Janis Joplin was an artist who gave a piece of herself with every performance. She had an overwhelming talent for invoking the spirit of a song, delving deep within to draw the raw emotion to the surface, dancing between vulnerability and power during her electric delivery.
Janis' depth of knowing and connection could not be explained by her brief 27 years on Earth – if ever there was an artist who embodied the term ‘old soul’ it was her. While it’s tempting to imagine the insight and perspective a 79-year-old Janis might have to offer the world today, we should never forget to treasure the precious moments we had.
So, let’s raise a Southern Comfort to the lady affectionately known as 'Pearl' and take some time to appreciate her 1969 performance of the Gershwin classic, Summertime. No adjectives can aptly describe the delivery of this song that hovers so perfectly between a haunting wail and a teeth-rattling scream, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Enjoy.
Happy Birthday to a fearless rock and roll icon who broke the mould in every way!
READ MORE: THARPE, THORNTON & TURNER: THE WOMEN OF COLOUR WHO SHAPED ROCK 'N' ROLL
Listen to Janis Joplin on Spotify:
Listen to Janis Joplin on Apple Music:
