27: Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin, singer-songwriter, counterculture icon, the Queen of rock and roll, died aged just 27. During a short four-year career, blighted by alcoholism and drug abuse, she changed the face of music, carving out opportunities for a generation of female talent. Her powerful, raw vocals touched fans of folk music, blues and soul alike, with recordings such as ''Me and Bobby McGee'', ''To Love Somebody'' and ''Mercedes Benz'' widely recognized as classics of their era.

In 27: Janis Joplin acclaimed author Chris Salewicz examines Joplin''s troubled and unconventional existence, and explains her profound musical influence. This is the fifth in a series of exclusive music ebooks, an ambitious project examining the perils of genius, celebrity and excess. Other titles in the series include 27: Amy Winehouse, 27: Kurt Cobain, 27: Brian Jones, and 27: Jimi Hendrix.