Jana Lapel has been singing since the age of three. She grew up in a musical family in Iowa and hosted and sang on her own radio show at age 16. Jana’s career was launched in Chicago nightclubs, theatre productions, film and radio and television commercials. Her “international credits” come from performances in Europe, Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.

Jana moved to Edmonton, Alberta Canada in the mid-seventies and became part of the local music and theatre community. She taught voice at MacEwan College and created “Christy Clown & Friends”…a popular musical theatre style clown troupe. For several years Jana produced and hosted on Edmonton’s channel 10 and created a series for children called “Recess”. After a 14 month stint of performing in the Minneapolis area she returned to Edmonton as part of the CKER Radio team. She continued there for nearly 15 years as a writer, on air host and interviewer for Christian programming. During these years Jana began to share her own “story” through a speaking and singing ministry in both the U.S. and Canada.

Jana has enjoyed much success in the professional entertainment industry, but her personal story was marred by having come through the aftermath of child abuse, broken marriages, and self esteem issues. Jana has described her journey with the lyrics of a verse found in “Amazing Grace”…. “through many dangers, toils and snares…I have already come!”

In her upcoming autobiography “Under the Makeup It’s Me”…she reveals how she hid for years behind the “masks” of the many roles she played, and how she emerged as a “victor” rather than remaining a victim through God’s love and grace.

In 1990 Jana met Gerry Denis (the man whose initials were G.O. D.) while they were both attending a support group which allowed them to get to know each other “inside out”! They soon knew that their meeting was a “match made in heaven” and it grew to become the unconditional love they had both longed for. Gerry also fell in love with clowning and joined the “Christy Clown & Friends” troupe, performing for 16 years as “Denee the Clown” the balloon animal artist.

(See Tribute to Gerry O. Denis/”Denee the Clown”)



Gerry also worked in the school system as a scribe and tutor for disabled students. Their faith in God and His Word sustained them during the nine years of Gerry’s cancer battle. On April 18, 2007 they celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary with a renewal of their vows as Gerry’s life was coming to an end. The next day he assured Jana “My God is taking care of me!” On April 20, 2007 he peacefully slept as he completed his earthly journey.

Gerry’s death has presented Jana with yet another challenge to overcome in her new “role” as a widow. Once again she turns to Psalm 40 for hope. “He picked me up out of the pit of despair, set my feet on a rock and put a new song in my mouth.” Jana is trusting God to turn this experience into another “chapter” that may be helpful in sharing with others who are hurting from loss and disappointment.

Jana’s CD entitled “I’m So Glad” is based on Psalm 92.4 which proclaims: “Lord I am so in awe of what you have done for me…no wonder I’m so glad I sing for joy!” This collection of inspirational songs will encourage the brokenhearted, inspire the determined and bring hope to those who have a heart for the Lord. She once sang for the Queen (1978 Commonwealth Games) Now she is singing for the KING!