Janis Ian's Speech at Berklee College of Music

[@samspade2104]

"One is born with talent . . . but one makes oneself an artist." - Brilliant. I've been admiring Janis Ian since ca.1972. A great talent and a smart cookie.

[@AlabasterJazz]

To every creator, to every performer, to anyone and everyone that has the courage to bare their soul so that they might enrich our own: from the bottom of our collective hearts, thank you

[@frankho99]

She could've been a Rav.

[@luzlack1203]

Yes!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@jamieminsky9436]

The most perfect beautifully put comment..THANK YOU!!! There is nothing else that can be said..❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍☮️☮️☮️☮️👍👍👍😘😘😘😘😘🙏🙏🙏

[@jamieminsky9436]

Wow..This is how I think..in my own silence of my heart and soul..

[@jamieminsky9436]

And I am one of the many that make up the collective hearts..

[@ericsbluesjams429]

I had some brief interaction with Janis during the Covid Lock Down. This led me to start paying attention to her on Social Media. I'd always loved AT SEVENTEEN but was pleasantly surprised to learn that Janis is damn smart with a really fine sense of humor. When Janis speaks, it is prudent to listen.

[@GypsyGirl317]

I agree 👍🏾

[@annaphillips7120]

What a treat to hear Janis speak so many later on being an artist

[@gnfrank]

This speech is the most profound philosophy of life and it resonates with me like a turning fork.

[@cynthialockhart6127]

You have touched my life for 50 years and you continued to do so. It is with tears in my eyes that I have saved this and will share it! Thank you.

[@melissajavier4167]

Janis song "seventeen" resonated with me, being an African American skinny, no shape, homely 17 year old, in a predominantly white school. I grew up never feeling pretty or enough. I've come a long way since those awkward high school years. It was comforting to me at the time, knowing someone else out there felt similar to myself. In recent years, hearing Janis speak publicly, I realize she is brilliant and speaks her truth so organically. Thank you Janis, for keeping it 100. Thank you for a song that is still relatable even today!

[@craighermle7727]

I was 15 or 16 when Seventeen was released. It's a universal song; believe me, there are plenty of guys that were in the same place, feeling the same things, but will never admit it.

[@1mparcher]

At 72, I look back at that 17-year-old boy, and a gentle fondness washes over me. The awkwardness I once felt melts away, replaced by an understanding smile. With his heart full of unwritten stories, that young man was simply finding his way. With the lens of a writer, I finally recognized that my youthful perspective wasn't a flaw but a unique vantage point. It fueled a man’s observations, shaping the voice that blossomed over the years.

[@LW-dq2em]

A magnificent speech - possibly the highlight of her entire career. Few would attempt this - never mind execute it so faultlessly and nourishingly. We could never see any other singer songwriter talk so well for 28 minutes without a pause.

[@BLFulle]

I'm 61 now. I can't tell you how much your music ministered to me as a girl. Thank you

[@maxallen-macdonald8791]

This is the most brilliant summary of an artist I have ever heard. Every young person who is going into the arts should watch this.

[@leslieshoeb7240]

Really beautiful lady. At 17 still brings tears. Bless you Janis.

[@erlindaeileenlolarga]

I just adore the words shared by this artist. Thank you Janis Ian.

[@RJGilman1967]

“Our great strength and our great privilege is to hold onto the dreams of those around us.” Thank you for this speech, perfect timing for me. Much appreciated.

[@dpberry]

A beautiful person with a beautiful mind. She is so profoundly intelligent, funny, engaging and has a way of capturing me with her words.

[@alwaysblake148]

What an extraordinary speech. Honest, brave, and to the point. Stunning.

[@markreilly52]

It is lovely to hear an artist speak with such authenticity.

[@Abornazine_]

Brilliant talent. Brilliant reality AND integrity check. Thanks for years of great writing, great music and great insight. Keep on keeping on Janis. You are very loved. And appreciated.

[@scottmorley3672]

I am speechless at the moment. Nothing seems worthy in in whichever praise I might give to this talk. I met her outside as she was departing the studio of the Mike Douglas show in Philadelphia probably 1976.

