Episode 64 – Big In Japan, Pt. 1: Janet Lynn’s “A Joyful Christmas With Janet”

Welcome to episode 64 of Holly Jolly X’masu! In the first of my “Big In Japan” episodes, I’ll be discussing American figure skater Janet Lynn’s 1973 album, “A Joyful Christmas With Janet.”

I’ve always been intrigued by the “Big In Japan” phenomenon. It wasn’t something I gave a lot of thought to when I first started collecting Japanese Christmas music, though. However, not long after I started checking the various Japanese sites for other albums I could get, I started seeing Janet Lynn’s album show up. I had no idea who she was at the time, but I was curious when I saw her album because it seemed a bit out of place. The album’s cover, with Janet’s face smiling out from the middle of a wreath, didn’t fit in with most of the Japanese albums I was seeing.

After a small bit of research, I was able to uncover the basics of Janet’s life and her “Big In Japan” status. I decided to get her album and that I would eventually cover it as part of a series of “Big In Japan” episodes. It took me nearly two more years, but I finally got the other records I was hoping to cover.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about Janet Lynn and my “Big In Japan” overview. Join me back here next week as I talk about the Ventures and their 1965 Christmas album. Then join me on the 25th for the real highlight of the month, when I’ll be discussing several other artists who were “Big In Japan.” I have a few really rare and enjoyable records lined up and I’m sure you’ll enjoy them.

As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know.

Remember, I’ve added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you’d like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!