Janis Ian was catapulted into the spotlight in 1966 at the age of fifteen, when her soul-wrenching song 'Society's Child' became a hit. An portrait of an interracial relationship, 'Society's Child' climbed the charts despite the fact that many radio stations across the country refused to play it because of its controversial subject matter. But this was only the beginning of a long and illustrious career. In this memoir of her more than forty years in the music business, Ian chronicles how she did drugs with Jimi Hendrix, went shopping for Grammy clothes with Janis Joplin, and sang with Mel Tormé-all the while never ceasing to create unforgettable music. In 1975, Ian's legendary 'At Seventeen' earned two Grammy awards and five nominations. But after seven albums in as many years, she made a conscious decision to walk away from the often grueling music business. During this period, she struggled through a difficult marriage that ended with her then husband's attempt to destroy her, and a sudden illness that very nearly cost her her life. In1993, Ian returned with the release of Breaking Silence.