[@richardjohnson5979]

Every person I can think of (with one notable exception) needs to hear this talk. I’ve listened to Janis Ian for sixty + years. She is a brilliant musician, and now a magnificent teacher. I sent her an email years ago describing how hearing “At Seventeen” motivated me to purchase a Martin D-18. To my great surprise she answered with words that encouraged me to continue making music. I now know how to draw a fish from the inside out. Thank you Ms. Ian for your music and your insight.

[@cliveyboy44]

What a speech that was, one that every person in that room will remember, delivered by a REAL artist, fluent, articulate, not a single 'ummh' 'ahhr' or 'you know' with interesting and useful content and guidelines that will surely help them towards their future. I feel embarrassed to mention the following but I will because of some of the words you have said. I play music, write songs but I can't call myself a musician, I've never studied music. I am one of those people who was born with music embedded in me lucky enough to be able to play and accompany others on keys and guitar even after hearing the melody once.. I won't go on about me but enough to say that I feel your words today have suddenly released in me my fears and negative thoughts I have had whilst performing over the last 60 years. I'm 82. and have seen you on stage twice in Israel. For me, there is one brilliant song that always brings tears to my eyes... total perfection of lyrics enhanced with simple subtle music. 'In The Winter' You are a 'beautiful' person in every way Janis. Thank you.

[@sherrythorne9516]

Masterfully done Janice. ❤❤

[@dbbdvm]

Janis' Society's Child was my first record purchase, as soon as it was available. Still love her sound and music, and her eloquent/educated way of speaking, to this day. ❤ Thank you for entertaining, inspiring, and educating us, your peers, with your music, Janis Ian.

[@annaphillips7120]

Thank you Janis, your only 17 song was me, still is. Beautiful and sad at the same time.

[@Morganahoornweg]

Since my youth, though long time ago, Janis Ian touched my heart. I've always been an artist, but never had the courage to step out in the spotlight, because I was afraid. Afraid to show what matters to me. It took me 55 years to come out of the closet as a lesbian and artist. Then I saw this lecture and my heart was touched. Thanks Janis Ian for your gift and wisdom.

[@ToBrowseAwhile]

Artists are "Alchemists of the soul" This whole speech is outstanding. Thank You Janis.

[@rickbyce5875]

Thank you for the differences between being born and being a human. You my dear are a wonderful human.

[@dbbdvm]

Janis, I Thank YOU for YOUR time also. All of it.

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Okay, that was fantastic. I cried at the end of the fish story. One of the most honest things I've ever heard. Bold and ballsy and raw and truthful and humble and inspiring and real.

[@erflingnot]

She is one of the pico I have followed all of my life her music spoke for me….. she still speaks for me… She dropped into this world woke

[@tubetone74]

Awesome speech, what a talent too.

[@mazz588]

I have been a fan since I was Very young. I didn't know anything about Janis Ian except her music. Listening to her speak...I now know the reason why I love her so much. 😍😍😍

[@lindachandler2349]

Janis Ian. Beautiful spirit, truthsayer, philosopher, healer and LEGEND. Thank you for your music.. North Yorks, UK.

[@beaumonroe8520]

I wish I had heard this when I was younger I feel so connected to my art I’m hoping it will inspire me to that sacred space I once knew

[@kellieadams8241]

Janis has held my heart for 50 years. Her songs were so touching and I always thought she was a beautiful girl.

[@dellawool4373]

Amazing command of the soul just makes me understand why her music has been my touchstone since high school. Thank you for touching me with your music and thank you for touching me so deeply with your words.

[@sherrythorne9516]

Ditto.

[@ckn711]

You are such an eloquent speaker and a humble human being. I have loved your music throughout the years. Thank you.

[@babcn]

Many years ago I worked in Irish TV & Janis was a guest on a show. My job was to mic up the guests backstage before they went on & performed ....this may seem easy, but as Janis explained sometimes the rider says ....don't even look at the "artist" ....this is sometimes difficult when you have to put a small microphone on their person, and sometimes you are told not to even speak to the artist.....Well these requests never came the night Janice was on, I met her behind the set , she commented on my T-Shirt & that she liked it, it was a very nice black T-Shirt with a small Guinness Toucan logo. Somehow I knew she was cool & I jokingly suggested we swap ........sadly we didn't.......still it's a great memory. I was a fan then & more so now after hearing what you said above.

