This three minute song written and sung by a teenager was one of the most controversial in music history. Janis Ian received death threats. A DJ was beat up for playing it. A radio station in Atlanta was burned down. It practically killed Ian’s career as she was considered a one-hit wonder and has-been by the age of 19. Fortunately she bounced back and recorded a string of critically acclaimed albums, including “Between The Lines” in 1975 which was nominated for Album Of The Year, contained the massive hit “At Seventeen” and won her a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocalist. Her catalog of music spans over 55 years. I hope this video encourages people to check out her music.
This was written in the middle 60's, she faced a number of challenges at that time. She had race pushes, she was Jewish, and Ultimately Gay. I am an old man in my 70's so I grew up with the same thoughts and perseptions, But I loved her for her music and her Humanity, she is still this special.
In 1967 we had an assembly at our school and a young Mexican girl got up and sang this for their entire school and you could have heard a pin drop. I'll never for forget that.
This song did exactly what it was written to do, bring this discussion front and center. Change cannot take place without talking about it first. This song succeeded in bringing this topic up to a whole generation.
I read that she was 14 when she wrote it, 17 when she recorded it. No radio stations would play. This 17 year old girl would be booed, spit on and had vile things screamed at her. I sent this video to my grown kids and 3 teenager grand kids. I was about 10 when this song came out. It changed the way I looked at the world. My youngest daughter has 2 mixed race children, it made her and her 11 year old son cry. Thank you so much for watching and reacting, you will bring it to the notice of lots of people who wouldn't have ever seen it if you didn't.
She was signed to Atlantic records right after she got admitted to the School of Preforming Arts at 13/4 and got released after she recorded the song. They even gave her the tapes and shooed her out the door. Verve eventually released it, with Leonard Bernstein backing her.
@@kenlieberman4215 & @ Cheryl Thorn - Verve originally released "Society's Child" in September 1966. While the majority of US radio stations wouldn't play it, it wasn't totally ignored and became a huge hit in the cities where it was played, such as Tucson, where I grew up (it was one of the first 45s I bought). About seven months later it was featured in "Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution", a CBS special on pop music hosted by Leonard Bernstein. As a result of the buzz generated from the special, Verve began promoting the single, and radio markets across the country slowly started picking it up. Even though a lot of stations still refused to play "Society's Child", it ultimately peaked at 14 in July, 1967. It hit the top 10 in Tucson for the second time in 10 months.
@@HisboiLRoi Thanks, I didn't know that. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley near L.A.. I remember KRLA was the first radio station to play it. I don't know what disc jockey. Wouldn't it be neat to see a show honoring the people who got this record out.
@@kenlieberman4215 I didn't know that about Leonard Bernstein. I only discovered him when I started watching reaction videos. I love his version of Hallelujah. Have you heard Pentatonix sing it? It's great too.
@@ct8449 - Following is the link to the "Inside Pop:..." special. The "Society's Child" segment proper begins at 16:12, although Bernstein references the harpsichord and organ riffs earlier in his lead-up. This special was the catalyst for Verve's promotion of the single (and my schoolboy crush on Janis). th-cam.com/video/vyiGFRj5b-k/w-d-xo.html I was only 13 when I saw this special. It only aired once, but seeing a respected composer/musician talk positively about my generation's music really stuck with me. Not to mention that it was my first introduction one of my greatest musical heroes, Frank Zappa. I was overjoyed when a cruder copy turned up on TH-cam about nine years ago and I was able to revisit it.
She was so impressive to Leonard Bernstein when he saw her play this at a Greenwich Village cafe that he fully engaged himself to promote her career. What a great guy to have in her corner. I’m sure he had some connections in the NY music scene to follow it through. It was quite a “success story” for this talented teenager !
That was a STUNNER in 1967, reached #14 on the national charts and was very controversial. This was shown on national television and she wrote the song when she was only 14 years old. I'm certain she experienced this first hand. THANK YOU for listening.
Actually this song is nothing to do with her.. her own words.. she said she was riding a city bus and a mixed couple came on the bus, and she imagined the issues they were having as a mixed couple and this is what she came up with.
Janis Ian actually watches reaction channels and has sent in comments to some of them. I sure wish she would message you but just know that you are a good person and there are probably many of your viewers that would like to give you a comfortingly hug right now. Your reaction was poignant. I felt for you.
She's on her farewell tour right now, but I hope she sees this too; woman's been a phenomenal presence in my life ALL my life! I love the snarky love between her and her wife too :-) kerk
The power of this song I believe comes in the vulnerability of the young girl who is in no position to stand up for herself yet. It just makes the pain so real.
as a man that was in a mixed marriage and has a mixed daughter i want you to know you should be proud of yourself for speaking the truth love is beautiful heat is horribly ugly
Hello Angela: This was a very common theme back in the day...in song, movies and literature...featuring not only interracial relationship struggles, but also those of lovers from different socioeconomic groups (the poor side of town, wrong side of the tracks, etc.) Janis actually wrote this and recorded it at the tender age of 14. She is a phenomenal woman and a vastly underrated artist. Thank you for featuring this, and for your customary authenticity in both reaction and commentary. 👍👍❤❤
This song impacted me so much bc I was same age as her and my parents didn’t want me around blacks, native Americans, Mexicans, anyone not white. They moved to a different neighborhood when at 4 yrs old, my best friend was black. At 11 my bff was half Japanese and my dad didn’t want her around bc he fought Japanese in WW II. At 17 my parents panicked when my sister told them I had gone on a date with a black guy. At 18 I fell in love with and married a black man, and I’ve raised black and biracial children, and my 16 grandchildren are of every hue. We hit 49 years married tomorrow (17 Aug) and are best friends.
