JANIS IAN * Stars *

Janis Ian is a singer/songwriter, musician, journalist, writer and poet. She is recognized, in most musical and literary circles, as one of the best poet/songwriters of our time.
Ian became a “child star” when she had her first hit with the controversial “Society’s Child” at age 14. In 1975, she won a Grammy award for the ever-popular “At Seventeen”.
After an incubation period of time, during which she steered away from the music scene, she wrote “Stars” which re-ignited her career.
“Stars” is about the life of performers. I selected musical performers who could be examples of musicians who fit the lyrics.

[@crispmom]

Janis Ian just posted a link to this video on her Facebook page. She says, "When someone posts or sends me a link to a video like this, I am so happy they did - and that my work is being used by videographers and other artists!"

[@eduardoalcala8310]

This is so deep, beautiful and moving. In the same vibe as Vincent by McLean, Sweet Sir Gallahad by Joan Baez, If by Bread and many other I sadly can't recall at this moment. *Story: I stumbled upon this gem when by coincidence and clicked on it because of the name Bowie in a video title where Nina Simone sings it, and scrolling at the comments I see an user called "Janis Ian" comenting about writing credits issue, initially I thought it was someone using the name Janis referring to J.Joplin and the people commenting and praising her were just sharing the joke, until I read someone else saying "If you like this version you should hear Janis's" so I loved Nina's version so much that I decided to do some searching... to my surprise I only found Janis Ian's version, no Joplin anywhere, and then I heard it, when I heard it I was blown away almost immediately, by the honesty and nostalgia it was loaded with, only with a guitar and a voice, no harmonies, no voiceovers, no processing or effects, only a guitar and a voice...and it was magic... I went speechless, and yes I have to admit... tears ran down my face, on every word and every note, from start to end, even after it was over..."

[@janisianchannel]

And thank you, Eduardo, for taking the time to follow up on this! I knew Joplin and adord her, and I knew Nina and adored her... and I loved David Bowie enough to buy tickets to see him every time I could. So I'm honored to be in that company.

[@janisianchannel]

Beautful video. Thank you.

[@howder1951]

As I wipe a tear from my eye, I am thinking, thank you Janis for bringing these memories to me, you touched my heart.

[@kevinscientist]

I was never one for singing What I really feel Except tonight, I'm bringing Everything I know that's real Stars, they come and go They come fast or slow They go like the last light Of the sun, all in a blaze And all you see is glory But it gets lonely there When there's no one here to share We can shake it away If you'll hear a story People lust for fame Like athletes in a game We break our collarbones And come up swinging Some of us are downed Some of us are crowned And some are lost And never found But most have seen it all They live their lives in Sad cafes and music halls They always have a story Some make it when they're young Before the world has Done its dirty job And later on, someone will say "You've had your day You must make way" But they'll never know the pain Of living with a name you never owned Or the many years forgetting What you know too well The ones who gave the crown Have been let down You try to make amends Without defending Perhaps pretending You never saw the eyes Of grown men of twenty five That followed as you walked And asked for autographs Or kissed you on the cheek And you never could believe They really loved you Some make it when they're old (Perhaps they have a soul They're not afraid to bare Or perhaps there's nothing there) Some women have a body Men will want to see, So they put it on display Some people play a fine guitar I could listen to them Play all day Some ladies really Move across a stage And gee, they sure can dance I guess I could learn how If I have it half a chance But I always feel so funny When my body tries to soar And I seem to always worry About missing the next chord I guess there isn't anything To put up on display Except the tunes And whatever else I say Anyway, that isn't really What I meant to say I meant to tell a story I live from day to day Stars, they come and go They come fast or slow They go like the last light Of the sun, all in a blaze And all you see is glory But those who've seen it all They live their lives In sad cafes and music halls We always have a story So if you don't lose patience With my fumbling around, I'll come up singing for you Even when I'm down

[@AirForceSACVet]

"Stars" is the 'B' side on the 45 of Janis Ian's most prolific song "At Seventeen". I wore both sides out in those wonder years of promise and illusion of the 70s. The very short time when music filled our dorm rooms..and the voids of unforgotten stories of our YOUTH..

[@JosephSanil]

This Video Gives Justice To The Song. Every line Matches With The Story Of The Stars..

[@aletazanders1596]

I can't put in words how much your music has meant to me over the years, thank you.

[@kryswinton2910]

totally agree

[@Dondonden1234]

Wow! What a great job with this video. I've always loved this song but your interpretation of this song to video was just amazing. I could feel the song that much more.

[@jlaskew]

I love this, too, but I never think of Lady Gaga as empty. Janis Ian's song is beautiful.

[@jmariaharb6394]

as always Janis Ian is my hero,many thanks for this wonderfully loving song

[@oldgypsytap]

This is the most artful, moving, exquisite video I've ever seen.(and heard). I didn't think it possible that the eloquent lyrics and melody as performed by Janis Ian could be enhanced but....this adds to the original work of art! The edit, the choices made...all seem to fit Ms. Ian's perfect rendition. My gratitude to the true artists for sharing their gifts. Thank you!

