Rock Hall Celebrates Janis Joplin with the 50th Anniversary of Pearl Janis Joplin Fan Weekend
Festivities include the addition of Joplin artifacts to the Museum’s Legends of Rock exhibit, an event with Melissa Etheridge, special screenings of the Janis Joplin Music Masters Concert, and more!
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the release of Janis Joplin’s legendary album, Pearl, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will host Janis Joplin Fan Weekend from August 6th – 8th, 2021.
As part of the newly expanded Legends of Rock exhibit, fans can see Joplin’s handwritten lyrics, clothing, and a collection of rare photographs by Barry Feinstein, photographer, filmmaker, and art director responsible for creating some of the most iconic and enduring pop culture imagery of the mid-20th century. Feinstein created artwork for over 500 albums including Pearl.
Fans can also view Janis Joplin footage from the Rock Hall’s vault, including highlights from her 1995 Induction and the 2009 Annual Music Masters tribute concert, and attend the Pearl album spotlight lecture.
Throughout the weekend, Joplin’s iconic music and lyrics will be heard inside the Museum and played on the Rock Hall’s Rock Boxes located downtown along East 9th Street. In addition, the Rock Hall’s Long Live Rock art installation will honor Janis Joplin, providing fans with a perfect photo opportunity to remember her life, her music, and her legacy.
The Museum will also host two virtual events honoring Janis Joplin’s legacy. The first, taking place on August 6th, will be with Melissa Etheridge, who inducted Joplin in 1995. Etheridge’s speech inducting Joplin will premiere on The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Vault podcast on iHeart Radio prior to the event. Then, on August 25th at 7pm, Holly George-Warren joins the Rock Hall to discuss her book, Janis: Her Life and Music.
Commemorate the trip with new Joplin-themed merchandise debuting in the Rock Hall store. Then, relive the experience on September 7th at Rockhall.com, where the Museum will launch the Janis Joplin Legends of Rock Virtual Exhibit.
About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, and engaging programs. We value all by embracing talents, perspectives and experiences. We intentionally foster a diverse and equitable environment that encourages creativity and innovation by valuing, empowering and respecting all people. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion is more than just a policy. It supports our mission and defines our future. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall) and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock!
About Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin remains among the most distinctive, galvanizing artist and singers in modern history.
During her all-too-short time in the spotlight, she forged a lasting musical legacy both in the studio and on stage. That reputation was shaped by unforgettable songs like “Piece of My Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” as well as volcanic performances that left audiences stunned and speechless, including her Monterey Pop Festival breakthrough and triumphant appearance at Woodstock.
But Joplin’s influence extends far beyond music. Her sexual magnetism and world-wise demeanor shattered stereotypes about female artists, while her wild sartorial style made her the mother of modern boho chic.
Joplin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and given a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. But such honors only confirm what fans already know: Janis Joplin is among the greatest, most powerful singers that music has ever known.
About Pearl
Janis Joplin Estate are commemorating the 50th anniversary of Janis Joplin's Pearl, the artist's final studio album. Originally released on January 11, 1971--three months after Joplin's passing on October 4, 1970, and eight days before what would have been her 28th birthday on January 19--Pearl debuted Janis' last completed studio recordings as well as intimations of what the influential American country-soul-blues-rock singer was capable of delivering.
The only album Joplin ever recorded with the Full Tilt Boogie Band, the touring ensemble that had backed her on the Festival Express (a mythic 1970 concert tour by railroad across Canada with the Grateful Dead, the Band and others), Pearl included canonical studio recordings of songs she'd introduced to audiences on tour.
Peaking at #1 on the Billboard 200, a position it held for nine weeks, Pearl showcased some of Janis's most familiar and best-loved performances including her cover of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee" and the off-the-cuff a cappella "Mercedes Benz," the last song she ever recorded. Pearl has been certified 4x Platinum and digital single editions of both recordings have been recently certified by the RIAA: "Me and Bobby McGee" achieving Gold & Platinum status with "Mercedes Benz" earning Gold.