The ARIA award-nominated artist is from South Australia and was popular around Wagga for her frequent performances at the RSL.

Jean Haste was one of Ms Seidel’s closest friends. They met in the early 1990’s at a jazz show in Wangaratta and Ms Haste had fond memories of the singer.

“Janet loved Wagga,” she said.

“We had a great friendship and I always used to get her to come here and perform in some of the big jazz shows we had.

“She was in a band with her brother as well and always loved singing on stage with him.

“It was a very sad day when she passed away.”

A fan of embracing different cultures, Ms Seigel often found herself on tour in Britain, the US, Europe, the Middle East, and south-east Asia.

Japan was her “favourite” place to go outside of Australia, Ms Haste said, because of the “warm and friendly reception she would always receive”.

“Janet was just fascinated with Japan and she always loved going back there,” she said.

“She always spoke very fondly of Japan when she came back, whether from touring or just a visit.”

Janet will be remembered for her trademark girlish voice and ability to blend the ingenue with the sophisticate.