Country Singer Jan Howard Dies At 91

Jan Howard (Photo: Joel Dennis)

Country singer JAN HOWARD passed away on SATURDAY, MARCH 28th at the age of 91. HOWARD, a GRAND OLE OPRY member for 49 years, is best known for her 1967 #1 hit “For Loving You” with BILL ANDERSON, as well as her Top 5 hits “Evil On Your Mind,” and three others with ANDERSON, “If It’s All The Same To You,” “Someday We’ll Be Together” and “Die Satisfied.”

She also enjoyed success as a songwriter, penning hits for ANDERSON, KITTY WELLS and CONNIE SMITH. HOWARD’s 1968 single, “My Son,” began as a letter to her son JIMMY, who was killed in action in VIETNAM that same year. In later years, her work with the the VETERANS ADMINISTRATION, the VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL and other organizations earned her the TENNESSEE Adjutant General’s Distinguished Patriot Medal, its highest civilian honor. In 2005, the Commander in Chief of the VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS presented her with the Medal of Merit, which is awarded for “exceptional service rendered to country, community and mankind.” 

“JAN HOWARD was a force of nature in Country music, at the OPRY, and in life,” said GRAND OLE OPRY VP/Executive Producer DAN ROGERS. “We were all so lucky so many nights to hear her voice on stage and to catch up with her backstage. We’re all better for having had her in our lives.” 

Graveside services will be private with a celebration of life service to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to OVERWATCH ALLIANCE VETERANS FOUNDATION, 1000 North Chase Drive, GOODLETTSVILLE, TN 37072.

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