Proud Products of Texas Public Schools

Janis Joplin

Graduate of Jefferson High School
Port Arthur, Texas

Considered to be the greatest female rock singer of the 1960s, Janis Joplin was also a great blues singer, making her material her own with her wailing, raspy, supercharged emotional delivery. She redefined the role of women in rock with her assertive onstage presence. Joplin’s hits include “Mercedes Benz,” “Get It While You Can,” and Kris Kristofferson’s “Me and Bobby McGee.”

Joplin broke with local social traditions during the tense days of racial integration, standing up for the rights of African-Americans, whose segregated status in her hometown seared her youthful ideals.