Janis Lyn Joplin was an American singer and guitarist who was born on January 19, 1943. She was one of the most successful and well-known rock stars of her era, with powerful mezzo-soprano vocals and an “electric” stage presence.

Joplin rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the then-unknown San Francisco psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.

She departed Big Brother after two albums to pursue a solo career with her own backing bands, first the Kozmic Blues Band and subsequently the Full Tilt Boogie Band. She performed at Woodstock and on the Festival Express train excursion.

Joplin has five Billboard Hot 100 songs, the most recent of which was a number one cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee” in March 1971.

Among her most popular songs are covers of “Piece of My Heart,” “Cry Baby,” “Down on Me,” “Ball and Chain,” “Summertime,” and “Mercedes Benz,” her final recording.

Janis Joplin parents: Meet Seth Joplin, Dorothy Joplin

Dorothy Bonita East is Janis Joplin’s mother and Seth Ward Joplin is Janis’ father.

There is little known about Janis Joplin’s parents. Stay tuned to our page for the most recent information.