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JOPLIN, JANIS

553. JANIS JOPLIN (1943 - 1970) American rock and blues singer who incorporated the styles of Bessie Smith and Billy Holliday, producing albums with Big Brother and the Holding Company, Kozmic Blues Band and Full Tilt Boogie Band. Died of a heroin overdose in 1970. Rare A.L.S. "Janis" with an original drawing within, 6pp. 8vo., Port Arthur, Texas, Aug. 21, 1965 to her lover, Peter De Blanc in New York. This fine letter was penned just months before Joplin's career took off. At this time, she was living at home with her parents, hoping to rebuild her life and recover from her drug abuse of the previous few years. During that time she sang in small venues in New York and San Francisco, where she first met De Blanc. Shortly after this letter was written, Joplin moved to Austin and then to San Francisco where she joined Big Brother & the Holding Company. In a very legible, clear hand, she writes in part: "...I really have to tell you how much my family liked you...Mother thinks you are very polished and have lots of potential...I got some new clothes today myself [she adds a self-portrait sketch of her new dress]...I feel happy and pampered and I dig it...Mother & Laura & I are going to start a quilt...my hope chest is filling...I think they're an American myth...Send me some pictures. We all miss you..." Sold with the holograph transmittal envelope, signed by her on the verso: "Miss Janis Lyn Joplin". Fine.$2,500-3,500

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