Perhaps my favorite reaction of yours, Angela. Your silence said it all. Yes, it was very groundbreaking when it hit the radio in 1966. Janis was a teenager at the time. As sad and a real as this song is, as a teenager myself when I heard it, it also held out some hope for the future... Someday, she was going to spread her glistening wings and fly. But for now... that was "how it must remain". To me, this was as much a part of the spirit of the 60's as anything else I heard in that decade. This set forth a concrete goal. We wanted to change this. We needed to change this.
Verve originally released "Society's Child" in September 1966. While the majority of US radio stations wouldn't play it, it wasn't totally ignored and became a huge hit in the cities where it was played, such as Tucson where I grew up (it was one of the first 45s I bought). About seven months later it was featured on "Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution", a CBS special about pop music hosted by Leonard Bernstein. As a result of the buzz generated from the special, Verve began promoting the single, and radio markets across the country slowly started picking it up. Even though a lot of stations still refused to play "Society's Child", it ultimately peaked at 14 in July, 1967. It hit the top 10 in Tucson for the second time in 10 months.
Obviously this one hit home and hit hard with you, the power of the song transcending decades and generations. Your comments about history and what it has to teach us are so apt. Remember the words of Dr. King, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
You felt it as strongly as I did . My first Love was black we suffered through both our parents disapproval and the cruelty of kids in Jr high school. AND like her story the pressure did break us apart. But we have remained close all these years both of us I. Our 60s now . We have lived wonderfully lives children grandchildren and we have celebrated all our accomplishments. We both still have so much love for each other. And nobody can ever take that away from us.
I grew up in the 60s.and 70s.. I had black friends and we were friends. Played together..came over my house... I cared about my friends..and my mom and dad made every one welcome in our home
Never apologize for how you feel in your reaction video please. How you react helps me understand in some very small way what life can be like for someone who doesn’t have my white skin. I have never understood the way people treat each other because of color or any of the other millions of reasons people use the hate others. My neighbor once showed me a bullet hole in his house from a previous neighbor who didn’t like a black man and white woman living next to him. All I could think is why? Judge the person by their heart not their skin. Be kind folks. Please!!! Angela keep being the wonderful person that you are!
I love the awareness that this song brings. It was well needed back then..even now to a degree. I still don’t get how people judged other people like that throughout history. It’s ugly and it always will be. There was the civil rights movement in the 60s and music stars back then did their best to stand by what’s right. The biggest act in the world during the time or even still..The Beatles themselves refused to play in front of a segregated audience and made every stadium and venue rethink how they allow shows from then on. That in itself was a huge deal and a definite blow to all those racists ideals and agendas
Recorded in 1965 and released in 1966, the single charted high in many cities in the autumn of 1966 but did not enter Billboard's Hot 100 until the spring of 1967 (the issue dated 27 May). The record reached number one or the Top Ten in several key cities across America, but in July it stalled at no. 14 on the Hot 100 owing to resistance in certain markets, as was the fate of several other controversial pop hits of the era. I grew up during that time, and it was true. Things were changing very quickly among the younger people though and they are the older ones now.
Thank you for your honesty. We live in a messed up world. We need to love everyone regardless of skin color, religion or race. Just love one another that’s it…
This one literally *always* moves me to tears. The saddest thing to me is when, finally capitulating to the pressure she sings “No, I don’t want to see you anymore.” For background, my maternal (white, Jewish) grandmother’s second husband was a black man who, to me, then and always, will simply be “Grandpa.”
Sorry to be so late here but my God yours is the "best" reaction I have seen and I have seen many. Too many people grin and move their head to the music, seemingly oblivious to what she is actually expressing. It was so apparent from her first "She called you boy instead of your name" you were there. I'm 73 and there is a mix in my lineage as well and living through that in the 60s ... and hearing this song back then when it first came out ... she is so on. And you are so on as well with your outro.
I wholeheartedly agree. Seeing a young person that can still see how significant this song was is so amazing. Janis Ian is a treasure. The fact that she was as young as she was when she wrote this is astounding.
Janis Ian saw a couple on a subway where one was white and one was black and this song grew out of her imagining what their experience might be like. She got death threats for singing this song. She was jeered off stage early on by some audience members. Her manager insisted she go back out and finish the song. When she did, the others in the audience shouted down the disrupters. It made her stronger.
It wasn’t until 1967 that interracial marriage was made legal everywhere in the US. This song was written in 1965. I was 9 years old. You are so correct - the song is unfortunately still valid for some today. I do fear for our country at times.
While the Supreme Court ruled in 1967 that laws that prohibited interracial marriage in 16 American states were unconstitutional, many states refused for years to repeal state constitutional language prohibiting interracial marriage -- Alabama held out 33 years before repealing that part of its constitution in 2000 (by a 59%-41% referendum). I share your fear.
There will always be a tension between what is right and what is accepted. And there will always be pressures, sometimes crushing pressures, to choose what is accepted instead of what is right. This is shown clearly in this wonderful song, written and performed by this wonderful and great artist.
