The one time member of the Red Mole theatrical troupe, Midge Marsden’s Country Flyers, pop group Coup D’Etat and Australian group The Tribe, Preston has recorded more than 10 solo albums since she moved to Australia in 1981.
Prominent New Zealand filmmaker Gaylene Preston is Jan Preston's sister.
Whilst Jan was playing in a restaurant in Australia she ended up playing for British comedy legend ( and jazzer) Spike Milligan. On the first night he really enjoyed her performance. Spike came back to eat the following night. Jan wasn't playing so Milligan asked if she could be contacted to come in.