[@ardentynekent2099]

Gorgeous! Tragic. Beautifully told by word and soul.

[@paulmari1]

Beautiful! Thank You So Very Much! I will enjoy this music video time and time again.

[@Sameoldfitup]

"The harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph."

[@sofyabet66]

Just discovered this song although I've always loved Janis Ian. What a gem and what a sublime, intuitive, passionate video... brings to life the heartbreak of this song. Thank you for doing this.

[@patrickcashman9884]

She should be in the hall of fame. Have you listened to Nina Simon singing this.

[@sofyabet66]

@@patrickcashman9884 I agree she should be in the hall of fame. I just heard Nina Simone version after your comment. Ian's is more vulnerable, no walls between her heart, the words & her audience. She has always sung like that. Naked. Feeling every word... singing it from the same place that she wrote it from. So unrehearsed...

[@janisianchannel]

@@sofyabet66 Actually it was unrehearsed. I'd written it a few months before going into the studio on another project, and asked if I could grab 15 minutes at the end to lay it down, purely for reference purposes. We did two takes; the second felt like a dirge to me so we scrapped it. This tape came home with me, and when we were cutting the "Stars" album I played it for Brooks Arthur (producer/engineer) and Ron Frangipane (arranged) and Herb Gart (exec. producer). All agreed that it couldn't get better, and that I'd never be able to replicate the spontaneity or vulnerability of a "first take", so that became the album cut. Much like my current "Better Times Will Come" project, where my own first take of the song heads up the list of artists covering it - sung just after I finished it, into my phone, with my dog barking in the background!

[@sofyabet66]

@@janisianchannel THANK YOU for taking the time to share the context of this incredible recording. I always wonder about the backdrop when listening to a particularly evocative piece. Like body language, the voice doesn’t lie. but more than that, the haunting lyrics and melody inhabit that space where language usually ceases, paradoxically. Stars expresses the midnight blue aftermath of exquisite beauty in all its vast solitude with such poignant precision, it feels like a gem you excavated intact from a remote place that few travelers reach. It embodies that heartbreak which rides the ocean crest of ecstasy, Thank you for your authenticity, your heart, for withstanding that loneliness to bring back such jewels. Your songs make me feel understood and less alone. I treasure them. I'll be on the lookout for Better Times Will Come

[@waldemar29]

I love many other of your songs as well. "In The Winter", " Jesse." "Stars" is the great pop song of the 20th century. Love you, Woody

[@normlynd5625]

Beautiful song!! Awesome video! This is a major artistic achievement - the video makes such an impact with Janice's quiet words. I must have heard this song in the past - I see there is an upload of her singing it live in 1974 - now I don't think I'll ever forget it.

[@Adamfulgence]

Thanks for your generous comment! Much appreciated!

[@BlackHowl1]

"Major artistic achievement"!!! PAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[@brookeggleston9314]

@@BlackHowl1 Sod off!!

[@waldemar29]

I love you Janis! What a great song you have given us -- STARS. Thank you! -- Love, Woody

[@tiantuatara]

Thanks for this. It takes me back to high school. I

[@jazzsnare]

Never gets old.

[@ArtsKris]

Merci pour cette belle découverte chère Eileen, c'est toujours un plaisir de savourer tes merveilleuses créations. Je te souhaite un agréable week-end. Mon amitié. Christian

[@Adamfulgence]

Merci, Christian. J'apprécie toujours ce que tu dis! Eileen

[@johnsamu]

She must have a very good memory, when I see the (very long) lyrics, it's a big story to remember.

[@susanhopkins3897]

Beautifully done.

[@dritanbega6461]

Awesome, such a great deep soul you are. Bee blessed.

[@Adamfulgence]

Well said!!

[@sophiesantiago3411]

Comme c'est doux...Merci♥

[@tawnya0627]

What a beautiful video and song.

[@2RabbitEars]

Just lovely!

[@gisellenunez8762]

Escucho este tema y recuerdo todos y cada uno de mis talentos gracias

[@jilllucke7560]

What a beautiful tribute

[@christiank6840]

Beautifully edited. Really thoughtful work.

[@AirForceSACVet]

The song and collage arrangements are breathtaking! Bravo!

[@dickvanaggelen7937]

Great song!

[@johnm3022]

this is really nice. Very subtle and good choice of imagery with good timing. Thank You

[@Adamfulgence]

john m thanks! Much appreciated!

[@koichiumetsu1169]

omg, what a great song & edited video. just love it and thank you so much!

[@susangabrielleTheStageCoach]

She manages her own facebook page. I've spoken to her. I think she would like this. She is a very nice person from what I can tell. Really nice.

[@Adamfulgence]

Thanks!!