Very thoughtful reaction. Yes, it was groundbreaking. They pitched the song to 22 record companies before one would even consider it. Atlantic records had her record it, and then backed out and wouldn't release it. Verve records released it in 1966. It got a lot of play in many big cities, but not a lot of play nationally because it was so controversial. In 1967, Leonard Bernstein, who was the conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, did a TV special on popular music showing there was a lot of great music being made by popular artists like The Beatles and others. He brought Janis on the show and had her perform "Society's Child" and explained to the audience how amazing her music was. He also called out the disc jockeys around the country who wouldn't play this song because it was controversial, actually calling them cowards. After that show, many more DJ's started playing the song and it quickly became a national hit, although there were still many who refused to play it, and she was getting death threats from people. I was fortunate enough to see her perform "Society's Child" as the opening guest act on Donovan's 1967 "Mellow Yellow" tour in Boston.
Janis Ian is the same age as me. She wrote this, from what I read, when she overheard a conversation. She and I come from A Jewish background. In my life I wasn't permitted to go certain public pools etc. thank you for putting heart so we could hear it.
Janis Ian is special for sure and this song of hers is a reminder to us all of a dark past. All we can do now is work to make today better and tomorrow even better. My family once all white is now a mixed family. We have mom's and dad's as well as children and even grand children all of mixed race. This is what America is suppose to be. A combination of us all with a free choice to choose who we love and live free and in peace. P.S. Love your reaction channel and have watched you for a while now. You are amazing and very special !
I was a teenager when that song came out and it blew me away then. Listening to it now brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing such honest and raw feelings and impressions with all of us. I won't forget the song or your take on it.
It was groundbreaking. I was a kid, but I went out & bought the "45". I felt like I was participating in changing things for the better, when I was 9. This is a reminder that there are still dark shadows out there. There's more work to be done. God Bless Janis (Oh sweetie, (Angela), I wish I could give you a hug. This is a virtual one.) The only way to break up evil is to shine a light on it. But we have to do it together.
I revisited this song the other day. I’m a Caucasian growing in those times. It was tremendously controversial. She plays it recently and discusses it further. I saw your reaction and saw how you were struggling internally with it. Understood. Many of same struggles are there but some headway has been made. I just wanted you to know you are stronger because you are both black and white. Best to you and forward defining things for yourself. Thanks!
I have probably watched this reaction video a dozen times. Watching you sort of mesmerized by the story and watching it break your heart is so moving to me. Thank you for posting this.
I had a friend, a black girl who sat behind me in English class. We became close even though black and white didn't mix in those days. We all ate lunch at separate tables. Even at the prom both races sat separately. I asked her to dance at the prom, she said yes. It felt so good holding her but then everyone started giving us dirty looks, so we sat down apart from each other. We didn't talk after that, and I always wanted to tell her i was sorry and didn't care what others thought but never got the chance. She was killed in a car accident the last day of school. I still think of her from time to rime.
I grew up in the 50's and 60's in all white schools. One of my last years in high school there appeared two black girls. Everyone basically ignored them, including me. I have always felt guilty for that. I should have said, "Hi, you look like you could use a friend. I'll be your friend." But I never thought of that then and I will forever regret it. Since then, I have had many friends of different races and religions, married a Japanese woman and loved her all my life. Still wish I could go back in time and do what I should have done.
You should watch the movie Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner with Sidney Poitier, who recently passed away. It’s also about an interracial couple wanting to marry, and was set in the sixties. Incredible movie!
Janus Ian was championed by Leonard Bernstein and was introduced at one of his young people's concerts. If you search for it you can find the video on TH-cam.
At 17 and Society's Child are remarkable songs by the great Janis Ian. Every reactor should be doing those two songs. So glad you did them and your reactions were very spot on. Now, how about more BARBRA STREISAND----- ONE LESS BELL TO ANSWER/A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME, it'll blow you away., promise!
She was so brave and ahead of her time in doing this powerful song. Things change, attitude so change, but too slowly. Better ideas can take hold and can erode ignorance. We are all society's children. So we must change society.....and it IS happening. Just too slowly. (might be a good time to watch the 'Easy Lover' video with Philip Bailey and Phil Collins, showing friendship between two men of great talent working together. A tonic for the blues. Plus is has a great beat, of course)
Many radio stations would not play this song when it came out. Janis recalls encountering hatred from audience members in some places whenever she performed this song after it's release.
So sad! I had a similar experience with a beautiful, loving girl in high school in the late sixties. I'm white and she was black. We just could not be...sad!
Actually, she was only 13 when she conceived of the song after seeing an interracial couple draw stares on a city bus, and she completed it when she was just 14. Such a testament to her capacity for compassion, as well as her musical talent. She was 15 when the song was recorded.
There are still too many ignorant people in this world. As a grandfather of mixed children I will protect those boys with my life if necessary. The world is changing slowly but surely, although not fast enough for me.
In '66 when this song came out, many stations refused to play it. I only heard it once in Denver, on 950AM, KIMN.-----------she was 14 when she wrote it, 17 when she is here. ---------I experienced this same prejudice in reverse . 3 times when I was young, I asked a black girl out , & all 3 times I was refused, because they said, their families would kill me & the girl . They all said, their brothers could date who they wanted, but as girls, they were treated differently. it was disheartening as a young man, but I had no recourse. There was nothing I could say. --------------Janis Ian was a nice Brooklyn Jewish girl .-------------------MJL< 75 y/o
While watching reaction videos, I've noticed many requests for "Society's Child" by Janis Ian. This is my first time listening to it. Although the lyrics are as poignant today as when she wrote it, I still prefer "At Seventeen". Your reaction to this song, is the same way "Strange Fruit" by Billy Holiday hits me. And I do mean hits, 'cause it hurts.
