Janis Joplin’s Brother Emotionally Recounts Memories With Late Singer

Janis Joplin died from heroin addiction at 27 in 1970, when she was just getting started in her career. Her brother, Michael Joplin, recently bawled his eyes out while passing by the Royal Albert Hall, where she had her only solo performance in the UK.

Michael noted that everything seemed fine until he went out for a walk, and memories began rushing back. He was only 17 when he lost his sister to heroin abuse, after which she was found dead on her hotel room floor in Los Angeles.

Remembering Janis Joplin

Michael visited the UK to supervise upcoming auditions ahead of a new West End musical titled A Night With Janis Joplin. The production is set to be released in August and will include the creative works on Jenny. She passed away at the peak of her career when she just began to acquire fans in the UK and the US.

After her tour in Europe, Janis settled in the United States, setting off her career to greater heights. Michael recalled how articulate and well read she was, thanks to their upbringing by a strict father who was also a disciplinarian. Their mother on the other hand was musically inclined, so there was never a dull moment growing up.

Janis’ struggle with drugs and mental health

Two albums later, Janis broke away from the Big Brother and the Holding Company band to pursue a solo career, however she was plagued by drug addiction and mental health issues that made her take breaks from the spotlight to recover.

Unlike what most would expect due to her successful career, Janis left nothing behind, which exposed how women rockers were underpaid compared to their male counterparts at the time. More details on her life and final days will be seen on A Night With Janis Joplin, which will premiere at the Peacock Theatre in London between August and September and feature her top hits, including “Piece Of My Heart” and “Me And Bobby McGee.”