Jann Arden was born Jann Arden Richards on March 27, 1962. There's no telling what she was like as a baby (her mom's not talking). Unlike many famous people who say, "I wanted to be a singer since I was five years old," Jann never dreamed that she'd end up where she is today. She wanted to be a teacher for a while, but that required some follow-through and she wasn't big on follow-through after high school.
To describe Jann as passionate is like describing Mother Theresa as helpful. The problem with her passion is the focus. Cleaning, for example, is something Jann thrives on.
Laundry must never pile up for more than a day. Crumbs on the counter are a definite catastrophe. Where does Jann get this passion? We don't want to point any fingers, but we hear Jann's mom vacuums the dog.
Moving on to one of Jann's more notable talents-songwriting. As a young girl, Jann wrote in a diary, composed her first song at age 13, and completed the odd homework assignment, but otherwise didn't really spend much time with notebook in hand. Then, from 1986 to 1988, passion kicked in and she wrote every song imaginable. To date, she has written and recorded four albums: Time for Mercy, Living Under June, Happy? and Blood Red Cherry.
Singing was another thing Jann never did as a child. Like every other teenager, she sang along with her Carpenters and ABBA records, but that was it. Then in the '80's she started singing for several bands including Executive Suite, Factor Four, and Hip Hugger (with whom she also played trumpet... who knew?) One night, a record executive agreed to hear her perform and the only venue available was the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary. There was Jann poised on stage, singing, standing next to a giant papier-mâché penis protruding from the wall. She's been with that executive's record company since 1992.
Acting has never been one of Jann's passions. However, if you could make a living watching movies, Jann would be a one rich lady. In 1989, Jann worked in her parents' video store and watched some 1800 titles in that year alone. She's seen more movies than most aspiring directors, producers, and actors combined.
Sketching was the only thing Jann did as a child relentlessly. At the time, she had no idea it was something a person could do professionally. Perhaps she'll pursue art in another lifetime.
Jann's other hobbies include reading, watching the cats, cooking, exercising, watching the Discovery Channel, and imitating her mom.
