ENCORE OF THE MONTH
January, 2020
Janis Joplin
I found myself at a fringe festival hole in the wall venue. The one man show was part theater production that was based on the premise that the man on stage was a medium who would channel celebrities and musicians who are no longer with us. He did this little thing with his hair and bang he was possessed. One of the stars he became was Janis Joplin. I have to be honest, I had heard of her but knew very little. Her back story was so sad. I had to hear what she actually sounded like. When I listened to 'Piece of My Heart' I wanted to cry.
She was an addict who was totally exploited by her record company. She died from a drug overdose at the age of 27. In her life time she only released four albums, two with her band Big Brother and the Holding Company and two as a solo artist. When I listen to her music I can't help but think that her voice was made for indie rock.
Janis played all the big festivals of her day from Woodstock to Monterey. Her performances tap into a raw emotion that blows my mind.
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