Country Music Blog » from songwriters to soundmen http://www.countrymusicblog.org Tue, 31 May 2011 01:34:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Honors Janis Joplin with Week-Long Retrospective http://www.countrymusicblog.org/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-and-museum-honors-janis-joplin-with-week-long-retrospective/ http://www.countrymusicblog.org/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-and-museum-honors-janis-joplin-with-week-long-retrospective/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:55:57 +0000 http://www.countrymusicblog.org/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-and-museum-honors-janis-joplin-with-week-long-retrospective/ Even after almost forty years after her death in 1970, Janis Joplin remains the inimitable rock goddess countless rock diva-wannabes want to emulate, and while her sound may not be purely country music, her sound did cross over various genres ranging form soul, rock, blues, country and folk music. So far, no one has matched or even come close to the artist’s impact on the American musical landscape, or the raw emotion-filled performances she gave.

This November, Joplin will be honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Case Western Reserve University American Master’s Series through “Kozmic Blues: The Life and Music of Janis Joplin.” It is a fitting tribute and retrospective to the artist who has extended the genres of the blues, folk, and country. “Her impact on artists who are still on the scene today, her skill as a vocalist and her deep knowledge and use of roots music put her at the forefront,” states Lauren Onkey, Rock Hall’s vice president of education and public programs, who adds, “Janis influenced a lot of rock frontpersons, not just women.” In the 14-year history of the series, Joplin is only the second female honoree, coming after 2001 blues singer Bessie Smith.

For those who just don’t know what the fuss is all about with Janis, two of the classic tunes from Joplin include “Piece of my Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” One of her most popular songs, “Piece of My Heart” was not even a Joplin original. It was first recorded by Erma Franklin (Aretha’s older sister) but when Joplin performed it first with such intensity and heartache and the hard blues voice she has been known for, it certainly became hers and hers alone. Meanwhile, “Me and Bobby Mcgee” is a country-rock ballad from her posthumously released album “Pearl.”

“Kozmic Blues: The Life and Music of Janis Joplin,” a week-long tribute to the artist will be held at several venues and has started Monday, November 9. All of the scheduled events are free but you must get a reservation to be able to attend.

November 9 (Monday)- “Rock and Roll Night School: Spotlight on Janis Joplin”: a multimedia presentation

November 10 (Tuesday)- “Teachers Rock: Girls Rock!:” a documentary which forms the center for a seminar for educators and music teachers; and “Festival Express”: A movie on a 1970 Canadian tour featuring Joplin, the Band, the Grateful Dead, and others

November 11 (Wednesday)- “Hall of Fame Series: Jorma Kaukonen”: the guitarist from Jefferson Airplane will perform and look back on his encounters with Joplin

November 12 (Thursday)- “From Songwriters to Soundmen: John Byrne Cooke”: Joplin’s road manager muses on his time with the singer

November 13 (Friday)- Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel: Western swingers from Texas, Joplin’s home state, perform

November 14, (Saturday)- “Rock and Roll Retrospective”: Laura and Michael (Janis’ siblings), Country Joe McDonald, Jerry Ragovoy (”Piece of My Heart”), and others reflect on Joplin’s career and legacy during a conference; Tribute Concert: Guy Clark, Nona Hendryx, Lucinda Williams, and others perform at PlayhouseSquare’s State Theatre in Cleveland. Other guests include Ray Benson, Roky Erickson, Bettye LaVette, Country Joe McDonald, Bob Neuwirth, Gregg Rolie, Susan Tedeschi and Carolyn Wonderland.

For further information, you may check out http://rockhall.com/.

]]> http://www.countrymusicblog.org/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-and-museum-honors-janis-joplin-with-week-long-retrospective/feed/ 0