Jann Arden is as iconic a Canadian symbol as you can find. The 63-year-old Albertan has been a staple of culture in Canada since the early 90s, with her debut album Time for Mercy cementing her place in the annals of Canadian music history. A 30-year career in the music industry followed, which has culminated in 13 albums, four of which have achieved platinum status.
The icon has been ever-present in the music industry, but has always been keen to expand her creative horizons. In addition to working as a recording artist, Jann has also appeared regularly on stage and screen. With her first TV appearances in the 2000s, when she was in her late 40s and early 50s, she came to exemplify how you’re never too old to reinvent your career or image.
From Clean-Cut Jann to Foul-Mouthed Bingo Hall Worker and Struggling Musician
With appearances in TV shows like Wynonna Earp and Robson Arms, Jann has become nearly as well known for her acting as her decades-long music career. Throughout her time in music, she has been known as a successful, clean-cut ballad performer. This is despite her early struggles with alcohol.
Her switch to acting led to her reinventing her image in a number of ways. In the eponymous sitcom Jann, the songstress was the star, but that didn’t mean that she was presented as the perfect protagonist. Instead, she was a washed-up musician battling with her demons, including the end of a relationship and her mother’s illness.
It was a big move for Jann, and she continued her reinvention with a role in Vandits, in which she played a foul-mouthed worker at a bingo hall. In doing so, she shocked fans with an edgier portrayal of a worker in an industry seen as a pastime associated with an older, more laid-back market. It’s a game that has largely modernised, with people logging on to online bingo rooms in Canada to play, and this role further cemented that move to a newer, less clean-cut demographic.
Being True to Herself, No Matter Her Age, is Jann’s Biggest Asset
Part of why Jann remains a Canadian icon and an inspiration to so many is her dedication to being herself, even as she passes landmark ages. Now in her 60s, she is living life on her own terms and eschewing the misconceptions that those 50 and over are reticent to accept change, especially with regard to social issues.
In 2019, when promoting her hit sitcom, she was often asked about the fact that her partner in the show was a woman. In response, she told interviewers that she would describe herself as “fluid,” having previously refused to comment on her personal life or relationships. This was a significant development for many, especially those who were struggling with their identities in their adult years.
That has made her an icon in the LGBT+ community, particularly among those in their twilight years. To unabashedly accept who you are and announce it to the world at 57 is empowering, and Jann thought as much, too. She described the experience of portraying a queer character, saying that she had “never felt more empowered.” It just goes to show that you can learn about and express yourself, regardless of your age.
A True National Hero for Over-50s in the 21st Century
Jann Arden has lived a life full of ups and downs. However, she remains a key figure in Canadian life and her music and acting exploits continue to define national arts and culture. While she may not be as commercially successful as contemporaries like Sarah McLachlan and Celine Dion, her ability to reinvent herself and remain relevant over the course of four decades is remarkable.
We could all learn from Jann, her confidence and her openness to new experiences—even in her 60s. She is an inspiration to many and her legacy will extend far beyond her artistry, with her infectious work ethic and dedication to self-expression perhaps her most important gifts to the world.
