Janis Joplin's Milestones
Birth
Janis Lyn Joplin was born in Port Arthur, Texas, to Dorothy Bonita East and Seth Ward Joplin.
Early childhood
Grew up in a middle-class family in Port Arthur, showing early signs of being different from her peers.
Started singing
Began singing in church choir and developing her powerful vocal style influenced by blues and folk music.
High school struggles
Attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, where she was bullied and felt like an outcast.
First performance
Gave her first public performance at a local coffeehouse, singing folk songs.
University of Texas
Attended University of Texas at Austin, studying art and getting involved in the folk music scene.
Moved to San Francisco
Moved to San Francisco and became part of the North Beach folk scene, performing at coffeehouses.
First recording
Made her first recording singing folk songs with Jorma Kaukonen (later of Jefferson Airplane).
Returned to Texas
Returned to Texas and enrolled at Lamar University, but continued struggling with her identity and future.
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.
Monterey Pop Festival
Delivered a breakthrough performance at the Monterey Pop Festival, establishing her as a major rock star.
Cheap Thrills album
Released 'Cheap Thrills' with Big Brother, which became a huge commercial success and reached #1 on the charts.
Left Big Brother
Left Big Brother and the Holding Company to pursue a solo career, feeling creatively constrained.
Formed Kozmic Blues Band
Formed Janis Joplin and Her Kozmic Blues Band, releasing the album 'I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!'
Relationship with Peggy Caserta
Had an on-and-off relationship with Peggy Caserta, one of her most significant romantic relationships.
Woodstock Festival
Performed at Woodstock Festival, though she was dissatisfied with her performance due to technical issues.
Formed Full Tilt Boogie Band
Formed the Full Tilt Boogie Band, which became her backing band for her final recordings.
Relationship with Seth Morgan
Became engaged to Seth Morgan, a Berkeley student, planning to marry him after completing her album.
Started Pearl album
Began recording what would become her final album 'Pearl' at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles.
Final recording session
Completed her last recording session, finishing most of 'Pearl' except for the vocals on 'Buried Alive in the Blues.'
Death
Found dead in her room at the Landmark Motor Hotel in Hollywood from a heroin overdose at age 27.
Pearl album released
'Pearl' was released posthumously and became her most successful album, reaching #1 and going multi-platinum.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing her influence on rock music.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing her legacy in music history.