Janis Joplin was born in Port Arthur, Texas on October 4th, 1943 - today is her 80th birthday. We celebrate her life and work.
In Laura Joplin’s biography ‘Love Janis’, Laura writes…’Janis Joplin blazed across the sixties music scene, electrifying audiences with her staggering voice and the way she seemed to pour her very soul into her music. No one who saw her onstage ever forgot her.’ Laura goes on to write…’Janis truly became her own in the fantastic, psychedelic, acid-soaked world of Haight-Ashbury. Here is Janis living in a commune with the members of her band, Big Brother and the Holding Company; taking her bewildered family to a “happening” at the Avalon ballroom; hanging out with the Grateful Dead; breaking out in triumphant performances at Monterey and in New York City; being acclaimed as the greatest blues singer since Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith.’
Does this not totally capture “our Janis?”
Janis, thank you for your legacy, and your music!
Len Rhodes
Original Music Arranger, Orchestrator and Music Director - “One Night With Janis Joplin” - Portland Centre Stage 2012.