Janis Ian archives open at Berea College in one week

The Janis Ian Archives are opening at Berea College in one week. The multi-Grammy award winning singer/songwriter rose to fame in the 60's and 70's with songs like “Society's Child” and “At Seventeen.”

Ian previously funded a scholarship at Berea College to help those returning to school who may be too old to be considered for other scholarships. She said she had some options when deciding where to send her archives.

“I don't have an Alma Mater because I left school in the 10 ^th grade, I don't have a particular connection. We're talking with the New York Public Library, we're talking with the Smithsonian, everybody is very interested in it, but none of that feels right, and finally I said “Why don't I just give it to Berea?””

Ian's archives will be made available to not only academics but the students at the college and the community. Ian says it will give people an intimate look into her life and her career.

“I am donating everything, so it's not just memorabilia as you think of it, Grammy awards or Audie awards and other things like that, it's also my personal library, every contract I've ever signed going back to 13 or 14 years old.”

Ian said there will be some personal items such as journals that will not be made available to the public until after her passing. She hopes students will be able to study these archives and learn about the entertainment industry.

Hear much more with Janis Ian coming up on Eastern Standard on WEKU.

Berea College is a financial supporter of WEKU.

** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.