1970



Jimi Hendrix, (James Marshall Hendrix), 11/27/42 - 9/18/70. Born in Seattle, Washington, Jimi is often considered the greatest guitarist in rock and roll. He is known for playing guitar left-handed and behind his back. He headlined the famous Woodstock Music Festival in 1968. Jimi was the second member of "The 27 Club”. He asphyxiated on his vomit after ingesting a heavy dose of barbiturates.

Most of the great guitarists of our day have been in some way influenced by Jimi. His music is as good today as it was back then. I see kids wearing Jimi Hendrix t-shirts and smile. I don't think he will ever be forgotten. There have always been rumors that he was murdered, but sadly I think he was another victim of drug abuse. Forgot to mention above that Jimi also played with his teeth! Here's a short video clip, if you can dig it.

Jimi Hendrix - Angel
via FoxyTunes



Alan Wilson, (Alan Christie Wilson) 7/4/43 – 9/30/70. Born in Boston, Massachusetts. Alan was the leader, singer and song writer for Canned Heat. He performed at two of the greatest concerts of the 1960’s, The Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock. Alan died of a barbiturate overdose, many believe it was suicide. He was 27.

What was it about the age 27? Alan was number 2 of 9 of the people I have listed here, but there are many, many more (check out this list on Wikipedia!)that I know of who died at that age. I have two songs by Canned Heat on my iPod, wonder if there would have been more had Alan lived? Suicide and drug overdose is so prevalent among rock musicians. Its hard for a lot of people to understand being so low you don't want to live, but then again there are many of us who do know. I think in this era there is so much more help for depression. Thankfully.

Canned Heat - Going Up To The Country
via FoxyTunes




Janis Joplin, 1/19/43 – 10/4/70. Born in Port Arthur, Texas. Janis grew up in a conservative family. Due to her talent for singing the blues she rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company and eventually a solo career. Janis was the first female to cross over into rock and roll successfully and inspired many women after her. She struggled with drug addiction and died of an overdose. Janis was the third member of the "27 Club.

Janis. Oh, Janis. I've written about her many times on my other blogs. Her voice is still stand-out unique. She was able to communicate with her voice even when she used no words, just the sounds of an aching heart. Its said that she changed rock music by opening the door for other women. I can't say there has been anyone that has as much soul and passion since, but a few come close. As a person I think many women, myself included, can relate to her longing for love and the disappointments of failed relationships. She had so much to give and was willing to give it all. She did give it all...damn it. I understand, I really do. Especially since my own son is addicted to the same drug. Why is there so much pain in the world? How can a woman surrounded by people feel so alone?

Janis Joplin - Summertime
via FoxyTunes

11 comments:

Bar L. said...

I love Janis. I did a post on her here:
http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/2008/06/janis.html

Cherokee Billie said...

Janis Joplin was the first woman super rock star. There will never be another like her. A true genius who let her whole heart and soul come out in her music.

I'm thankful she left her music for us to remember her by.

Cherokee Billie
www.cherokeebillie.com

Bar L. said...

Cherokee, thanks so much for comment! I agree completely! I get choked up sometimes just thinking about her. What would she be like today? What would she be doing? She gave her soul for the music, for sure.

Mahoganydymond™ said...

I am a big fan of Janis. I love her style of music. I guess a lot of it was because I remember as a child my mother played Janis and Jimmy Hendrix in the house.

Cherokee Billie said...

she was a remarkable woman. I often wonder what all of these talented people who passed away so soon would be like today. I'm sure they'd be very pleased at how much people still love them and their music. The one thing Janis was always looking for was love. Wherever you are Janis just know that we all love you.

Cherokee Billie
www.cherokeebillie.com

Carlota Rose said...

I heard Janis walked to Barney's Beanery after she overdosed. Do you the story?

Cherokee Billie said...

After recording on the evening of the 3rd of October 1970, she and band member Ken Pearson were sucking down screwdriver's at Barney's Beanery. Shortly after midnight, they drove back to the Landmark Hotel , at 7047 Franklin. Inside room 105, she shot up her last fix of heroin. She returned to the hotel lobby to get change for a five dollar bill, for cigarettes. She chatted casually with the hotel clerk, who later said she seemed perfectly natural (and he didn't know who she was). When she returned to her room, she collapsed beside the bed, almost breaking her nose. She was wedged against a bedside table, with a cigarette in her hand.

John Cook, one of her band members, became alarmed when she didn't show up for the recording session the next morning, and after unsuccessfully trying to reach her by telephone, he went to the hotel, broke down the door and found her dead. She was 27 years old.

I hope this clears up everything for you.

Cherokee Billie
www.cherokeebillie.com

Alvin G. Polo said...

Great Blog-Saw her at Woodstock as a 18 year old kid-what a show she put on! Growing up with girl groups on the 60's-Janis was a breath of fresh air!! Still listen to her.

The Right Guy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sKILLz said...

Oh how I would have LOVED to see her in concert.
Hard to believe she passed at such a young age..
Why do all the great ones die too soon before their time?
Stay up!

Donna B. said...

I LOVED Janis and had her albums, and now CDs and she is on my iPod. I am attracted to that Crystal Bowersocks on American Idol...she kind of reminds me of Janis....but you amd Cherokee...there will NEVER be another like her. I also heard Bette Midler based her role in The Rose on Janis.