[@Hysteriskull]

Just when I thought I couldn’t love and respect any more, I stumble upon this during my trip down the rabbit hole.

[@jamesmongan4036]

Thinking comes from the brain but creativity comes from the soul. Janis, you are very soulful and in touch with your spirit. God bless you, sweet person.

[@TheSoundofU]

you will always have those who either envy, despise those of us who have a talent to create. Even so much within the industries we run with. To stand alone takes courage, and understanding of ones self. Whether you sing, compose, paint, sculpt, you have vision. I can paint onto a blank tapestry from my mind. I worked in the music industry for over 22 years & grew up with musicians in my family. Like Zappa I came to despise the machine. I have come to a time in my life where I taste most of what is in the smorgasbord (music), and I believe there has always been good music & it is still coming. Thank you for insight into your life Janis, the stories you share, your observations, and yes life's lessons. Passion, believing in self, motivation, focus, creativity. I don't pretend to be on anyone else's page or train of thought, but I do listen & learn. I have always loved you Janis, and still do. 👍💖😎

[@petermeyvaert1135]

I'm 56, have been a (pro) musician all my life. I never had any academical schooling, there weren't any academies for what I had to learn back then. I watched this and I felt this to be my graduation speech. I can relate to all of it, and all of it is still relevant today, because we indeed are continuously "searching for our kind", and that never stops. Felt like someone was stirring my heart with a spoon, like you do with coffee, turning the shape of a complex cloud of milk into an even color, or like a backstage talk with an artist you just met there, minutes before you both are on. Absolutely loved it. Thank you Mrs Ian

[@IreneYoungFoto]

This crystal clear understanding of what it means to be an artist both took my breath away, and gave it back, for all 28 minutes.

[@gina888warhol1]

This was so well said I cried !!!Thank You Janis Ian

[@carolynfagan]

You are amazing Janis!!! Thank you!

[@Duckless23]

I cannot imagine surviving the Covid epidemic without the artists who sustained us, bless them.

[@cmdrsos4biz897]

Thank-you Janis Ian, I saw you live for the first time in Oxford, UK in the 80's at the Apollo Theatre, I instantly fell in love with your music, I thought your show was one of the best I had ever attended and I am so glad that your continuance to the music industry has never waned or faltered over the years and will forever be in my heart, again thank you.

[@JD987abc]

Very inspirational just like her songs.

[@carolynnunes3922]

I’ve loved her since “Society’s Child,” and her album “Stars,” and “Between the Lines...” this means that I’ve lived her for over 50 years! She is awesome!

[@carolynnunes3922]

@Kettle roland I came to love Janis Ian, and I still do! I also love Carole King, especially “Beautiful.” “You've got to get up every morning With a smile on your face And show the world all the love in your heart Then people gonna treat you better You're gonna find, yes you will That you're beautiful, as you feel” It’s how I start my day! Along with Psalm 5:1-3 “Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” I am a follower of Jesus, and through my active intercessory lifting up of folks and their prayer requests daily, I have found my ability to love others to have skyrocketed! I have a prayer list, with the date and the request, and through the years, I have seen miracles! Also folks are surprised when I can tell them so much about themselves, and I have proven that “I’ve got their backs.” Do you still want to be friends with me, dearly beloved? John 15:12-14 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

[@TOleablemonk]

I love you Janis, thank you, because other than the fame, this describes my life so well. It is hard to be a commodity, yet we all sell our skills.

[@deanjorgenson5207]

That was the most beautiful and eloquent definition of an artist I have ever heard.

[@antisse]

Blownnnn away by you Janis, thank you so much!

[@james-pierre7634]

This is a must watch speech for everyone. She has much to say about art and her love of the subject. It is more complex and complicated than you might think. Listen and learn and listen again, carefully.

[@richardwhittington6401]

So very moving Janis, Thank you. This brought tears to my eyes and I don't know why.

[@momdoan]

This is why we love and appreciate you. People like you make the world a better place for all.

