Jani Lane (born John Kennedy Oswald, February 1, 1964 – August 11, 2011) was an American recording artist and the lead vocalist, frontman, lyricist and main songwriter for the glam metal band Warrant. Lane cited his parents as the "go-to people" in his personal life. In speaking of his parents, he described his mother, who was a 2nd cousin of Clark Gable, as "his most trusted source of advice" and his father, a multilingual author, as having a "significant impact on my creative and spiritually, 'free thinking' side." Lane's parents have both passed away (Robert in 1995 and Eileen in 2004). In speaking of the passing of his mother Lane was quoted saying "I'm still, and never will be, over my mother's death."
Jani met his mentor and manager, Tom Hulett (who also managed The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Moody Blues), in 1988. Tom was responsible for Lane's first record deal and played an almost "father-like" role in Jani's early career. Tom died of cancer in 1993 leaving Jani in a state of "career limbo" through the rest of the 90's. Jani publicly stated (in referring to his parents and Hulett), "I miss all three of them so much! They were all trusted friends, sources of unconditional love and support and helped keep my moral compass pointed in the right direction!"
In 1990, during the filming of the videoclip for the Warrant single "Cherry Pie," Lane met model Bobbie Brown. By July 1991, the couple were married and in January 1992, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Taylar Jayne Lane. In 1994, in the midst of band troubles, Jani and Bobbie divorced. Lane married his second wife, Rowanne Brewer, in 1996. In 1997, the couple welcomed their daughter, Madison Michelle Lane. Brewer and Lane later divorced. Jani married his third wife, Kimberly Nash, on March 13, 2010.
On August 11, 2011, Lane was found dead at a Comfort Inn hotel in Woodland Hills, California. He was 47 years old. Lane is survived by his wife, Kimberly; a brother, Eric; three sisters, Marcine Williams, Michelle Robinson and Victoria Oswald-Ley; a daughter from his first marriage, Taylar Lane; a daughter from his second marriage, Madison Lane; and two stepdaughters, Ryan and Brittany.
Jani met his mentor and manager, Tom Hulett (who also managed The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Moody Blues), in 1988. Tom was responsible for Lane's first record deal and played an almost "father-like" role in Jani's early career. Tom died of cancer in 1993 leaving Jani in a state of "career limbo" through the rest of the 90's. Jani publicly stated (in referring to his parents and Hulett), "I miss all three of them so much! They were all trusted friends, sources of unconditional love and support and helped keep my moral compass pointed in the right direction!"
In 1990, during the filming of the videoclip for the Warrant single "Cherry Pie," Lane met model Bobbie Brown. By July 1991, the couple were married and in January 1992, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Taylar Jayne Lane. In 1994, in the midst of band troubles, Jani and Bobbie divorced. Lane married his second wife, Rowanne Brewer, in 1996. In 1997, the couple welcomed their daughter, Madison Michelle Lane. Brewer and Lane later divorced. Jani married his third wife, Kimberly Nash, on March 13, 2010.
On August 11, 2011, Lane was found dead at a Comfort Inn hotel in Woodland Hills, California. He was 47 years old. Lane is survived by his wife, Kimberly; a brother, Eric; three sisters, Marcine Williams, Michelle Robinson and Victoria Oswald-Ley; a daughter from his first marriage, Taylar Lane; a daughter from his second marriage, Madison Lane; and two stepdaughters, Ryan and Brittany.
