Candy Jane — Biography
Candye Kane, born on November 13, 1961, and who passed away on May 6, 2016, was an American adult film star, model, and later, a renowned blues vocalist and performer. She found success as a touring artist and recording musician with Ruf Records in Germany and Delta Groove, an independent American blues label. Known for her powerful blues voice, voluptuous H cup figure, and her frank, vivacious personality, Kane also embraced her sexuality openly.
Raised by a body painting hippie musician and a mother with a troubled background, Kane's journey took a turn at 16, when she chose to forgo her aspiration of becoming a professional musician and declined a scholarship to the USC Music Conservatory. Facing the challenges of life in a ghetto and becoming an unwed mother associated with gang culture, she relied on welfare to care for herself and her child. Realizing that welfare benefits were insufficient, Kane ventured into softcore modeling and sex work, eventually gracing the covers of over 150 publications including Hustler and Juggs, and appearing in numerous soft and hardcore adult films.
Kane's writing skills also flourished, as she contributed a monthly advice column to Gent Magazine, while simultaneously engaging with the vibrant punk rock scene of the early 1980s. In Hollywood, she formed country punk bands and connected with a wide array of musicians such as Fear, Black Flag, Social Distortion, The Circle Jerks, and Dwight Yoakam. Her open approach to sexuality earned her respect among the anarchist musicians. She channeled her earnings from sex work into pursuing her musical ambitions, hiring musicians, writing songs, booking studio time, and putting up flyers, all while providing for herself and her child.
In 1986, Kane caught the eye of CBS Records' head, Larry Hanby, leading to a developmental deal and a demo recorded with Val Garay. Although she was initially marketed as a country artist, CBS dropped her upon discovering her controversial past. Following this setback, Kane relocated from Los Angeles to San Diego, wed Thomas Yearsley, bassist for The Paladins, had another son, and began her studies in Women's Studies at a community college. She continued to compose music and found inspiration in the raw blues styles of Big Maybelle, Big Mama Thornton, Etta James, and Bessie Smith.
In 1992, she formed a close friendship with Clifford and Susan Antone, and in 1994, her debut CD, "Home Cookin'," was released under their label. As her second son turned seven, Kane committed to a grueling touring schedule that she maintained throughout her life. Since her initial release with Antone’s, she produced seven albums for various labels, including Discovery, Rounder/Bullseye, Sire Records, and Ruf in Germany. Her most recent album, "Guitarded and Feathered," came out in May 2007, featuring guitarist collaborators such
Raised by a body painting hippie musician and a mother with a troubled background, Kane's journey took a turn at 16, when she chose to forgo her aspiration of becoming a professional musician and declined a scholarship to the USC Music Conservatory. Facing the challenges of life in a ghetto and becoming an unwed mother associated with gang culture, she relied on welfare to care for herself and her child. Realizing that welfare benefits were insufficient, Kane ventured into softcore modeling and sex work, eventually gracing the covers of over 150 publications including Hustler and Juggs, and appearing in numerous soft and hardcore adult films.
Kane's writing skills also flourished, as she contributed a monthly advice column to Gent Magazine, while simultaneously engaging with the vibrant punk rock scene of the early 1980s. In Hollywood, she formed country punk bands and connected with a wide array of musicians such as Fear, Black Flag, Social Distortion, The Circle Jerks, and Dwight Yoakam. Her open approach to sexuality earned her respect among the anarchist musicians. She channeled her earnings from sex work into pursuing her musical ambitions, hiring musicians, writing songs, booking studio time, and putting up flyers, all while providing for herself and her child.
In 1986, Kane caught the eye of CBS Records' head, Larry Hanby, leading to a developmental deal and a demo recorded with Val Garay. Although she was initially marketed as a country artist, CBS dropped her upon discovering her controversial past. Following this setback, Kane relocated from Los Angeles to San Diego, wed Thomas Yearsley, bassist for The Paladins, had another son, and began her studies in Women's Studies at a community college. She continued to compose music and found inspiration in the raw blues styles of Big Maybelle, Big Mama Thornton, Etta James, and Bessie Smith.
In 1992, she formed a close friendship with Clifford and Susan Antone, and in 1994, her debut CD, "Home Cookin'," was released under their label. As her second son turned seven, Kane committed to a grueling touring schedule that she maintained throughout her life. Since her initial release with Antone’s, she produced seven albums for various labels, including Discovery, Rounder/Bullseye, Sire Records, and Ruf in Germany. Her most recent album, "Guitarded and Feathered," came out in May 2007, featuring guitarist collaborators such
