Janis Joplin

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As well as being one of the finest rock singers of the 1960s, Janis Joplin was also a great blues singer, making her material her own with her wailing, raspy, supercharged emotional delivery. First rising to stardom as the frontwoman for San Francisco psychedelic band <a href="spotify:artist:4J69yWrKwWJgjv3DKTZcGo">Big Brother & the Holding Company</a>, she left the group in the late '60s for a brief and uneven (though commercially successful) career as a solo artist. Although she wasn't always supplied with the best material or most sympathetic musicians, her best recordings, with both <a href="spotify:artist:4J69yWrKwWJgjv3DKTZcGo">Big Brother</a> and on her own, are some of the most exciting performances of the era. She also did much to redefine the role of women in rock with her assertive, sexually forthright persona and raunchy, electrifying on-stage presence. 

Joplin was raised in the small town of Port Arthur, Texas, and much of her subsequent personal difficulties and unhappiness have been attributed to her inability to fit in with the expectations of the conservative community. She'd been singing blues and folk music since her teens, playing on occasion with future <a href="spotify:artist:2qFr8w5sWUITRlzZ9kZotF">Jefferson Airplane</a> guitarist <a href="spotify:artist:55CXG5KDJpRYwBopfYAJHa">Jorma Kaukonen</a> in the '60s. There are a few live pre-<a href="spotify:artist:4J69yWrKwWJgjv3DKTZcGo">Big Brother</a> recordings (not issued until after her death), reflecting the inspiration of early blues singers like <a href="spotify:artist:5ESobCkc6JI4tIMxQttqeg">Bessie Smith</a>, that demonstrate she was well on her way to developing a personal style before hooking up with the band. She had already been to California before moving there permanently in 1966, when she joined the struggling San Francisco psychedelic group <a href="spotify:artist:4J69yWrKwWJgjv3DKTZcGo">Big Brother & the Holding Company</a>. Although their loose, occasionally sloppy brand of bluesy psychedelia had some charm, there can be no doubt that Joplin -- who initially didn't even sing lead on all of the material -- was primarily responsible for lifting them out of the ranks of the ordinary. She made them a hit at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, where her stunning version of "Ball and Chain" (perhaps her very best performance) was captured on film. After a debut on the <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Mainstream%22">Mainstream</a> label, <a href="spotify:artist:4J69yWrKwWJgjv3DKTZcGo">Big Brother</a> signed a management deal with Albert Grossman and moved to <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Columbia%22">Columbia</a>. Their second album, Cheap Thrills, topped the charts in 1968, but Joplin left the band shortly afterward, enticed by the prospects of stardom as a solo act. 

Joplin's first album, I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!, was recorded with the Kozmic Blues Band, a unit that included horns and retained just one of the musicians that had played with her in <a href="spotify:artist:4J69yWrKwWJgjv3DKTZcGo">Big Brother</a> (guitarist Sam Andrew). Although it was a hit, it wasn't her best work; the new group, though more polished musically, weren't the sympathetic accompanists that <a href="spotify:artist:4J69yWrKwWJgjv3DKTZcGo">Big Brother</a> were, purveying a soul-rock groove that could sound forced. That's not to say the album was totally unsuccessful, boasting one of her signature tunes in "Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)." 

For years, Joplin's life had been a roller coaster of drug addiction, alcoholism, and volatile personal relationships, documented in several biographies. Musically, however, things were on the upswing shortly before her death, as she assembled a better, more versatile backing outfit, the Full Tilt Boogie Band, for her final album Pearl (ably produced by Paul Rothchild). Pearl was solid evidence of her growth into a mature, diverse stylist who could handle blues, soul, and folk-rock. "Mercedes Benz," "Get It While You Can," and <a href="spotify:artist:0vYQRW5LIDeYQOccTviQNX">Kris Kristofferson</a>'s "Me and Bobby McGee" are some of her very best tracks. Tragically, she died before the album's release, overdosing on heroin in a Hollywood hotel room in October 1970. "Me and Bobby McGee" became a posthumous number one single in 1971, and thus the song with which she is most frequently identified. ~ Richie Unterberger, Rovi

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Janis Joplin: Greatest Hits

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Janis Joplin's classic album Pearl along with the rest of her iconic discography in one place!

Janis Joplin: Complete Collection

In her brief but powerful career, Janis Joplin brilliantly connected the traditions of early 20th century blues and ‘60s psychedelic rock with a voice that stunned audiences the world over. You’ll find her greatest works here, from “Piece of My Heart” and &quot;Cry Baby&quot; to “Me and Bobby McGee&quot;.

Dig deeper into Janis' catalog with these deep cuts from her catalog including live  and demo versions of her iconic songs, including “Piece of My Heart”, “Me and Bobby McGee”, “Ball &amp; Chain” and more

Janis Joplin: Deep Cuts

Curated personally by author Holly George-Warren. Featuring “Piece of My Heart,” “Kozmic Blues,” “Me and Bobby McGee” and more career-spanning classics! The highly anticipated new bio ‘Janis: Her Life and Music’ is available now.

