Rooted in the Real-Life Story of a Homeless Woman, the Emotional New Track Invites Listeners to Look Closer and Care Deeper
Official Lyric Video for Song Available Nov. 14, 2025
NASHVILLE, TN – October 17, 2025 – Dan Ashley has announced his latest single, “Janet,” a heartfelt song inspired by a real woman who has no home, yet leaves a deep impression on everyone who crosses her path in Walnut Creek, California. Dan has known Janet personally for years, often stopping to talk with her and help in small ways, moved by her resilience and quiet grace. Through this song, he gives voice to her story and to the countless others like hers, transforming decades of reporting on homelessness into a profoundly personal and compassionate musical tribute during National Homelessness Awareness Month, observed each November in the United States. The new music, co-written by Ashley and Bill Bentley, is available now for pre-save HERE.
Ashley and Bentley produced the new song’s official video, featuring visual storytelling and nostalgic charm. It will be available on November 14 on the artist’s official YouTube Channel.
“Janet” is a song about a real woman I’ve known for years who has no place to call home,” shares Dan Ashley. “I see her often in downtown Walnut Creek, and our conversations always remind me of her quiet strength and dignity despite her difficult circumstances. As a journalist, I’ve reported on homelessness for decades, but through this song, I wanted to tell that story in a deeply personal way, through the life of a very real and very sweet person named Janet.”
“Hello Janet
How are you today
Been a while hope you’re doing okay
A ghost to most who’d rather look away Pass on by without a word to say
Oh Janet Nobody plans it Oh Janet
How can we stand it
Janet was it always such a hard life Did you ever make someone a wife
What was your life supposed to be like Nobody wants to live out of sigh!
Oh Janet Nobody plans it Oh Janet
How can we stand it
Janet, did you wear a ponytail Did you dream of the fairytale Were you once a daddy’s girl Little dimples and golden curls
Oh Janet Nobody plans it Oh Janet
How can we stand it Kind eyes mean streets Cold comfort concrete
Dirty looks passing glances Everyday she’s taking chances Oh Janet
Nobody plans it Oh Janet
How can we stand it Oh Janet
Nobody plans it Oh Janet Somebody listen Oh Janet Nobody plans it Oh Janet
How can we stand it.”
“Janet” was produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Bill Bentley and recorded at Bill Bentley Productions with Mike Vanderhule (drums) and Bill Bentley (guitar, bass, and BGV).
Stay current with everything Dan Ashley on his website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and subscribe to his YouTube Channel for the latest videos. Music is available on all digital platforms: Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music HERE.
About Dan Ashley:
Dan Ashley has been passionate about music his entire life. He started as a child with his first guitar and piano lessons and then sang in the junior choir at his church in North Carolina. Summers at the family farm always included music; his grandmother was an accomplished pianist.
As a vocalist, Dan has led his band for many years, headlining great venues and opening for artists such as REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, Patti LaBelle, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Melissa Etheridge. Dan has shared the stage with many great performers, including Dionne Warwick, Neal Schon of Journey, Brad Gillis of Night Ranger, and multiple Grammy winner Narada Michael Walden, among many others.
As an accomplished singer, Dan is regularly asked to perform the National Anthem at various events, including those of the NBA, Major League Baseball, college football, and professional hockey. With a unique blend of Americana and Rock and Roll, Dan brings a distinctive voice and unique life experience to his music. Dan is always the storyteller who shares the joys, heartbreaks, loves, and losses that are part of our shared humanity. Backed by remarkable musicians who have played and toured with an impressive list of major artists, Dan is thrilled to share his music with audiences everywhere. In addition to enjoying Dan’s music, his fans can watch him every weeknight on ABC7 News in San Francisco, where he has anchored the evening news for three decades.
