Born: 19 January 1943 · Died: 4 October 1970 · Age at death: 27
How old was Janis Joplin when she died?
Janis Joplin died aged 27. She was born on 19 January 1943 and died on 4 October 1970.
Iconic rock and soul singer known for her raspy, powerful voice
Did you know?Her famously colourful, hand-painted Porsche sold for nearly two million dollars at an auction decades after her death.
Quick facts
Date of birth19 January 1943
Date of death4 October 1970
Age at death27
Cause of deathOpioid overdose
NationalityAmerican
BirthplacePort Arthur, United States
Occupationsinger, singer-songwriter, composer
Editor's Take:
Janis Joplin sang the blues as if her life depended on it. Her raw, cracked voice and wild stage presence blew audiences away. Women in rock were rare in the 1960s, and she showed they could be the main event. Behind the swagger she struggled with loneliness and addiction. She died at 27, a member of the tragic group of rock stars lost at that age. Her records still sound fresh and fearless.
Key Milestones
1966: Joins Big Brother and the Holding Company
1967: Breaks through at Monterey Pop
1969: Performs at Woodstock
1971: Pearl is released after her death
Janis Lyn Joplin (January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970) was an American singer and songwriter. One of the most iconic and successful rock performers of her era, she was noted for her powerful mezzo-soprano vocals and her stage presence.