Janis: Her Life And Music

The official channel of the Queen of Rock & Roll, JANIS JOPLIN.


Pearl

Janis

Dig deeper into Janis' catalog with these deep cuts from her catalog including live  and demo versions of her iconic songs, including “Piece of My Heart”, “Me and Bobby McGee”, “Ball & Chain” and more.

In her brief but powerful career, Janis Joplin brilliantly connected the traditions of early 20th century blues and ‘60s psychedelic rock with a voice that stunned audiences the world over. From “Piece of My Heart” to “Me and Bobby McGee,” you’ll find her greatest works in this playlist.

Janis Joplin's Greatest Hits

Celebrate 50 years of Janis Joplin's classic album "Pearl"

Originally released on 11th January, 1971, three months after Joplin's passing and eight days before her 28th birthday, Pearl debuted Janis' last completed studio recordings, showcasing what the influential American country-soul-blues-rock singer was capable of delivering.

50 Years of Pearl

Janis Joplin: Covers

Janis Joplin: Interviews

Big Brother & The Holding Company

Cheap Thrills

I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!

Live at Winterland '68

Live At The Carousel Ballroom 1968

Joplin In Concert

Farewell Song

Love, Janis

18 Essential Songs

Super Hits

On Janis

Official Lyric Videos

I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama! (1969)

Janis Joplin Live

Happy Birthday to the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. 🖤#JanisJoplin

Happy Birthday Janis Joplin!

Explore the iconic years of Janis Joplin with these newly released, never seen before archival photos from the Janis Joplin Archive. Taken by Ray Anderson in San Francisco in 1967 or 1968, these stunning images capture the legendary star at the peak of her career. Available now as fine art prints through the Morrison Hotel Gallery: https://found.ee/JanisMorrisonHotelGallery

Janis Morrison Hotel

Kickin’ off the week with this Queen of Rock N’ Roll classic 🌓

Stream “Half Moon” and the rest of the legendary PEARL album at the link in bio.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Kickin’ off the week with this Queen of Rock N’ Roll classic 🌓

“The erotic quivers which shook [Janis’] frame when she sang told the audience she was enjoying every minute of it. When questioned about her singing..she said, ‘Maybe I won't last as long as other singers, but I think you can destroy your now worrying about tomorrow.’” -COLUMBIA DAILY SPECTATOR

Janis poured every bit of herself into her performances, living fully in the moment. As she once said, “Maybe I won’t last as long as other singers, but I think you can destroy your now worrying about tomorrow.” ❤️

Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

"I think you can destroy your now worrying about tomorrow.” ❤️

On this day in July 1969, Janis Joplin made her first appearance on The Dick Cavett Show. When Cavett referred to her as a “star,” Janis humbly replied, “Just call me a singer.”

Catch the full interview at the link in bio.

On this day in July 1969, Janis Joplin made her first appearance on The Dick Cavett Show.

Janis Joplin had a way of bringing her audience to life with her incredible voice and energy. At Woodstock ’69, she proved just how captivating she could be when the band dropped out during “Ball and Chain.” Janis kept singing a cappella, showing everyone she didn’t need the music to keep the crowd hooked—her voice was all it took.

Listen to Janis sing live here: https://found.ee/JoplinInConcert-3 

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Janis Joplin - Ball and Chain at Woodstock 1969

Don't miss 'Janis: Little Girl Blue' on PBS' 'American Masters' May 3 at 8/7c: http://www.pbs.org/show/american-masters ‪#‎JanisJoplinPBS‬

Oscar-nominated documentarian Amy Berg examines the meteoric rise and untimely fall of one of the most revered and iconic rock ‘n’ roll singers of all time: Janis Joplin. Joplin’s life story is revealed for the first time on film through electrifying archival footage, revealing interviews with friends and family and rare personal letters, presenting an intimate and insightful portrait of a bright, complicated artist who changed music forever.


Official Selection
2015 Venice Film Festival
2015 Toronto International Film Festival
2015 DOC NYC
2015 BFI London Film Festival
2015 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam

Janis: Little Girl Blue: May 3 at 8/7c on American Masters

This 1998 documentary shares the true story of how Janis Joplin bought a 1965 Porsche 356c Cabriolet, and turned it into one of the most recognizable cars on the West Coast in her time - and one of the most recognizable cars in the world today. Enjoy the history of "The History Of The Universe"! 

Note: The end of the film indicates that the vehicle is still parked at the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. On December 10, it will be a part of Sotheby's "Driven By Disruption" Auction in New York City!

The History Channel Reveals The Story of Janis Joplin's Porsche

Janis onstage. That’s it. That’s the post.

📹: Monterey Pop Festival, 1967.

#Janis60

Janis onstage. That’s it. That’s the post.

Forever our Little Girl Blue... 💙

Sit down with Janis and Big Brother and the Holding Company back in ‘67, rehearsing their version of “Down On Me” and talking about the San Francisco music scene 🎥

Watch the full video here: https://found.ee/BBHCKTVU

Janis and Big Brother and the Holding Company in '67.

