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I was on vacation last week when I learned of Jan's
passing, and I ended my week of vacation with a deep sadness that I am
still feeling to this day. Jan was a good friend, and I had spent hours
and hours with him prior to different concerts in helping him over the
years, so I got to know him pretty well. We would practice singing his
songs together. And just talking about the days from before the
accident and after. Jan always enjoyed talking about the past when I
was with him, and he enjoyed learning about what others had said about
him, such as Roger Christian and Brian Wilson.
The last time I was with Jan sometime last year, Jan told me how much
he enjoyed my cover designs on the dvds and cds I did, and he asked me
if I would be interested in doing cd cover designs for a new cd he
wanted to put out titled "Jan Berry Anthology". I of coarse was honored
he asked me to do it, and told him to just let me know when he was
ready to get started. He called me a few times after that, and said he
was still putting it together and wanted to know if I would "be ready
to do it". Now, it is hard to say if it will still happen, but I would
be glad to donate any time in doing anything I could to help, as I
agreed to all along.
I feel very lucky to have known Jan (and Dean) over the years, and to
work with them as I have in the past few years, and to just share
memories with Jan prior to shows. Helping Jan at the autograph table
was always a blast as well. Jan had MANY fans, fans who would wait
hours after a concert just to say "hi" and get his picture and
autograph.
Gertie told me and it comes as no surprise, that Jan LIVED for
performing after his 1966 accident, and that performing on stage was
like therapy for Jan. In my own conversations with Jan, I know that he
loved being with his fans. He really appreciated them, probably more so
then most other performers from his era.
I will miss Jan, very much. And I do hope that he gets remembered in
the industry for what he was, a very talented musical producer that had
great influence on others around him. Whether the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame put Jan and Dean in or not, they will always be Hall of Fame in my
book.
Rest in peace Jan.
-Shawn Crossen |
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