Profile of the Day: Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin

Do you have a favorite Janis Joplin song? Today we remember the legendary singer on the 46th anniversary of her death.

Janis Lyn Joplin was born on January 19, 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas. From an early age, Joplin had a love of music. It was in her teens that she was first introduced to blues and jazz.

Joplin was known for her bluesy, uninhibited, and gutsy singing style that was not seen in other female artists of the time. In 1966, she joined the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company and soon found her fame on the rise. As her popularity began to skyrocket, Joplin left the band to pursue a solo career.

Throughout her career, Joplin struggled with alcohol and drugs. Sadly, she died on October 4, 1970 of a heroin overdose. Her death at the age of 27 shocked the world. It had come just 16 days after the sudden death of Jimi Hendrix, who was also 27. Joplin’s last album, Pearl, was released shortly after her death and became the most successful album of her career. Today, she is remembered as one of the most original voices in music history.

How are you related to Janis Joplin? Explore her family tree and discover your connection to the iconic singer.
 

View Janis Joplin’s Geni Profile

Image: Wikimedia Commons