Jan joined Smokin in 2006. He started playing professionally as a vocalist and percussionist in 1959 with "Sam & the Twisters until 1968. From 1968 through 1975 Jan performed with "The Livin'-Ennd". In 1976 he formed and performed in "Too-Loose" through 1994. From 1993 through 2006, Jan was the founding member and drummer/vocalist of "The Cobblerockers". In 1994 Jan was a member of the first inductees into the Syracuse Music Hall of Fame (SAMMYS) as a member of Sam & the Twisters. As a former member of Sam and the Twisters and The Livin Ennd, Jan has several local records to his credit including Fooba Wooba John and The Transylvania Twist.