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Society's Child

My Autobiography

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Society's Child

Written by: Janis Ian
Narrated by: Janis Ian
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About this listen

Audie Award, Narration by the Author or Authors, 2013

Grammy Award Winner, Best Spoken Word Album, 2013

Booklist Top 10 Biography Audiobooks

The inspiration for the film Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

Janis Ian was catapulted into the spotlight in 1966 at the age of 15, when her soul-wrenching song "Society's Child" became a hit. An intimate portrait of an interracial relationship, "Society's Child" climbed the charts despite the fact that many radio stations across the country refused to play it because of its controversial subject matter. But this was only the beginning of a long and illustrious career.

In this fascinating memoir of her more than 40 years in the music business, Ian chronicles how she did drugs with Jimi Hendrix, went shopping for Grammy clothes with Janis Joplin, and sang with Mel Tormé, all the while never ceasing to create unforgettable music.

In 1975, Ian's legendary "At Seventeen" earned two Grammy awards and five nominations. Her next two albums brought her worldwide platinum hits. But after seven albums in as many years, she made a conscious decision to walk away from the often grueling music business. During this period, she struggled through a difficult marriage, which ended with her then husband's attempt to destroy her, and a sudden illness that very nearly cost her her life. The hiatus from music lasted for close to a decade until, in 1993, Ian returned with the release of the Grammy-nominated Breaking Silence. Now, as she moves gracefully into her fifth decade as a recording artist and writer, Ian continues to draw large audiences around the globe.

In Society's Child, Janis Ian provides a relentlessly honest account of the successes and failures - and the hopes and dreams - of an extraordinary life.

©2008 Janis Ian (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
Entertainment & Celebrities Music Professionals & Academics Women Celebrity Business Marriage
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What the critics say

"Each chapter in this mesmerizing memoir begins with an evocative lyric read and sung by Ian, who transports listeners back in time with both words and music." ( Booklist)

What listeners say about Society's Child

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Great autobiography

I thoroughly enjoyed Janis Ian‘s account of her life in music , particularly as I too had to be somewhat of a trailblazer in the music business, and have had my share of troubles, but am still going! I’ve actually written two autobiographies, including an audiobook, In my own key… My Life in Love and Music ...on Audible. How we both survived dealing with record labels, dishonest agents and managers is a miracle :-) Janice has been so brave in telling her very personal story and I highly recommend this book whether you are a musician or not. Congratulations Janice and Pat for having the courage to get married in my city of Toronto!
I found the part dealing with her mother particularly moving.
Janice, wishing you many more years of creativity, and please never stop writing and singing! I hope our paths cross one day
With love, Liona Boyd🎸🌺

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Amazing biography - and she sings!

One of the best biographies I have listened to, made all the better because she narrated it herself and sings her lyrics, as she describes the stories behind them. What an interesting life she has led. Highly recommended.

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