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Janis Ian was a musical prodigy (and still is). She was born into a musical family, and it rubbed off almost immediately.
She was playing piano at age 2, and by the time she reached her teens, she had added organ, guitar, harmonica and French horn.
At age 12, Janis began writing songs, and at 15, she wrote and released her first hit: 1966's controversial "Society's Child," about an interracial romance.
In 1975, she released her biggest hit, "At 17," which we highlighted back on 2/21/22.
Bu let's back up a bit. When Janis was 14, she wrote what later became a "Great Song of 1973" for Roberta Flack: "Jesse."
The song was written for anyone who was wondering when, and if, a loved one would return home--from the Vietnam War or any other type of separation. It's also worth noting that Janis titled it with a unisex name, so it could be recorded by anyone.
I remember the first time I played the song on the air, I was struck by how lonely and sad Roberta sounded. I was unaware that Janis had written it, but wasn't surprised when I found out.
"Jesse" reached #30 on the Hot 100, most likely held back from peaking higher because it was so sad. To me, however, it has always been a favorite for that very reason: You can FEEL the sadness.
"Jesse," written by Janis Ian and sung by Roberta Flack: a "Great Song of 1973."
Tomorrow: Karen's mailbox. Coming Soon: Great Songs of the '80s.
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