Singer: Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin, born Janis Lyn Joplin on January 19, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, was an American singer-songwriter known for her powerful, soulful voice and electric stage presence.

Rising to fame in the late 1960s, Joplin became a leading figure in the counterculture movement and a symbol of the era’s rock and roll spirit. She first gained attention as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company, delivering unforgettable performances at events like the Monterey Pop Festival. Joplin’s solo career further cemented her status with hits like “Piece of My Heart,” “Cry Baby,” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” Her emotional, raw vocal style and blues-influenced rock captivated audiences worldwide.

Tragically, Joplin’s life was cut short when she died of a heroin overdose on October 4, 1970, at the age of 27, but her impact on music and culture remains indelible.