Jane Norman – better known in the 1960s and 1970s as Philadelphia kid show host Pixanne – was so much more than just another pretty face. She was one of the brightest, most talented and most popular kid show hosts anywhere, ever.

 

Jane was born in Philadelphia’s East Oak Lane section and by the age of 3 was a Mozart-like musical prodigy who played classical piano and composed. At the age of 8, she composed a piece that was performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. By her mid-teens, she was acting in and directing professional theater.

     

After graduating from Olney High School and Temple University, Jane became a kindergarten teacher whose innovative musical and theatrical teaching style delighted children and parents alike and eventually caught the eye of a television producer. She donned a sexy green pixie outfit and rest is history. “The Pixanne Show” began in Philadelphia and was later nationally syndicated.

 

At its peak, the show pulled in higher ratings than Captain Kangaroo, the early evening news, and nearly every other show on network television. Children loved the way Pixanne magically flew through the air at the beginning and end of each show. They loved her songs and her stories. Parents loved the show’s wholesomeness, and teachers happily recognized its educational value.

 

When “Pixanne” ended its 17-year run, Jane refused to sit around and collect pixie dust. She traveled down not one but many exciting new career paths – author, home repair/remodeling guru, producer, motivational speaker, talk show host, and (of course) musician. She became a successful recording artist and cabaret performer, showing the world she had plenty of magic in her yet.

 

Jane Norman's entire life was a happy Philadelphia story about a lovely, talented pixie who brightened the city's landscape for many decades.

 

​Fly, Pixanne, fly.