Jann Arden was born Jann Arden Richards in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Two of her biggest musical influences during her childhood were John Denver and Karen Carpenter. Arden didn't have abundant dreams of stardom back then, but she did love music and began writing her own songs when she was only 13. At 17 she recorded a debut single, "Never Love a Sailor," released in 1980 under the name Jann Richards. After the single, she spent years performing at numerous clubs and festivals. As a singer, she joined bands like Factor Four and Hip Hugger, perfecting her skills over time. It took Arden 13 long, hard years to move from that first independent effort to a full-length release, Time for Mercy, on the A&M Records label. A couple of the singles from the debut album became hits and helped Arden claim some awards like Best Video and Best Solo Performer and the illustrious Juno award. Her music is often sad and emotional, sometimes humorous, but it always touches places with fans that only truth can reach. In 1994, Arden completed a sophomore offering, Living Under June, proving she was no fleeting success. The album Happy? followed in 1997 and then Blood Red Cherry in 2000. Some of the tracks from her recordings are "I Just Don't Love You Anymore," "I Would Die for You," "Insensitive," and "It Looks Like Rain." Since that first album hit the market and won positive reviews from so many, Arden's records have sold millions and that number should only continue to climb. ~ Charlotte Dillon, All Music Guide