Janice Gilbert is an award-winning songwriter, performer, and music educator from rural South Dakota. She began singing at an early age in her church and community before gaining recognition as the 2004 Dakota Star Talent Search winner at the South Dakota State Fair. That opportunity led to a recording session with C-Sharp Productions and set her on a path into songwriting and performance. In 2006, Janice moved to Nashville, where she taught music, wrote with many talented songwriters, and frequently performed at writers’ clubs, including the Bluebird Café. In 2012, she won the Bluebird Café’s 30th Anniversary Songwriting Contest with her song No One Has to Go to Be Gone, later featured on The White Wall Sessions. After releasing three albums in Nashville, Janice returned to South Dakota in 2013, where she continues to perform across the region and share her original music. Her songs draw from her Midwest roots, blending down-home storytelling with contemporary country influences.

Hometown: Miller, SD

Primary Instrument: Piano / Guitar

Influences: Barry Dean, Diane Warren, Don Henry, Chris Wallen

Signature Song: She Can Haul (written for her older sister, whose dream was to take over the family farm)

First Performance: SDSU’s talent show Cavorts as a freshman in college

Biggest Musical Achievement: Writing and releasing her own music independently; winning the Bluebird Café’s 30th Anniversary Songwriting Contest.

Dream Collaboration: Writing a song with Trisha Yearwood

Favorite Lyric: “Dancing in the July snow falling down from the Cottonwood trees.” (Summer, Stay With Me)

Fun Fact: She has a hobby of singing the National Anthem at sporting events, including appearances with the Chicago White Sox and the Minnesota Twins (three times in person, twice virtually during Covid).