14 Fascinating Black and White Photos of Janis Joplin in 1968

Janis Joplin was perhaps the premier blues-influenced rock singer of the late Sixties, and certainly one of the biggest female rock stars of her time. Even before her death, her tough blues-mama image only barely covered her vulnerability.

The publicity concerning Joplin's sex life and problems with alcohol and drugs made her something of a legend. In recent years, periodic attempts to recast her life and work within the context of feminism have met with mixed results. Sadly, Joplin was one of three major Sixties rock stars (the others being Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison) to die at the beginning of the 1970s.

Janis Joplin at the Newport Folk Festival. Newport, R.I., 1968.

Janis Joplin and Clive Davis, the President of CBS Records, at a press party in New York City, 1968.

Hanging out in Max's Kansas City restaurant in New York City. From left to right: Paul Morrissey, Andy Warhol (sunglasses), Janis Joplin and Tim Buckley.

Janis Joplin backstage at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit, 1968.

Ed Sanders and Janis Joplin backstage at the Andersen Theater in New York City, 1968.

Janis Joplin, in MC5 commune pad in Detroit, 1968.

Janis Joplin and her manager, Albert Grossman, during a press party for signing with CBS, New York City,1968.

Janis leaning on Albert Grossman at a press party for signing with CBS Records, New York City, 1968.

Joplin at Ratner's Restaurant after a Fillmore East Gig in New York City, 1968.

Janis Joplin during the Joshua Light Show at Fillmore East in New York City, 1968.

Janis Joplin and Sam Andrew in Albert Grossman's office in New York City, 1968.

Janis Joplin, rehearsal, Grande Ballroom, Detroit 1968.

Janis Joplin, Anderson theater, NYC, 1968.

Janis Joplin and Big Brother & the Holding Co., opening night of the Fillmore East, NYC, 1968.

(Photos: Elliott Landy—Magnum)