Jan 19, 1943. Possibly the most highly regarded white female blues singer of all time, Janis Joplin was born at Port Arthur, TX. Joplin’s appearance with Big Brother and the Holding Company at the Monterey International Pop Festival in August 1967 launched her to superstar status. Among her recording hits were “Get It While You Can,” “Piece of My Heart” and “Ball and Chain.” She died of a heroin overdose Oct 4, 1970, at Hollywood, CA, at the age of 27.