Angela, for more context as to the world she was living in back then, during the period when the song was written in '65 to when it became popular in '67, interracial marriage was actually against the law in many states. The Supreme Court's decision that year stating that laws banning interracial marriage were unconstitutional was long overdue. As a kid growing up in the '60s I watched as many of the norms of past generations were challenged, and things did begin to change. At the same time this song was released concert audiences in the south were kept segregated. When the Beatles toured they refused to play with the audience split, and the venues had to give in and bring everyone together.
I didn't find out about Joni Sledge's passing until just a few minutes ago, and it really got to me! I don't know how to express it in words! She was and is a beautiful soul! Bye!
A very haunting song! I really like it! Let me give you a great suggestion! Can you play Lost In Music by Sister Sledge? It would be a tribute to Joni Sledge who passed on back in 2017! She was so beautiful inside and out with a magnificent voice, and amazing stage presence! Thanks and have a good one!
Thank you for listening and reacting to this song, Angela. As a white kid growing up in an all white community many years ago, I just thought this was a great song when if first came out in the late 1960s. Sure, I knew what the song was about, but my approach was mainly to the music, I'm embarrassed to admit. With you on this video and all your other reactions, in a weird way, I feel I have a listening buddy who can give me a lot of insight. Thanks! (you're gorgeous, too :)
The song shows on purpose the effect pressure has on those who want to do what’s right. Notice the 3 chorus lines have a progression; from: 1.) She says I can’t see you anymore (referring to her mother) 2.) They say I can’t see you anymore 3.) I say I can’t see you anywhere 😢 The character in the song gave in to the pressure of racism 😢sad, indeed!
Angela, here's a request for a song I think, as a Black/Mixed Race woman you will really appreciate. It's called "Color Him Father" by the Winstons. It's 1969.Very uplifting and positive but unfortunately a relic of the past with so many single mothers in the Black community Hopefully that will change in the future. You won't be disappointed. Love Ya!
JANIS IAN -----------A NEW YORK JEWISH GIRL ---------NAILED IT BACK IN '68. I HAVE A COPY OF THAT 45, BOUGHT BEFORE IT WAS BANNED FROM DENVER RADIO STATIONS. -------------------MJL, 77 Y/O
For several reasons I wish I could discuss this topic with you. I'm sure it will never happen but know that I appreciate you very much, and your reaction.
When I went away to college my 1st college girlfriend was black. We dated for 6 months. Till I met her parents. They said we couldn't date cause I'm white.... But times are different now.
I thank god for my parents ! During that time they refused to bow to social pressure ! They welcomed all to their home no mater of race , religion , politics , gay, straight everyone is gods children ! They lost many so called friends but had very rich lives and Man you should have been at the kitchen table at thanksgiving ! Lol Everyone had a standing invite and more times then not we would have an overflow crowd ! I think your ability to show and articulate your raw emotions makes you very special ! Do not change ! Gods blessings .
Wow. I was reading the wiki on Janis. Bill Cosby tried to get her blacklisted as a performer who was not "suitable family entertainment". I guess she was only 16 and too young to have a "drink' with him.
Here is a great Ladies Night suggestion...PLEASE LISTEN to Morgan James with Postmodern Jukebox covering Steven Tyler's "Dream On". She and PMJ absolutely slay the song - she was trained in opera at Juilliard and then went on to musical theater and now sings R&B and covers many songs to great effect. Then react to The Warning, a power trio formed by three sisters who are taking the You Tube and concert trail by storm! Listen to their songs "Choke" and "Evolve". This would be a Fantastic Female Friday!!! These are both very special performers.
This three minute song written and sung by a teenager was one of the most controversial in music history. Janis Ian received death threats. A DJ was beat up for playing it. A radio station in Atlanta was burned down. It practically killed Ian’s career as she was considered a one-hit wonder and has-been by the age of 19. Fortunately she bounced back and recorded a string of critically acclaimed albums, including “Between The Lines” in 1975 which was nominated for Album Of The Year, contained the massive hit “At Seventeen” and won her a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocalist. Her catalog of music spans over 55 years. I hope this video encourages people to check out her music.
Janis Ian should be in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.Tony
Remarkable and heart-breaking song, written by a teenager astonishingly. One of the great songs of the sixties in my view.
Heartbreaker indeed
😢
This was written in the middle 60's, she faced a number of challenges at that time. She had race pushes, she was Jewish, and Ultimately Gay. I am an old man in my 70's so I grew up with the same thoughts and perseptions, But I loved her for her music and her Humanity, she is still this special.
In 1967 we had an assembly at our school and a young Mexican girl got up and sang this for their entire school and you could have heard a pin drop. I'll never for forget that.
That’s Awesome 😢
A movie should definitely be made on her life, especially at the time she wrote this song👏🏻😢
This song did exactly what it was written to do, bring this discussion front and center. Change cannot take place without talking about it first. This song succeeded in bringing this topic up to a whole generation.
I read that she was 14 when she wrote it, 17 when she recorded it. No radio stations would play. This 17 year old girl would be booed, spit on and had vile things screamed at her. I sent this video to my grown kids and 3 teenager grand kids. I was about 10 when this song came out. It changed the way I looked at the world. My youngest daughter has 2 mixed race children, it made her and her 11 year old son cry. Thank you so much for watching and reacting, you will bring it to the notice of lots of people who wouldn't have ever seen it if you didn't.
