Janis Joplin Informative Speech

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When thinking about women singers in the sixties one name constantly pops up in my head, Janis Joplin. Nothing is more unique then the raw raspy voice of Janis Joplin. Though her rise and eventual unexpected death was short her voice and words live on through her countless songs. Janis Joplin was born January 19, 1943 in Por Arthur, Texas. Growing up she had a loving family as well as two younger siblings. According to Wikipedia Janis’ mother said, “that Janis always needed more attention than their other children, with her mother stating, "She was unhappy and unsatisfied without [receiving a lot of attention]. The normal rapport wasn't adequate." (Wikipedia.org) Janis and her family avidly attended church, which lead to Joplin eventually joining into the church choir. Joining the choir allowed Joplin to sing more often and in front of people. After graduating high school Joplin attended two separate colleges but never …show more content…

During this time period she was heavily using drugs such as speed and heroin as well as drinking constantly. According to Oxford Music Online, “Her stardom rested solely on her singing style, rather than on her abilities as a songwriter or guitar player like most of her male counterparts in the late 1960s. She clearly modeled her style after blues and rhythm and blues singers such as Bessie Smith and Otis Redding, unlike the more folk-influenced vocal approach favored by other popular white female singers of the era.”(Oxfordmusiconline.com) Joplin had the opportunity to play with such musical artists as Jimi Hendrix, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Joe Cocker at Woodstock in 1969 just before her death. Joplin died on October 4, 1970 due to an overdose of Heroin. She was only twenty-seven years old. Now that I have explained a little background on Joplin’s career as a singer, which I think is very important to understand who she is, I will continue to explain why she was so influential to her

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