[@thomidog9047]

Everything said here is equally true of great science. The artists don't recognise it, which is hurtful. Except the scientists always know that it isn't 'me' they're feeding: it's reality, the nature of physical reality. "When you're in that moment of creation, nothing else exists." A scientist who is lucky enough to discover something new experiences exactly this, knowing no-one else on earth has ever had that insight or seen that fact before, far less in a proveable form. "You encompass a universe." Try being a scientist whose role models all died more than a century ago, and whose work is going to open up a whole new realm of mastery for humankind. It's every bit as special and as difficult. But as for the rest, Janis Ian is such a lady and speaks such common, human sense.

[@irenicum]

What wonderful and sage advice. A beautiful and wise heart.

[@PaulPetrulis]

Certainly impressive speech that was so honest and on target - I’ve always loved her sad song At Seventeen - amazing person

[@murieldickson7886]

Janice thank you so much for this speech. In in '98 I had the wonderful chance to hear you perform in person in Sarasota Florida and speak to you afterwards. I hope in the future I will have another chance for that. Have you ever been to Israel? I am from Florida but I live in Tiberius Israel right now. I've been in Israel for 30 years and have been a street musician most of that time. Violin primarily recorder started singing with ukulele. If you come and perform in Israel I definitely will be there. I don't go too many concerts here because they are so expensive. Barbra Streisand came and reformed in a stadium and she performed twice as Thursday and Saturday nights. Will I went there but I didn't see her because I listened on the outside with many friends of mine and it was wonderful. Couldn't hear when she spoke but when she sang it was fantastic and very audible. But if you come to Israel I will definitely be in the front row

[@thoughtsurferzone5012]

Wow. That was like some great sermon.

[@constancemiller3753]

And the acoustics are perfect.

[@james-pierre7634]

To see from the inside out, brilliant.

[@debbeborders5762]

What an amazing speech and what a fortunate audience.

[@joshuabrande2417]

An eloquent, passionate , beautiful speech, and also true.

[@charvitale8590]

Your still amazing...love you💋💋💋

[@lolalovejoy223]

Excellent talk, very inspirational. It is inspiring for the budding artists to ponder and learn from her talk. I always love @17 her song.

[@mangochutney4874]

This soul is magnificent! ❤

[@georgeflutey5925]

What a great speech Janis. It,s hard to believe you where that girl singing Lonely one, back in 68.What a career.Its not surprising you speak so truthfully and easily. A great songwriter, speech writer, singer and speaker. Motivational, thank you Janis Ian xx

[@mandarancina]

I loved her work when I was young and I love that I can find her here on youtube. Lloyd Rees, a fine artist said of artists, "You have the freedom that kings and queens can only dream of."

[@howardcohen6817]

I agree with Tom Idelsohn, this was an amazing speech directly aimed at me and at a whole slew of artists I know and about whom I care. Thank you for your inspiring, earth-bound wisdom.

[@whbclaire]

Janis is a wise old soul with a great sense of humor. I have loved and admired her for many years. I hope the egomaniacal narcissists will listen to her. But I know they won't, alas.

[@weiboviet8624]

What a thoughtful artist keep sharing her wisdom to the new generation:)) hope you happiness and health maam.

[@merciamaritz8728]

Great respect. Dame Janis. Much respect. Love you loads. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@Harlem56]

She's incredible!

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

Stunningly beautiful! Thank you.

[@thefunkexcursionon]

Amazing Wisdom. Thanks for posting 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@CuriouslyMindful]

You are a hit. A runaway hit!! Blessings.

[@CaptainPond]

Absolutely amazing x

[@shanasteele8616]

So articulate and truthful. I appreciate her honesty and wisdom.

[@anthonyrusso640]

Society’s Child was a great album , in ‘68 I sent Janis a letter inviting her to ride on my Honda around NYC , I was 18 . There was no reply . From her voice alone I ......

[@TomIdelson]

This was breathtaking! Both as a fan and as an artist! Thank you, Janis, for sharing this amazing speech! Endless love xx (p.s. When are you coming to Israel?)

[@bilbobaggins5704]

Thank you Janis!!!

