Janis Joplin
She was a rebel within a generation of rebels. She did drugs, drank alcohol, and sang the blues. She rose to stardom with Big Brother and the Holding Company, and branched out as a solo artist in 1969. Unfortunately, like so many amazing musicians, Janis Joplin died way before her time in October of 1970 at the youthful age of 27.
During her short time on earth she expanded peoples’ views on what a beautiful voice was. Most female singers before her and during her career had smooth, delicate voices that would drift over sweet harmonies and lyrics. Janis came into the rock and blues world and changed all of that. According to an article on Janis Joplin History – Rock 4 Share, she was able to spend time recording songs with legends like Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane before joining Big Brother and the Holding Company.
Her raspy voice became legendary and resonated the lyrics it sang with listeners around the world. You really felt the songs Janis would sing. Like with the famous track Me and Bobby McGee, it was almost like she was telling you the story over a drink at a bar. Download music of hers and you’ll see. You’re right on that journey with her when you’re listening. It’s honestly impossible for me not sing along:
“One day up near Salinas, I let him slip away
He’s looking for that home and I hope he finds it,
But I’d trade all of my tomorrows for one single yesterday
To be holding Bobby’s body next to mine
Oh freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose
Nothin, that’s all that Bobby left me
Oh feelin’ good was easy oh when he sang the blues
You know feelin’ good was good enough for me
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee”
By 1969 she was troublesomely addicted to speed and heroin and was beyond help. One year later she would die of an overdose at 27 years of age.
Leaving a legacy behind, it’s been said that Janis paved the way for musicians like Stevie Nicks and other women in rock music (in the opinion of MOG). It’s clear that she made a mark in the revolution of women’s involvement in the music industry. Even today, young people are being introduced to her music with the persistent sales of her Greatest Hits album, which has reached 7 million copies sold in the US. Source: Blog Critics.Org.
Although her career was incredibly brief, she made a lasting impression in American music history with tracks like Mercedes Benz, Cry Baby, Tell Mama, Summertime, Get It While You Can, Trust Me, A Woman Left Lonely… I could keep going and going. For someone who only produced music for about 6 years, she sure did leave a legacy. Long after her death, she would become inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammy Awards. If only she was still around to see.
Here is a video clip of Janis performing Summertime live:
And here she is performing another another classic, Maybe:
Recently there has been speculation that Twilight producer Wyck Godfrey will be behind the production of a film depicting the legendary star, and that Amy Adams has been casted to play Janis. Many people have been surprised at the cast selection, wondering if Adams will be able to pull off the difficult role. Read on at TheEpochTimes.com.
Tags: Big Brother and the Holding Company, Bobby McGee, Grammy Awards, Jefferson Airplane, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
I never knew this much about Janis. My mother always used to have her albums on and I know that she is revered for her amazing voice but that video of Summertime inspired me to find more out.
The Porsche is fantastic, do you have a favorite track by Big Brother and the Holding Company to recommend to me?
What a shame she was lost to us so young, I too love all her music and have a soft spot for her early days with Big Brother.
A great American songstress that will always have a place in the history of great music.
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