The life and music of Janis Joplin

A new book about the rock and blues singer presents a portrait of a gifted, complex and challenging artist who became an iconic trailblazer during her 27 years. Anthony Mason talks with music journalist Holly George-Warren about her biography, "Janis: Her Life and Music."

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[michaelcastro]

Listening to her gives me goosebumps. All that soul and raw energy. She knew how to sing the blues.

[chris_syd]

She was a beautiful and talented musician. She paved the way for female Rock and roll musicians. She is iconic

[georgebrooks]

she still gives me goose bumps, when I hear her music, rock on janis.

[BeatlesCentricUniverse]

How great to see her brother and sister! I wish this was much longer.

[hannahmoran]

I was a little girl the first time I ever heard Janis sing- she barreled her way into my heart like a freight train and has stayed there ever since. A symbol of lost potential, yes, but more than anything, a symbol of freedom and resilience. Janis had tragedy in her life, but she herself was not a tragic figure, always cackling and always passionate about her music and the movement she was a part of. I can only aspire to be that free and have the lust for life that she did one day.

On a side note: I’m stunned that so many comments on here are focusing on how Janis “isn’t a real singer” or even that they are happy she left us. You people are the same ones who gave birth to her demons, and if it hadn’t been for them, Janis would have lived the long life she deserved to. Stop trashing the memory of this incredible woman, and find something productive to do.

[cookiecuteasapuppy]

I’m 36 years old and I’ve been a fan for a long time... my father played her music growing up 🤗.... RIP Janis Joplin... Rock on in heaven 🤗

[uwsgrrl]

When I hear her sing, I get goose bumps & go back to being 16 & the pain I endured when my man married someone else after 5 years together. I always still feel her pain when I hear her sing. The closest I came to seeing her was in Denver 1968. We didn't have tickets but anytime the doors opened, we could hear her sing.

[nghtwtchmn]

Fun fact: Janis Joplin once had a blind date with William Bennett, who was later Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

[davidcopperfield-notthemag]

Janis reminds me so much of my little sister. Body language, intensity, clothes but sweet and insecure inside. My sister also died of an overdose. So sad. I really miss my sister and Janis.

[moviegurl]

Janet was awesome, I discovered her raspy belt voice at the age of 15...there so much pain and honesty in her voice. All these negative comments in this section is just ugly. I can't understand ppl deriving pleasure in downing and knocking someone whos long gone, who paid the highest price for her vices, is that not enough.

Thank you for leaving us a little piece of yourself janis..

[kennedymariahcox]

she didn’t want to be a female elvis presley, she wanted to be a female otis redding

[larrytate]

Thanx CBS for sharing this, ...you always do such a great job on everything you do.

[kaycox]

She was terrific....and treated absolutely and unforgivably horribly by Port Arthur, Texas

[mspeggylee]

[Verse 1]
Busted flat in Baton Rouge, waiting for a train
When I was feeling nearly faded as my jeans
Bobby thumbed a diesel down, just before it rained
And rode us all the way to New Orleans
I pulled my harpoon out of my dirty red bandana
I was playing soft while Bobby sung the blues, yeah
Windshield wipers slapping time I was holding Bobby's hand in mine
We sang every song that driver knew

[Chorus]
Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose
Nothing, I mean nothing, honey if it isn't free, no no
Yeah feeling good was easy Lord, when he sang the blues
You know feeling good was good enough for me
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee

[Verse 2]
From the Kentucky coal mines to the California sun
Yeah, Bobby shared the secrets of my soul
Through all kinds of weather, through everything we done
Yeah, Bobby baby kept me from the cold
One day up near Salinas, Lord, I let him slip away
He's lookin' for that home, and I hope he finds it
But I'd trade all of my tomorrows for one single yesterday
To be holdin' Bobby's body next to mine - original written by Kris Kristofferson

💕Janis Joplin made THIS tune great!🎶☺✌

[omargoodnesssake]

If people want to hear people really sing the blues there are a lot of almost forgotten black American blues singers that Janis, Elvis and others....were inspired by

[Dave-zlky]

I loved her voice. I also understood a few of her addictions as well. Here addrenaline rush was the best.

[larrysouthern]

And she was a Texas girl too!! Always reminded me of Etta James and Tina Turner!!...Iconic...Love You..Janis.. 💘

[SidekicktheWonderDog]

Loved her & still do at 67years old!

[PeaceFan]

Janis: A LEGEND Forever!! Her PASSION as she was singing was Palpable!! xoxoxoxoo

[michaelgaynor]

Janis Joplin was PHENOMENAL! Pearl..Earth is sending Love up!♥️October 20th 2019