She was signed to Atlantic records right after she got admitted to the School of Preforming Arts at 13/4 and got released after she recorded the song. They even gave her the tapes and shooed her out the door. Verve eventually released it, with Leonard Bernstein backing her.
@@kenlieberman4215 & @ Cheryl Thorn - Verve originally released "Society's Child" in September 1966. While the majority of US radio stations wouldn't play it, it wasn't totally ignored and became a huge hit in the cities where it was played, such as Tucson, where I grew up (it was one of the first 45s I bought). About seven months later it was featured in "Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution", a CBS special on pop music hosted by Leonard Bernstein. As a result of the buzz generated from the special, Verve began promoting the single, and radio markets across the country slowly started picking it up. Even though a lot of stations still refused to play "Society's Child", it ultimately peaked at 14 in July, 1967. It hit the top 10 in Tucson for the second time in 10 months.
@@HisboiLRoi Thanks, I didn't know that. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley near L.A.. I remember KRLA was the first radio station to play it. I don't know what disc jockey. Wouldn't it be neat to see a show honoring the people who got this record out.
@@kenlieberman4215 I didn't know that about Leonard Bernstein. I only discovered him when I started watching reaction videos. I love his version of Hallelujah. Have you heard Pentatonix sing it? It's great too.
@@ct8449 - Following is the link to the "Inside Pop:..." special. The "Society's Child" segment proper begins at 16:12, although Bernstein references the harpsichord and organ riffs earlier in his lead-up. This special was the catalyst for Verve's promotion of the single (and my schoolboy crush on Janis). th-cam.com/video/vyiGFRj5b-k/w-d-xo.html
I was only 13 when I saw this special. It only aired once, but seeing a respected composer/musician talk positively about my generation's music really stuck with me. Not to mention that it was my first introduction one of my greatest musical heroes, Frank Zappa. I was overjoyed when a cruder copy turned up on TH-cam about nine years ago and I was able to revisit it.
She was so impressive to Leonard Bernstein when he saw her play this at a Greenwich Village cafe that he fully engaged himself to promote her career. What a great guy to have in her corner. I’m sure he had some connections in the NY music scene to follow it through. It was quite a “success story” for this talented teenager !
And Ray Charles, and Leonard Cohen, and Jimi Hendrix...the list goes on and on...she was recognized as the best by the best
Janis wrote this at 14....WOW She was brave to put this out there and put it in peoples faces
That was a STUNNER in 1967, reached #14 on the national charts and was very controversial. This was shown on national television and she wrote the song when she was only 14 years old. I'm certain she experienced this first hand. THANK YOU for listening.
Ian feels it absolutely would have been a number one song if so many stations had not refused to play it. I think she is probably accurate about that.
Actually this song is nothing to do with her.. her own words.. she said she was riding a city bus and a mixed couple came on the bus, and she imagined the issues they were having as a mixed couple and this is what she came up with.
Janis Ian actually watches reaction channels and has sent in comments to some of them. I sure wish she would message you but just know that you are a good person and there are probably many of your viewers that would like to give you a comfortingly hug right now. Your reaction was poignant. I felt for you.
She's on her farewell tour right now, but I hope she sees this too; woman's been a phenomenal presence in my life ALL my life! I love the snarky love between her and her wife too :-) kerk
This child poured her heart out in this song. That's the reason why today's music is soulless and trite.
The power of this song I believe comes in the vulnerability of the young girl who is in no position to stand up for herself yet. It just makes the pain so real.
as a man that was in a mixed marriage and has a mixed daughter i want you to know you should be proud of yourself for speaking the truth love is beautiful heat is horribly ugly
I saw an interview with her. She said she wrote it at 14 and recorded at 15. Such a powerful song.
Hello Angela: This was a very common theme back in the day...in song, movies and literature...featuring not only interracial relationship struggles, but also those of lovers from different socioeconomic groups (the poor side of town, wrong side of the tracks, etc.) Janis actually wrote this and recorded it at the tender age of 14. She is a phenomenal woman and a vastly underrated artist. Thank you for featuring this, and for your customary authenticity in both reaction and commentary. 👍👍❤❤
This song impacted me so much bc I was same age as her and my parents didn’t want me around blacks, native Americans, Mexicans, anyone not white. They moved to a different neighborhood when at 4 yrs old, my best friend was black. At 11 my bff was half Japanese and my dad didn’t want her around bc he fought Japanese in WW II. At 17 my parents panicked when my sister told them I had gone on a date with a black guy. At 18 I fell in love with and married a black man, and I’ve raised black and biracial children, and my 16 grandchildren are of every hue. We hit 49 years married tomorrow (17 Aug) and are best friends.
Perhaps my favorite reaction of yours, Angela. Your silence said it all. Yes, it was very groundbreaking when it hit the radio in 1966. Janis was a teenager at the time. As sad and a real as this song is, as a teenager myself when I heard it, it also held out some hope for the future... Someday, she was going to spread her glistening wings and fly. But for now... that was "how it must remain". To me, this was as much a part of the spirit of the 60's as anything else I heard in that decade. This set forth a concrete goal. We wanted to change this. We needed to change this.
Janis is an amazing person. To write such an incredible song at such a young age. Still performing and sharing her talent. A true gift.
Very powerful song, especially for that time.