JANIS JOPLIN: DAYS & SUMMERS – SCRAPBOOK 1966-68, the official limited edition book and vinyl set, is now available for pre-order! Janis’ personal scrapbook is revealed for the first time, featuring previously unpublished items from Janis' personal archive and an exclusive manuscript from many close friends including Grace Slick and Kris Kristofferson. DAYS & SUMMERS offers a fascinating new account of Janis' extraordinary life and career. 

Get closer to Janis and reserve your copy today: https://found.ee/DaysAndSummers

JANIS JOPLIN: DAYS & SUMMERS – SCRAPBOOK 1966-68

1970: Janis Joplin live, singing Cry Baby. Raw emotion, powerful voice, unforgettable performance🎤

Which Janis hit is your favorite to hear live?

1970: Janis Joplin live, singing Cry Baby.

“As a young woman in the early Sixties, Janis Joplin was pushing the era’s boundaries well before she ever recorded a note.” -ROLLING STONE.

Happy Birthday to the Queen Rock N’ Roll, Janis Joplin 💜

Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Happy Birthday to the Queen Rock N’ Roll, Janis Joplin 💜

Janis Joplin - Overheard In The Studio 1

Listen to Janis Joplin: https://JanisJoplin.lnk.to/listenYD
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#JanisJoplin #PEARL50 #Pearl #Rock

Janis Joplin - Overheard in the Studio 1

Warm weather is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate Janis this spring than with one of her T-shirts?! 

All this and more available at the link in bio.

Janis Joplin Merch

PROCEEDS FOR SALE for the “Janis” exhibition, about two of the world's greatest rock icons: Janis Joplin.

📅 Opening: April 16

▶️ Curated by André Sturm, director-general of MIS, the exhibition will feature more than 300 items by American singer, composer, and world rock icon, Janis Joplin. The public will be able to confer, for the first time in Brazil, figurines, photographs, manuscripts, and many other items from the collection, donated to the artist's family, directly from Los Angeles/USA.

🟡 HIGHLIGHTS: various letters and bills written by Janis (especially for her family), photos of presentations, along with pieces of clothing and accessories (socks, ponytails, bracelets, colares, aneis, oculos). The highest point of the exhibition will be a room dedicated to the singer's love for Brazil, which will show visitors the moments the artist spent in Rio de Janeiro, during the 1970 Carnival.

Tickets available at the link in bio.

#TudoViraCultSP #CultutaSP #CultSP

PROCEEDS FOR SALE for the “Janis” exhibition

“This is a picture of a girl who looks something like me (she has a fat face) who is sitting in front of me too.” -Janis Joplin, 1965.

This piece is titled “A Lot Like Me.” What couldn’t Janis do?!

Get your print of this masterpiece at the link in bio.

This piece is titled “A Lot Like Me.”

When Melissa Etheridge, Juliette Lewis, and P!nk talk about Janis Joplin, it’s more than influence... it’s recognition.

They speak to the fearlessness, honesty, and the way Janis lived and sang without apology. Different generations, same connection to the woman who showed what it meant to be loud, vulnerable, and real.

Janis didn’t just change music. She made space for everyone who came after. 🎤🔥

📹: American Masters PBS, 2016.

Melissa Ethridge, Juliette Lewis & Pink on Janis Joplin

“Can't you just take a look at me and tell
Tell that I live, honey, I live and I breathe for you” ❤️

Send this to your Valentine. 🌹

Send this to your Valentine. 🌹

“Janis was not only just singing to them; she was singing for them.”
-Holly George-Warren, writer of JANIS: HER LIFE AND MUSIC.

Which Janis tune do you feel she’s singing for you?

Get your own copy of JANIS: HERE LIFE AND MUSIC at the link in bio.

Which Janis tune do you feel she’s singing for you?

“The paradox of power and pain in [Janis’] music captured a generation coming of age during the free love movement.” -LIFETIME

Don’t forget the power of her stage presence🔥

#Janis60

Don’t forget the power of her stage presence🔥

Happy Birthday to the one and only Janis Joplin! From her Texas roots to Queen of Rock N’ Roll, her voice and spirit continue to inspire 60 years later.

Celebrate her legacy with the HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANIS playlist at the link in bio.

📸 Getty Images

#Janis60

Happy Birthday, Janis Joplin!

These two 😂

📹: Janis on The Dick Cavett Show, July 1969.

#Janis60

Janis Joplin

Live at the Grande Ballroom Detroit; March 2, 1968

The Legendary Typewriter Tape: 6/25/64 Jorma's House

Woodstock Sunday August 17, 1969 (Live)

Sex, Dope & Cheap Thrills

Live At The Carousel Ballroom 1968

Janis

Joplin In Concert

Pearl (Legacy Edition)

I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!

Janis Joplin Live At Winterland '68

Hesitation Blues

Rock Clássico

On Your 60's Radio

Flashback Internacional

Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives

This Is Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin Radio

Rock Classics

All Out 70s