janis joplin takes the stage
To experience Janis Joplin performing, says biographer Myra Friedman, "was to be sucked into a maelstrom of feeling that words can barely suggest." Joplin gripped audiences with her charisma and costumes, changing destinies of future legends, like Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett and Melissa Etheridge. Joplin gave the new women of rock no choice but to pursue the stage.
When she played the Monterey Pop Festival with Big Brother and the Holding Company, Joplin became the pivotal rock and roll frontwoman who changed the face of music as we knew it. Her raspy mezzo-soprano infused blues and soul into a rock scene rife with men, drugs and guitars. She recorded three gold-certified albums between 1967 and 1970, inspiring generations of performers as much with her music as her legendary persona.
But for all the gender barriers she busted in rock, Joplin curbed her potential with drug and alcohol addiction. She flourished during the era of psychedelia and drug abuse, leaving a mix of influential music and disturbing stage performances that foretold her tragic end. Her bestselling album, Pearl, with its powerful vocals and affectionate blues, gave just a glimpse at what she could have become.
Read more about Janis Joplin's life and legacy, and then view the full schedule of this year's American Music Masters celebration of her works.
live at woodstock»
Janis Joplin played Woodstock in 1969 with her Kozmic Blues Band. The 10-song set included "Summertime," "Piece of My Heart" and "Work Me, Lord." Watch clips from the festival and then tune into JanisTV.