Verve originally released "Society's Child" in September 1966. While the majority of US radio stations wouldn't play it, it wasn't totally ignored and became a huge hit in the cities where it was played, such as Tucson where I grew up (it was one of the first 45s I bought). About seven months later it was featured on "Inside Pop: The Rock Revolution", a CBS special about pop music hosted by Leonard Bernstein. As a result of the buzz generated from the special, Verve began promoting the single, and radio markets across the country slowly started picking it up. Even though a lot of stations still refused to play "Society's Child", it ultimately peaked at 14 in July, 1967. It hit the top 10 in Tucson for the second time in 10 months.
Obviously this one hit home and hit hard with you, the power of the song transcending decades and generations. Your comments about history and what it has to teach us are so apt. Remember the words of Dr. King, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
You felt it as strongly as I did .
My first
Love was black we suffered through both our parents disapproval and the cruelty of kids in Jr high school. AND like her story the pressure did break us apart. But we have remained close all these years both of us I. Our 60s now . We have lived wonderfully lives children grandchildren and we have celebrated all our accomplishments.
We both still have so much love for each other. And nobody can ever take that away from us.
I grew up in the 60s.and 70s..
I had black friends and we were friends. Played together..came over my house... I cared about my friends..and my mom and dad made every one welcome in our home
This song was banned from the radio and she received death threats after singing this song
Never apologize for how you feel in your reaction video please. How you react helps me understand in some very small way what life can be like for someone who doesn’t have my white skin. I have never understood the way people treat each other because of color or any of the other millions of reasons people use the hate others. My neighbor once showed me a bullet hole in his house from a previous neighbor who didn’t like a black man and white woman living next to him. All I could think is why? Judge the person by their heart not their skin. Be kind folks. Please!!! Angela keep being the wonderful person that you are!
The song is an absolute heartbreaker. I can play it on repeat and it still breaks my heart.
I love the awareness that this song brings. It was well needed back then..even now to a degree. I still don’t get how people judged other people like that throughout history. It’s ugly and it always will be. There was the civil rights movement in the 60s and music stars back then did their best to stand by what’s right. The biggest act in the world during the time or even still..The Beatles themselves refused to play in front of a segregated audience and made every stadium and venue rethink how they allow shows from then on. That in itself was a huge deal and a definite blow to all those racists ideals and agendas
Recorded in 1965 and released in 1966, the single charted high in many cities in the autumn of 1966 but did not enter Billboard's Hot 100 until the spring of 1967 (the issue dated 27 May). The record reached number one or the Top Ten in several key cities across America, but in July it stalled at no. 14 on the Hot 100 owing to resistance in certain markets, as was the fate of several other controversial pop hits of the era.
I grew up during that time, and it was true. Things were changing very quickly among the younger people though and they are the older ones now.
I just wish more of us kept the hope for change moving forward. It seems to have stalled for a few decades, and we own that, too.
Angela - you are beautiful and your reaction was beautiful. Thank you for giving me hope for the world.
Janis Ian was a teenager here when she wrote and sang this song. It was a very bold statement for its time.
Thank you for your honesty. We live in a messed up world. We need to love everyone regardless of skin color, religion or race. Just love one another that’s it…
I was only 13 years old when this song came out, but the meaning of the song hit me immediately. Left a lasting impression.
This one literally *always* moves me to tears. The saddest thing to me is when, finally capitulating to the pressure she sings “No, I don’t want to see you anymore.”
For background, my maternal (white, Jewish) grandmother’s second husband was a black man who, to me, then and always, will simply be “Grandpa.”
Sorry to be so late here but my God yours is the "best" reaction I have seen and I have seen many. Too many people grin and move their head to the music, seemingly oblivious to what she is actually expressing. It was so apparent from her first "She called you boy instead of your name" you were there. I'm 73 and there is a mix in my lineage as well and living through that in the 60s ... and hearing this song back then when it first came out ... she is so on. And you are so on as well with your outro.
I wholeheartedly agree. Seeing a young person that can still see how significant this song was is so amazing. Janis Ian is a treasure. The fact that she was as young as she was when she wrote this is astounding.
Screw those haters! Look in the mirror and see what a beautiful person you are. My grandkids are mixed and they are absolutely beautiful.
You young lady are a special and Awesome woman, Keep on.
I am so glad you listened to this song. I am also sorry. It is painful to listen to, but it needs to be heard. Thank you
Janis Ian saw a couple on a subway where one was white and one was black and this song grew out of her imagining what their experience might be like. She got death threats for singing this song. She was jeered off stage early on by some audience members. Her manager insisted she go back out and finish the song. When she did, the others in the audience shouted down the disrupters. It made her stronger.
It wasn’t until 1967 that interracial marriage was made legal everywhere in the US. This song was written in 1965. I was 9 years old. You are so correct - the song is unfortunately still valid for some today. I do fear for our country at times.
While the Supreme Court ruled in 1967 that laws that prohibited interracial marriage in 16 American states were unconstitutional, many states refused for years to repeal state constitutional language prohibiting interracial marriage -- Alabama held out 33 years before repealing that part of its constitution in 2000 (by a 59%-41% referendum). I share your fear.
There will always be a tension between what is right and what is accepted. And there will always be pressures, sometimes crushing pressures, to choose what is accepted instead of what is right. This is shown clearly in this wonderful song, written and performed by this wonderful and great artist.
Very thoughtful reaction. Yes, it was groundbreaking. They pitched the song to 22 record companies before one would even consider it. Atlantic records had her record it, and then backed out and wouldn't release it. Verve records released it in 1966. It got a lot of play in many big cities, but not a lot of play nationally because it was so controversial.
