Jan Howard, the “Evil on Your Mind” singer, is turning ninety today. As we celebrate another year in her life, we highlight the songs that she made popular in her career.
Jan Howard’s Hidden Talent
Jan’s talent was only discovered when she married Harlan Howard, a songwriter. He was the one who discovered that Jan was a talented singer. He invited her to record demo tapes of the songs he wrote.
First Song and Signing Under Decca Records
The first song Jan recorded was “Yankee Go Home” in 1959. Her first single didn’t make it to the Billboard country chart. But the following year, she earned her first song on the Billboard chart with “The One You Slip Around With.” After her first hit song, Jan didn’t follow it with another one. It was only when she moved to Decca records that she finally achieved huge success in her career.
“Evil on Your Mind”
In 1966, Jan released her most successful single “Evil on Your Mind.” It was written by her husband Harlan, and produced by Owen Bradley. This was her highest charting single in her solo career. It peaked at number five on the country chart.
The Song’s Content
The song that catapulted Jan’s career is a song that speaks the mind of a woman who knows what her husband has been doing. At first, you may think that he cares a lot about his wife since he wants her to go somewhere to feel relaxed. However, behind his pretentious act lies an evil motive.
But us women are suspicious things
We know that men aren’t born with wings
What’s making you so kind? Now, I’m not smart
But I’m not blind and I think that you’ve got evil on your mind
Continuous Success
After the release of her song, she followed it with another song on the top ten of the country chart. In addition, her work with Bill Anderson made it to the top ten of the country charts too. Their highest charting song was “For Loving You” in 1967.
Awards
The one and only award Jan won was the Billboard Award for Most Promising Female Artist. However, she has been nominated in different award-giving bodies.
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Jan Howard