Jann Arden Biography

jannardenAnother great Canadian talent, Jann Arden born in Calgary, AB, spent time as a fish-gutter, golf ball cleaner and waitress before breaking big onto the music scene. For years Arden worked with rock n’ roll groups in bars and drinking heavily. Naming the Carpenters and Olivia Newton-John among her inspirations, Arden believes she learned many of her songwriting skills from them.

In 1992, A&M Records took notice and in 1993, Time for Mercy was released. The album garnered two Juno awards. The images of self-destructive and complex relationships were described as haunting by many critics.

Living Under June was her next release. The single “Insensitive” was an international hit and the album has achieved eight-time platinum status. The hit “Could I Be Your Girl” spent two weeks at No.1 on Canadian charts. The album and its complex message relays the powerful flow of ideas and emotions of Arden. Three Juno Awards followed in 1995, including Single Of The Year for “Could I Be Your Girl.”

Happy?, Arden’s third release, attained triple-platinum status in Canada. The single, “The Sound Of” was in the Top 10 charts in Canada before the album release. The album’s bonus track is a cover of Lulu’s “To Sir With Love”. After another three year hiatus Arden returned in March 2000 with Blood Red Cherry.

The first single from the release, “Sleepless,” received favourable reviews. The powerful ballad “Mend” is a duet with Blue Rodeo‘s Jim Cuddy, another great Canadian talent.

In between her busy touring schedule, Arden has found time to travel to Africa where she was heavily involved with World Vision. The effect of the trip is reflected in the lyrics, “The world is falling apart/ And I know in my heart there’s nothing I can do about it.” Arden’s charity work continues with the released version of “Stand By Me” which she recorded for Toronto’s North York Hospital’s campaign to raise awareness of and funds for their improvements in cancer research and prenatal care.

Arden is also interested in pursuing an acting career. She has auditioned for an Adam Sandler movie and has a Hollywood agent checking out other interesting roles. With drive such as this, Arden will be back again shortly.

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