In 1967, Leonard Bernstein, who was the conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, did a TV special on popular music showing there was a lot of great music being made by popular artists like The Beatles and others. He brought Janis on the show and had her perform "Society's Child" and explained to the audience how amazing her music was.
He also called out the disc jockeys around the country who wouldn't play this song because it was controversial, actually calling them cowards. After that show, many more DJ's started playing the song and it quickly became a national hit, although there were still many who refused to play it, and she was getting death threats from people.
I was fortunate enough to see her perform "Society's Child" as the opening guest act on Donovan's 1967 "Mellow Yellow" tour in Boston.
Janis Ian is the same age as me. She wrote this, from what I read, when she overheard a conversation. She and I come from A Jewish background. In my life I wasn't permitted to go certain public pools etc. thank you for putting heart so we could hear it.
Janis Ian is special for sure and this song of hers is a reminder to us all of a dark past. All we can do now is work to make today better and tomorrow even better. My family once all white is now a mixed family. We have mom's and dad's as well as children and even grand children all of mixed race. This is what America is suppose to be. A combination of us all with a free choice to choose who we love and live free and in peace. P.S. Love your reaction channel and have watched you for a while now. You are amazing and very special !
still makes me cry. thank you.
I was a teenager when that song came out and it blew me away then. Listening to it now brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing such honest and raw feelings and impressions with all of us. I won't forget the song or your take on it.
It was groundbreaking. I was a kid, but I went out & bought the "45". I felt like I was participating in changing things for the better, when I was 9. This is a reminder that there are still dark shadows out there. There's more work to be done. God Bless Janis (Oh sweetie, (Angela), I wish I could give you a hug. This is a virtual one.) The only way to break up evil is to shine a light on it. But we have to do it together.
Stunningly good song, thoughtfully honest reaction. Nothing more, nothing less.
I revisited this song the other day. I’m a Caucasian growing in those times. It was tremendously controversial. She plays it recently and discusses it further. I saw your reaction and saw how you were struggling internally with it. Understood. Many of same struggles are there but some headway has been made. I just wanted you to know you are stronger because you are both black and white. Best to you and forward defining things for yourself. Thanks!
I have probably watched this reaction video a dozen times. Watching you sort of mesmerized by the story and watching it break your heart is so moving to me. Thank you for posting this.
your emotion is beautiful, this is a healing song for those who lived through it
I agree… the first time I heard this song I was gutted. Janis is a treasure.
I had a friend, a black girl who sat behind me in English class. We became close even though black and white didn't mix in those days. We all ate lunch at separate tables. Even at the prom both races sat separately. I asked her to dance at the prom, she said yes. It felt so good holding her but then everyone started giving us dirty looks, so we sat down apart from each other. We didn't talk after that, and I always wanted to tell her i was sorry and didn't care what others thought but never got the chance. She was killed in a car accident the last day of school. I still think of her from time to rime.
janis ian went to my high school ,bayside h.s. in new york city and was good friends with my sister in law-very talented
I grew up in the 50's and 60's in all white schools. One of my last years in high school there appeared two black girls. Everyone basically ignored them, including me. I have always felt guilty for that. I should have said, "Hi, you look like you could use a friend. I'll be your friend." But I never thought of that then and I will forever regret it. Since then, I have had many friends of different races and religions, married a Japanese woman and loved her all my life. Still wish I could go back in time and do what I should have done.
You should watch the movie Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner with Sidney Poitier, who recently passed away. It’s also about an interracial couple wanting to marry, and was set in the sixties. Incredible movie!
Janus Ian was championed by Leonard Bernstein and was introduced at one of his young people's concerts. If you search for it you can find the video on TH-cam.
The fact that she wrote this at age 14 boggles the mind.
At 17 and Society's Child are remarkable songs by the great Janis Ian. Every reactor should be doing those two songs. So glad you did them and your reactions were very spot on. Now, how about more BARBRA STREISAND----- ONE LESS BELL TO ANSWER/A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME, it'll blow you away., promise!
She was so brave and ahead of her time in doing this powerful song. Things change, attitude so change, but too slowly. Better ideas can take hold and can erode ignorance. We are all society's children. So we must change society.....and it IS happening. Just too slowly. (might be a good time to watch the 'Easy Lover' video with Philip Bailey and Phil Collins, showing friendship between two men of great talent working together. A tonic for the blues. Plus is has a great beat, of course)
Many radio stations would not play this song when it came out. Janis recalls encountering hatred from audience members in some places whenever she performed this song after it's release.
This song came out in 1966. I remember it so well.
My older cousin were half Italian and Catholic. They ran with Protestant, Jewish and Black friends, in a tiny rural Southern Iowa town.
So sad! I had a similar experience with a beautiful, loving girl in high school in the late sixties. I'm white and she was black. We just could not be...sad!
Your comments, ….. make me feel we have come along as a society… thank God
She wrote and recorded this song in 1965 when she was 14 years old.
She was 16 or 17 when she wrote this🔥
Actually, she was only 13 when she conceived of the song after seeing an interracial couple draw stares on a city bus, and she completed it when she was just 14. Such a testament to her capacity for compassion, as well as her musical talent. She was 15 when the song was recorded.
A HEARTFELT MASTERPIECE--------& WE'VE NOT CHANGED ALL THAT MUCH. SAD TO SAY.
“Those that forget the past are doomed to repeat it”
There are still too many ignorant people in this world. As a grandfather of mixed children I will protect those boys with my life if necessary. The world is changing slowly but surely, although not fast enough for me.
