Janis Joplin's Milestones

Janis Joplin was an American rock singer known for her powerful, blues-influenced vocals and electric stage presence, becoming an icon of the 1960s counterculture before her death at age 27.
1943

Birth

Janis Lyn Joplin was born in Port Arthur, Texas, to Dorothy Bonita East and Seth Ward Joplin.

Family January 19, 1943

Early childhood

Grew up in a middle-class family in Port Arthur, showing early signs of being different from her peers.

Family January 19, 1943 - January 1, 1950
1950

Started singing

Began singing in church choir and developing her powerful vocal style influenced by blues and folk music.

Other January 1, 1950 - January 1, 1960
1957

High school struggles

Attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, where she was bullied and felt like an outcast.

Education September 1, 1957 - June 1, 1960
1960

First performance

Gave her first public performance at a local coffeehouse, singing folk songs.

Achievement January 1, 1960
1962

University of Texas

Attended University of Texas at Austin, studying art and getting involved in the folk music scene.

Education September 1, 1962 - May 1, 1963
1963

Moved to San Francisco

Moved to San Francisco and became part of the North Beach folk scene, performing at coffeehouses.

Location January 1, 1963

First recording

Made her first recording singing folk songs with Jorma Kaukonen (later of Jefferson Airplane).

Achievement December 1, 1963
1965

Returned to Texas

Returned to Texas and enrolled at Lamar University, but continued struggling with her identity and future.

Location January 1, 1965 - May 1, 1966
1966

Joined Big Brother and the Holding Company

Moved back to San Francisco and joined the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company as lead singer.

Career June 1, 1966
1967

Monterey Pop Festival

Delivered a breakthrough performance at the Monterey Pop Festival, establishing her as a major rock star.

Achievement June 18, 1967
1968

Cheap Thrills album

Released 'Cheap Thrills' with Big Brother, which became a huge commercial success and reached #1 on the charts.

Achievement August 1, 1968

Left Big Brother

Left Big Brother and the Holding Company to pursue a solo career, feeling creatively constrained.

Career December 1, 1968
1969

Formed Kozmic Blues Band

Formed Janis Joplin and Her Kozmic Blues Band, releasing the album 'I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!'

Career January 1, 1969 - January 1, 1970

Relationship with Peggy Caserta

Had an on-and-off relationship with Peggy Caserta, one of her most significant romantic relationships.

Relationship January 1, 1969 - August 1, 1970

Woodstock Festival

Performed at Woodstock Festival, though she was dissatisfied with her performance due to technical issues.

Achievement August 17, 1969
1970

Formed Full Tilt Boogie Band

Formed the Full Tilt Boogie Band, which became her backing band for her final recordings.

Career May 1, 1970

Relationship with Seth Morgan

Became engaged to Seth Morgan, a Berkeley student, planning to marry him after completing her album.

Relationship August 1, 1970 - October 4, 1970

Started Pearl album

Began recording what would become her final album 'Pearl' at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles.

Career September 1, 1970 - October 3, 1970

Final recording session

Completed her last recording session, finishing most of 'Pearl' except for the vocals on 'Buried Alive in the Blues.'

Achievement October 1, 1970

Death

Found dead in her room at the Landmark Motor Hotel in Hollywood from a heroin overdose at age 27.

Other October 4, 1970
1971

Pearl album released

'Pearl' was released posthumously and became her most successful album, reaching #1 and going multi-platinum.

Achievement January 11, 1971
1995

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing her influence on rock music.

Achievement January 12, 1995
2013

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing her legacy in music history.

Achievement November 4, 2013