One of the most influential rock artists to ever grace a concert stage is getting her due this week as the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame honors Janis Joplin.
Joplin’s career was short but glorious. But during the four years from when she joined Big Brother & The Holding Company in 1966 to her death from a heroin overdose in 1970, Joplin’s bluesy voice captivated music fans the world over. She was tough, down home and very rock ‘n’ roll.
As part of its American Music Masters series, the Hall Of Fame and Case Western University are hosting talks by those who knew Joplin, including family members, her former road manager and Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen.
There’s also a tribute show scheduled for Saturday featuring Lucinda Williams, Country Joe McDonald, Guy Clark, Nona Hendryx, Bettye Lavette, Gregg Rolie, Susan Tedeschi, Carolyn Wonderland, Ray Benson, Michael Carabello, Roky Erickson, Nick Gravenites, Powell St. John, and Bob Neuwirth, who wrote the song “Mercedes Benz” which appeared on Joplin’s Pearl album released four month’s after her death.
A limited number of VIP event packages starting at $250 are available. For more information, click here for the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Web site.