[@carmsfavtoo]

She is so great! Beautiful song with poetic imagery. Very well done Eileen! Hope all is well with you old friend. Hugs, Carma

[@Adamfulgence]

Ahhh....so glad to see that you're also a Janis fan! Great to see your message and know that you're there. All's well at this end. Thanks, Carma! :)) eileen

[@mrlin1687]

Very beautiful. I'm here from Bojack Horseman, which played the Nina simmone version.

[@AirForceSACVet]

Some slight corrections to the narrative; 'Stars' is the Side B song of the 45-Single of Janice Ian's autobiographical masterpiece 'At Seventeen', released in 1975, which I am presently holding in my hand. 'Stars' is also the Title Song of the 1974 album of the Same Name. Which I am holding in my other hand. (really) So 'Stars' had been around for awhile. To this day, Janis Ian has played, written, toured worldwide, and published books since Age15, never having an "incubation period", whatever that means. ..just saying.

[@sofyabet66]

Some people are born old. She's definitely in that category.

[@tomd720]

I love Janis Ian !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zjmn58]

Hi Eileen this is a is a wonderful piece of art, like your other videos. Wow, I don't believe that I've heard Janis Ian sing since "At Seventeen" was popular. Her voice sounds the same! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@Adamfulgence]

Thanks, Z. I also never really listened to her since that song. She really IS a very talented songwriter! Always great to hear from you!

[@adorareyes4550]

beautiful!!!

[@buturler]

Very nicely put together.

[@Adamfulgence]

Thank you!!

[@jeannereyer5044]

great video

[@bryanlynch6457]

Judee Sill would have fit in there too. Nicely done!

[@sequentialable12]

A pleasant surprise

[@WOUTERJOYCOMPANYORG]

MVR JANIS IAN WAT EEN MOOI LIED WAT EEN LIEFDE IK BEN NOG NIET GEDOOFD WE ZULLEN ER ALTIJD ZIJN MET VELE VAN ONS WOUTER JOANNES

[@TheRunner75]

1975 : Janis IAN "At Seventeen" / "Stars". C'est le 45 tours parfait aussi bien niveau musique que texte... En France, il n'avait marché que moyennement en VO. Par contre, Claude François ne s'est pas gêné pour reprendre la face A (À 17 ans) et Marie Laforêt la face B...

[@ellbjrgtmmervag1959]

💖

[@TheVonkuhn]

Where's Janis Joplin?

[@sataniccommunist9045]

nice video

[@miguelmarquez4192]

Is this in a dropped tuning? I'm not that great a guitarist but Id like to know this song.

[@auroradelaparra6917]

🥝💖🎵🎼💐🌺🌿🌾🌹🌷🌊🌸🌌💮☄️🌠🎶💙🌼👣🍀🌟🍃✨⭐💫

[@mirellacravotta4329]

😇☔

[@unclebobunclebob]

Great. Except for Bieber. He don't belong here.

[@brookeggleston9314]

He fit the words. Check it out again!

[@crocoasodog6102]

fu ck bieber haha

[@felixmarques]

I do not approve of Lady Gaga being used for the lyric “perhaps there's nothing there”. :V

[@felixmarques]

Some people are just blind and happy at it, aren't they?

[@tawnya0627]

Félix Marqués I did not see them discounting Lady Gaga's talent, in the least. I saw a continuation of the narrative being used with Tony Bennett. All of the musicians featured in the video are great talents. People have to figure that out for themselves. Gaga is a giant talent, in the vein of John Lennon, Elton John, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, many many others. She is a performance artist and political activist. Amazing. Janis Ian is a talent that can soothe the mind and soul strung too tight. Her heartfelt words and quiet strength transmitted in each chord and note mesmerized me from the first. I didn't know who she was until only a few years ago. As a teenager, a neighbor said I sounded like her when I sang. I was clueless. An 80's lady, I grew up on Beastie Boys, Prince, Sheila E., Vanity, Miami Sound Machine, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff. I was watching the SNL special for the 40 year anniversary and they replayed Janis Ian's performance of At Seventeen. From the moment the camera panned to her I was mesmerized. 1. She was heart stoppingly beautiful. 2. Her quiet strength was overpowering. I asked my mother, "Who is that?!" She said, "That's Janis Ian" I picked up my phone and ordered her CD on the spot. She is amazing. I have been a fan from that moment.

[@tawnya0627]

@Michael O Absolutely. The great thing about artistry is it touches each of us differently. Gaga is to this generation, particularly us in the LGBTQ community, what Lennon, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan were to my parents. I understand the older generations may not understand her, but their parents didn't understand Joplin, Croce, Hendrix or any of the fantastically talented folks that moved them either.

[@joelvictordeguzman1648]

bojack :(

[@janisianchannel]

Loved Bojack's usage of my work! Ditto End of the F!&king World!!

[@michealgraham7429]

Sorry I find this video a bit tacky. Cannot compare most of these wanna be’ s with the brilliant talent of Janis. Just leave the voice alone. It’s all we need and want