Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest album, and what themes or stories you aimed to convey through your music?

My latest album was The Best of Jan Daley and combined favorites from all 7 albums, which included songs from my Billboard No#1 Traditional album,” Way of a Woman.” One song, “She Was a Dreamer,” which was dedicated to my mother who was a dreamer and inspired me to be a dreamer. Another song I wrote for my father an Air Force Pilot who didn’t come back from War, who I never got to meet, but it’s not just for War widows but anyone losing their loved one from any tragic occurrence, which seemed to be many these days.

Music often has the power to transport people to different places and times. Can you describe a moment in your life when a particular song or album had a profound impact on you?

I was just listening to Spotify and Anne Murray was singing “Over You“and it took me back to a time in my life where I was working with a writer on one of my albums and we fell deeply in love. Unfortunately, we had to break it off because of our circumstances. It was painful for years and this song just brought me back to those moments and caught me by surprise!

Many artists have rituals or routines they follow before performing or recording. Do you have any unique or quirky pre-show or pre-recording rituals that you find help you get in the zone?

Before performing live, I tell the band I need 15 minutes of “alone time” to center myself and get in the zone. When I record I just practice, practice, practice the sh… out of each song and when I feel like I am the song, I’m ready!

Your lyrics often tell a story or convey a message. Can you share the story behind one of your songs and the inspiration that led to its creation?

When I was 23, I had Stage 4 Cancer and 5 doctors told me I would never have children. I wrote this song a month after I brought my “Miracle baby” home from the hospital and called it “My Little Angel.” Never give up and get a second or third opinion!!
When my daughter was 2, I was commuting back and forth to Nashville finishing up an Album. When we met in the airport for a family gathering, she walked right passed me not knowing who I was. I was devastated! I knew I was given a Gift from God and so I walked away from my Music Touring and the album and only took Acting jobs close to home. But those 20 years I wrote a song a week and now some 40 years later all these country songs are paying off.

If you could curate a music festival with a lineup of your dream artists, who would be the headliners, and what would the theme of the festival be?

Adele, Whitney Houston, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Ed Sheeran, Sting, Stevie Wonder, John Legend,
“The Power of a Song”

Music can be a powerful tool for advocacy and change. Are there any social or political causes that you’re passionate about, and how does your music play a role in promoting these issues?

To educate young men and women more about health, nutrition, sex, respect, communication, and the ramifications of choices they may make.

The music industry has evolved significantly with technology. How do you see artificial intelligence and emerging technologies impacting the creation and distribution of music in the future?

It’s scary to think that someone could take my voice and image and do as they please. I was talking to a DJ, and he mentioned that they had already done that with his voice!
But then on another hand I’m writing a book, movie, or Limited Series about my father and how our lives intertwined even though I never met him. I would love that they could superimpose my parents faces/bodies from photos and hire Actors for their voices. I know my unions, SAG & AFTRA are working it out!

Many recording artists evolve over time. How do you see your musical journey changing and growing in the next decade?

You know I have sung so many genres that I’m hoping my fans will want to be a part of all my music, from Jazz to Broadway to Country. When I grew up, we would hear on the radio; Sinatra, Doris Day, the Beach Boys, Etta James, The Beatles, the Everly Brothers, Ray Charles and more. It was all about the Song. If it’s a great song people will listen, and we did!