The fourth disc contains 14 tracks on a more
hallowed sentiment. 'My Son'
(Grammy Nominated) written by Jan is dedicated to her
son Jimmy who died while serving his country in
Vietnam. 'I Am' is
another song close to Jan's heart; written by her
middle son Corky. Other tracks to be found in this
reverent section include the likes of 'God
Bless America' and 'The
Pledge Of Allegiance'. 'I
Believe' stands next to country hymns 'How
Great Though Art' and 'The
Old Rugged Cross'. On the sacred reverence Jan
offers 'Nearer My God To Thee',
'The Twenty Third Psalm' and
'The Lord's Prayer'.
Jan Howard was made a member of the Grand Ole
Opry on 27 March 1971 and continues to perform there
most weeks, often including duets with her good friend
"Whispering" Bill. Don't leave it too late
to purchase this box set, as it is a limited edition,
numbered and personally autographed by Jan Howard.
With far too many sensational tracks to mention in
this unreserved treasure, there is something for
everyone, giving testament to Jan Howard's polished
and clear breathtaking vocals.
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