Tales of a Country Showgirl

The 1950s, 60s and 70s signaled the rise of pop and country music in America. Many of these talented young musicians not only played instruments, they sang and danced as well. Although much of the country music industry was centered in Nashville or Knoxville, there was a small & dedicated group that was devoted to keeping some of that country flair up north in Minnesota. Jan North was one of these multi-talented showgirls. During her nearly fifty years in show business, she met and became friends with many of the well-known performers of the time, starting with Dick Contino who inspired her to play the accordion when she was twelve years old and recovering from rheumatic fever. At age 15, Jan decided to turn her passion for music into a career and start doing travelling shows. At age 16, she performed full-time at the Flame Café in Minneapolis as a member of Ardis Wells & the Rhythm Ranch Girls. By 19, she and her partner Patti had signed a recording contract with industry-giant MGM Records. The stories in Jan's book, Tales of a Country Showgirl, covers some of her personal experiences being in the entertainment industry as well as provides some insight into her adventures with other country stars such as Willie Nelson, Tex Ritter, Charlie Hodge & the Lone Ranger.