Jan Preston was born in Greymouth on New Zealand's remote South Island. Despite having few opportunities, she was privileged to grow up at a time when communities gathered around the piano to joyously sing together. Jan was one of only four students, from across New Zealand, to win a prestigious scholarship to study a classical piano degree at Auckland University. This love of classical music led her to experiment with different styles of music and eventually led her to her love of Boogie.

In 1980 her rock band Coup D’Etat's song “Doctor I Like Your Medicine” was a No. 1 hit.  Following this success, Jan moved to Sydney, playing in bands and piano bars as well as composing music for films. Jan is also a renowned composer who composed the theme music to ABC TV's Australian Story (2000 to 2006). She has also appeared on ABC TV's Spicks and Specks.

Her composition Trout Blues is currently played as the theme music to BBC Radio London "Evenings" program with Jo Good, on 94.9 FM (London). Jan has also written and performed live scores for silent movies and won the Best Music in A Documentary by the Australian Guild of Screen Composers and other awards.

Hear Jan on ABC Listen - 'A Brief history of boogie-woogie'.