Few rock singers have had the enduring impact of Janis Joplin, whose raucous
voice, larger-than-life personality, excessive lifestyle and early death at 27
made her a legend, inspiring generations of fiery, strong-willed female singers.
Joplin always saw herself as an outsider, even in her schooldays growing up in
Texas, and became a hard-drinking rebel captivated by blues greats like Bessie
Smith and Leadbelly. In 1963 she moved to San Francisco, became embroiled in the
Haight Ashbury psychedelic scene and teamed up with guitarist Jorma Kaukonen to
sing blues. Her uninhibited vo...