In '66 when this song came out, many stations refused to play it. I only heard it once in Denver, on 950AM, KIMN.-----------she was 14 when she wrote it, 17 when she is here. ---------I experienced this same prejudice in reverse . 3 times when I was young, I asked a black girl out , & all 3 times I was refused, because they said, their families would kill me & the girl . They all said, their brothers could date who they wanted, but as girls, they were treated differently. it was disheartening as a young man, but I had no recourse. There was nothing I could say. --------------Janis Ian was a nice Brooklyn Jewish girl .-------------------MJL< 75 y/o
Your very personal reactions are so, so meaningful!
While watching reaction videos, I've noticed many requests for "Society's Child" by Janis Ian. This is my first time listening to it. Although the lyrics are as poignant today as when she wrote it, I still prefer "At Seventeen".
Your reaction to this song, is the same way "Strange Fruit" by Billy Holiday hits me. And I do mean hits, 'cause it hurts.
It was a rough time to grow seeing a lot of things. It brings back a memory of mine. Similar.
Angela, for more context as to the world she was living in back then, during the period when the song was written in '65 to when it became popular in '67, interracial marriage was actually against the law in many states. The Supreme Court's decision that year stating that laws banning interracial marriage were unconstitutional was long overdue. As a kid growing up in the '60s I watched as many of the norms of past generations were challenged, and things did begin to change. At the same time this song was released concert audiences in the south were kept segregated. When the Beatles toured they refused to play with the audience split, and the venues had to give in and bring everyone together.
Angela thank you so much...I would comment, but you said it all Luv you
I'm a big fan of Janis. I consider her album A Song for All the Seasons of Your Mind to be one of the top ten albums of all time.
Janis Ian has a more current song - "Resist". Please check it out, very relevant for today.
I love Janis Ian's Present Company album.
A lot of radio stations banned this song…..it was a different time.
I didn't find out about Joni Sledge's passing until just a few minutes ago, and it really got to me! I don't know how to express it in words! She was and is a beautiful soul! Bye!
A very haunting song! I really like it! Let me give you a great suggestion! Can you play Lost In Music by Sister Sledge? It would be a tribute to Joni Sledge who passed on back in 2017! She was so beautiful inside and out with a magnificent voice, and amazing stage presence! Thanks and have a good one!
Thank you for listening and reacting to this song, Angela. As a white kid growing up in an all white community many years ago, I just thought this was a great song when if first came out in the late 1960s. Sure, I knew what the song was about, but my approach was mainly to the music, I'm embarrassed to admit. With you on this video and all your other reactions, in a weird way, I feel I have a listening buddy who can give me a lot of insight. Thanks! (you're gorgeous, too :)
You are the declaration of change in this world: keep on changing the world for the better.
The song shows on purpose the effect pressure has on those who want to do what’s right. Notice the 3 chorus lines have a progression; from:
1.) She says I can’t see you anymore (referring to her mother)
2.) They say I can’t see you anymore
3.) I say I can’t see you anywhere 😢
The character in the song gave in to the pressure of racism 😢sad, indeed!
Terribly important song. My family was not like that but I knew alot of folks like that. It's way better now. But still we have a ways to go.
Since 1967 I’ve always loved the end of this song.
Angela, here's a request for a song I think, as a Black/Mixed Race woman you will really appreciate. It's called "Color Him Father" by the Winstons. It's 1969.Very uplifting and positive but unfortunately a relic of the past with so many single mothers in the Black community Hopefully that will change in the future. You won't be disappointed. Love Ya!
JANIS IAN -----------A NEW YORK JEWISH GIRL ---------NAILED IT BACK IN '68. I HAVE A COPY OF THAT 45, BOUGHT BEFORE IT WAS BANNED FROM DENVER RADIO STATIONS. -------------------MJL, 77 Y/O
Great Great Singer Great Song
For several reasons I wish I could discuss this topic with you. I'm sure it will never happen but know that I appreciate you very much, and your reaction.
When I went away to college my 1st college girlfriend was black. We dated for 6 months. Till I met her parents. They said we couldn't date cause I'm white.... But times are different now.
I thank god for my parents ! During that time they refused to bow to social pressure ! They welcomed all to their home no mater of race , religion , politics , gay, straight everyone is gods children !
They lost many so called friends but had very rich lives and Man you should have been at the kitchen table at thanksgiving ! Lol
Everyone had a standing invite and more times then not we would have an overflow crowd !
I think your ability to show and articulate your raw emotions makes you very special ! Do not change !
Gods blessings .
You’re a real positive force now. There was a time some people are still stuck in you weren’t even supposed to listen to music outside your race
You are precious❤️🙏
love your reaction.....
Wow. I was reading the wiki on Janis. Bill Cosby tried to get her blacklisted as a performer who was not "suitable family entertainment". I guess she was only 16 and too young to have a "drink' with him.
Thank you, DayOne.
A beautiful review. Thank you, Angela.
Here is a great Ladies Night suggestion...PLEASE LISTEN to Morgan James with Postmodern Jukebox covering Steven Tyler's "Dream On". She and PMJ absolutely slay the song - she was trained in opera at Juilliard and then went on to musical theater and now sings R&B and covers many songs to great effect. Then react to The Warning, a power trio formed by three sisters who are taking the You Tube and concert trail by storm! Listen to their songs "Choke" and "Evolve". This would be a Fantastic Female Friday!!! These are both very special performers.