[@eddydianne]

Brilliant 👏

[@DJ-bj8ku]

Wonderful address. Her definition of art and artistry, and its role in society, was insightful and poetic. I wonder why she hasn’t had a hit in thirty years. Is it the vicissitudes of the business or is she in creative hibernation? Her type of songwriting would seem to me transcend fads.

[@johnpocock3848]

I saw Odetta's live performance in Toronto about the same time Janis mentions

[@pattywolfe4586]

What a beautiful soul 💞you Janis

[@sheilamartin9024]

what a mentor you are! love you janis :)!

[@tessamadere80]

So very sorry for you, praying 🙏 you find Our Lord.., know, love and serve Him in this world so that you can be with HIM in the next. I shall keep you in prayer.

[@rhondaschuck9318]

Beautiful speech

[@trevorsewell]

brilliant Janis

[@juzagirlntheroom2692]

My God if she isn't true beauty then I have never laid my eyes upon it. Peculiar that she would have become famous for having sang a song about "ugly duckling girls like me". It leads me, the clear skinned, long haired, blonde type to think of myself as the potential outcast, odd duck. Forget that I too, have my soaps to sell. Jan just shines bright enough to make a diamond question it's own brilliance. Oh, and I love that she called out Diana Ross by name.

[@leotucuman]

I am very touched by your voice, tonight was the first time I've listened to you. Thank you for such beautiful speech, Hope you are well and safe in this crazy moment. There is an amazing song called "only Artists remain" by Argentinian comedian Enrique Pinti , feels very close to your words: Years go by, governments go by, The radicals, the Peronists, Summers pass, winters pass. The artists remain. Crises pass, wars pass, The tabloid press passes by, The prohibitions, the blacklists. The artists remain. Send you my love from the northwest of Argentina. Pasanx los años, pasan los gobiernos, Los radicales, los peronistas, Pasan veranos, pasan inviernos. Quedan los artistas. Pasan las crisis, pasan las guerras, Pasa la prensa sensacionalista, Las prohibiciones, las listas negras. Quedan los artistas. Pasa la belleza, y la juventud, Los optimistas y los pesimistas, Pasan las pestes, pasa la salud. Quedan los artistas. Pasan los mecenas, pasan los censores, Pasan hipócritas y moralistas, Tiempos peores, tiempos mejores. Quedan los artistas. Si no fuera por Homero y por ese Partenón, ¿Quién sabría algo de Grecia y su civilización? Roma sigue siendo Roma aunque la quemó Nerón, No habrá censura que pueda contra el Decamerón. Hitler ocupó París y mucha gente temblaba, Pero no pudo lograr que la Gioconda llorara. La fuente de Lola Mora sigue tan desfachatada, Y ni Franco consiguió que La Maja se tapara.

[@chucklambooy8457]

Amazing talk…she has a way of holding your attention

[@DrPaula]

Wow. Brilliant authentic

[@thomidog9047]

The comment about the hunt is interesting, because it's thought that the earliest cave paintings were about our attempt to come to terms with the realisation that what was good for us was bad for other living creatures, like the creatures we hunted.

[@jylyhughes5085]

Beautiful ..... utterly beautiful .... from the inside out xxx

[@johniorio7951]

what a beautiful soul...I remember at yale we would draw the skeleton, and the scull...only when you mastered the scull could you draw the portrait....the inside out.....as Janis says

[@5piecekit]

Thank you for sharing your story. I was puzzling over that idea of creating from the inside out, and I really appreciate your contribution.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

I met someone who played autoharp in 2009. I began the autoharp in 1974. I don't know anyone who plays autoharp. I have taught many people how to play autoharp. I have never known anyone who continued playing.

[@theID2]

perhaps because it's a toy?

[@bevvykorte3648]

She's kooooool 👍👌✌️💖💗💝

[@karin7.london]

I was meant to end up here at 5:30am GMT LDN Thank you Janis Ian x

[@MajorBorris]

You'll always be 17 and beautiful Janis.

[@nicossamios3833]

Janis Ian is to me the number 1 anti-star, ever. A beautiful soul, a compasionate human. And those characteristics will never be ephemeral!

[@martinmarlow9141]

very humble

[@macmcginnis3180]

Amazing speech. What a talented and intelligent person.