Tag Archives: The Sixties

Forever 27: Janis Joplin

In October 1970, the world was still reeling over the death of Jimi Hendrix. How such a wonderfully talented guitarist could be taken so suddenly was shocking. But, by the end of the month, the country would be mourning the death of another great rock icon. Janis Joplin was shunned by the others in high school. While it may have bothered her, she had more on her mind. She was already listening to blues greats like Leadbelly, Bessie Smith, Odetta, and Big Mama Thornton. Soon, Janis began to sing both blues and folk music, playing small coffee houses and bars … Continue reading →

Forever 27: Jim Morrison

In July 1971, music fans were still reeling from the deaths of 60s icons Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. But, another hard hit was yet to come. Jim Morrison met Ray Manzarek and they formed the band The Doors in 1965. They were quickly joined by John Densmore on drums and Robby Krieger on guitar. In 1966, they opened for the Northern Irish band Them (featuring lead singer Van Morrison) at the famed Whiskey-A-Go-Go on Sunset Strip in LA. They got their big break when they were signed to Elektra Records in 1967. They released the single “Light My Fire” … Continue reading →

Forever 27: Jimi Hendrix

Last blog, I talked about Brian Jones, a founding member of the Rolling Stones who is also a member of the infamous 27 Club. In case you missed that blog, the 27 club is the name given to several blues and rock stars who never made it past the age of 27. Many of those in the 27 Club, such as in the case of guitar god Jimi Hendrix, succumbed due to drug use. Jimi Hendrix has been dead for almost 40 years, yet there is hardly a young boy with rock-n-roll dreams that doesn’t pick up a guitar and … Continue reading →