Janis Joplin (1943 - 1970)

An independent and unconventional teenager, Janis Joplin finds inspiration in blues singers and the Beat Generation and decides to settle in San Francisco in 1963 where she rapidly sings in the city's clubs. She also begins a dangerous consumption of drugs and alcohol and her friends, alarmed by the negative effects of their use, bring her back to her native Texas. In 1966, she joins the group, Big Brother and the Holding Company – a hippie psychedelic rock band that releases popular tunes such as Pieces of my Heart carried by the raw, powerful and tormented voice of the singer. Janis Joplin soon emerges as a celebrated star and she forms the Kozmic Blue Band followed by the Full Tilt Boogie Band that emphasize her signature style made of colourful feathers in the hair, round sunglasses bohemian and tie dye frocks. Having imposed herself in a rock environment dominated by men and the incarnation of the 1960s Flower Power, Janis Joplin nonetheless did not manage to overcome her inner demons and died of a heroine overdose, joining the sadly famous 27 Club just a few weeks after Jimi Hendrix. The singer who liked to be called Pearl had planned a huge party after her death, insisting that the 'drinks are on Pearl'.