Society's Child cover art

Society's Child

My Autobiography

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Society's Child

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 book that inspired the award-winning documentary, Janis Ian: Breaking Silence.

Grammy Award-winning songwriter, singer and author, Janis Ian took the stage at age fifteen with a revolutionary song about interracial relationships, "Society's Child." It was 1966 and the country responded with both hostility and accolades. The song went to #1, and Janis was caught in the maelstrom of a divided country. Terrified by the hatred directed at her, she left the music industry, only to return a few years later with the worldwide hit "At Seventeen." The story never ends-her songs are currently used by artists as diverse as Bette Midler, John Mellencamp, and Celine Dion; and she is considered one of the pre-eminent acoustic guitarists of our era by such notables as Chet Atkins.

In "Society's Child," you'll journey with Janis as she spends time with luminaries of the century-Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin-singers and songwriters who both influenced and befriended her. Her book takes an unblinking look at the music business, her own remarkable path through it, and what was really happening backstage-with honesty and integrity.

©2008 Janis Ian (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
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Critic Reviews

"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)

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What an incredibly wonderful account of Janis Ian's life. An absolutely enthralling listen. Highly recommended.

Remarkable

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I didn't know this amazing singer-songwriter until this book. She is truly a brilliant mind, ahead of her times in thinking. And you get to hear her songs too. Thanks for this experience.

Awesome audiobook

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Contains an emotionally moving account of domestic violence's impact on a gifted if troubled woman. Much more than a story of a gifted singer/songwriter. Beautifully read as well as written.

A moving story

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It has been a long time since I've enjoyed an autobiography as much as this. I am so thankful that Janis chose to share her story and give us all a tiny glimpse into the amazing her.

What a treat!

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loved the songs with each chapter amazing story and story line what a life so far

love Janis Ian

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.