Remembering Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin aka Pearl was born January 19, 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas to Scott and Ethel ‘Big Mama’ Joplin. Scott worked as a pianist and Ethel slung hash at a truck stop.

Janis hated Port Arthur and left as soon as she could. She was bullied by classmates including future Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson. Johnson known as a douchey meat head with the helmet hair voted Janis ‘Ugliest Boy’. It is rumored that Johnson had it in for Janis because she once walked in on Jimmy and another football team member playing naked twister.

The GOAT

Janis took off for San Francisco and never looked back, taking the world by storm. Monterey, Woodstock, ‘Bobby McGee’, Janis became the most influential female singer of all time. Girls are still singing her songs on American Idol and other open mics all over the world. Pink & Stevie Nicks consider her their main influence.

Janis Joplin Illustration By Paul King Art

As a performer, Janis was second to none. She gave it her all, she opened up her heart and bled all over that stage. She was the real deal and sang from the heart. At the end of a performance, you knew Janis gave you everything she had. She left it all on the stage and went home alone.

Janis cursed like a truck driver, did not believe in wearing undergarments, was rarely seen without her bottle of Southern Comfort and delighted in playing the role of sexual aggressor. But on the other hand, Janis was a vulnerable little girl. She was only 27 when she died. Janis gave the world her all. She was too great for the world. We love you Janis!

1.7 Million

A pair of soiled Hanes underpants once owned by Janis Joplin was sold at auction for $1.7 million. Janis wore the the underpants at Woodstock and discarded them in the woods. They were bought at auction by Claude Daniels, a collector from Woodland Hills California. Mr. Daniels has a huge collection of curiosities which includes Milton Berle’s Jock Strap and Lady Bird Johnson’s diaphragm.