Janis Hansen (singer)
Janis Hansen | |
---|---|
Birth name | Janis Sue Hansen |
Also known as | Janis Binkley, Janice Hanson, Janice Hansen-Klinger, Janis S. Hansen, Janis Klinger |
Born | World Pacific, United Artists, Ford , Robin Road | October 10, 1942
Janis Sue Klinger (née Hansen; October 10, 1942 – October 4, 2017) was an American recording artist and author.[1]
Music career
While majoring in anthropology at the University of Colorado, Hansen participated in a singing group to help pay the tuition, which led to her being discovered by talent scout Jerry McClain. According to Hansen, "I received a telephone call from Los Angeles and was told a singer was needed for The Andy Williams Show. Somebody had heard me singing and I was recommended for the job."
Plans of finishing college were postponed, and Hansen flew to Los Angeles to join The Andy Williams Show.
Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66
Having scored a big hit with a cover of
Hansen did not sing on their first album,
A prospect that Hansen would receive equal billing with Hall in the near future was unfortunately dashed; when in late 1967, Mendes dismissed all members of Brasil 66 over financial disputes and Mendes' autocracy. He quickly replaced them with a new roster, albeit with Hall to return soon at the urging of A&M chief and labelmate, Herb Alpert. The group's version of "The Look of Love" was issued as a single and stayed on Billboard Hot 100 for fourteen weeks, charting to No. 4 by July 1968; all of these occurring after Hansen was no longer part of the group, a success she was not able to relish. Hansen's role in the group would be filled by Karen Philipp; who, along with the new line-up, were the ones featured instead on the sleeve art of "The Look of Love" 45 RPM.
The Going Thing and the Carnival
In 1968, Hansen joined the Going Thing; a project that Love Generation alumni John and Tom Bahler organized in conjunction with the Ford Motor Company.[3] They appeared in television commercials, performed at dealers conventions, and recorded three promotional giveaway albums. The band included vocalists such as Mitch Gordon, Wes Oldaker, Jacie Berry, Susan Teague. Guitarist Larry Carlton was among the session players who contributed to the project.[4]
Simultaneously, Hansen formed the Carnival with Soares, Matthews, and Palma; under the leadership of organist Walter Wanderley. As Wanderley's backing band, the Carnival played gigs at social events and gained a following. An album for Verve Records was on its way, with a few demo tracks being recorded, when the arrangement with Wanderley and the band fell through. Matthews and Palma exited, and only Hansen and Soares remained. Their line-up was eventually rounded out by ex-Murmaid Terry Fischer and bassist Tommy Neal.
Notable record producer
Two singles, "
Hansen continued her participation in the Going Thing until its folding, which took place not long after the Carnival's own demise. With both groups no longer active, she retired indefinitely from the music industry.
Later career
After concluding her singing career, Hansen briefly relocated with her family back to Montana; where she became an employee of the state at one point. Despite the shift in occupation, according to a September 1976 interview, Hansen was still open to singing and forming vocal groups[5] (even composing her own songs and becoming proficient in playing a variety of musical instruments).[1]
Sometime after going back to Los Angeles during the 1980s; she recorded her own compositions in the contemporary
Hansen was appointed as vice-president of RDK Productions, a privately held media enterprise co-founded with her husband. Her primary focus from then on went more towards writing and production. For RDK, Hansen was a key force in the development of The Bible Adventure Club project; writing the stories (which were illustrated by Wendy Francisco) and songs, and guiding the artistic overview of the entire series. The series, aimed at children from ages 3 to 7, produced five books.[6]
Personal life
Hansen met Richard Klinger, an entertainment lawyer then in charge of
Death
Hansen died on October 4, 2017, six days before her 75th birthday, after a long struggle with myelofibrosis and acute myeloid leukemia, at her Sherman Oaks home. Her death was approximately six months after that of Carnival bandmate, Terry Fischer. She is survived by her husband, two children and three grandchildren.[1]
Bibliography
- Hansen, Janis S. (2001). Creation: God's Wonderful Gift. Illustrated by Wendy Francisco. Crossway Books. ISBN 978-1-58134-295-6.
- Hansen, J. (2001). David and His Giant Battle. Illustrated by Wendy Francisco. Crossway Books. ISBN 978-1-58134-324-3.
- Hansen, J. (2001). Jesus: The Birthday of the King. Illustrated by Wendy Francisco. Crossway Books. ISBN 978-1-58134-334-2.
- Hansen, J. (2001). Jonah and His Amazing Voyage. Illustrated by Wendy Francisco. Crossway Books. ISBN 978-1-58134-329-8.
- Hansen, J. (2001). Noah and the Incredible Flood. Illustrated by Wendy Francisco. Crossway Books. ISBN 978-1-58134-339-7.
References
- ^ a b c d "Janis Hansen Klinger Obituary". Los Angeles Times. November 2, 2017.
- ^ Arnaldo DeSouteiro (November 22, 2011). "Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66" inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame!". Jazz Station – Arnaldo DeSouteiro's Blog.
- YouTube
- ^ "Larry Carlton Biography". The Official Website of Larry Carlton. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ "Ex-singer seeks return". Google. September 19, 1976. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
- ^ "Published Works of Hansen and Francisco". Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ "California Marriage Index". FamilySearch. Ancestry.com. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
External links
- Janis Hansen at AllMusic
- Janis Hansen discography at Discogs