Janis Joplin
Singer-songwriter with iconic voice

Born
January 19th, 1943
82 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1970
54 years ago — 27 years old
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, a prominent figure in the 1960s music scene emerged with a distinctive voice and emotional delivery. Rose to fame as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company, especially with the hit 'Piece of My Heart.' Pursued a solo career, releasing acclaimed albums including 'Cheap Thrills' and 'Pearl.' An influential performer, often associated with the counterculture movement, played an integral role in the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock. Joplin's life was marked by struggles with substance abuse, and she tragically died at a young age, leaving a lasting legacy in rock music.
Led Big Brother and the Holding Company
Released the album 'Pearl'
Performed at the Woodstock Festival
Other People Born on January 19th
Patricia Highsmith
Born in 1921, a prominent figure in American literature, known for psychological thrillers that explore themes of morality and identity. Achieved recognition with the publication of "Strangers on a Train" in 1950, which established a new genre of suspense fiction. The creation of the character Tom Ripley in the novel "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1955) further solidified a legacy in thriller writing. Highsmith's works often featured complex characters and moral ambiguity, influencing the genre significantly throughout her career. Her writing style and innovative plot techniques garnered critical acclaim, leading to several adaptations of her novels into films, thereby reaching wider audiences.
Continue ReadingFrank Aarebrot
Academic focused on political science and Norwegian politics. Contributed significantly to the understanding of political behavior and party systems. Worked at the University of Bergen and published numerous articles and books on electoral studies. Played a key role in bringing political science to the public through media appearances and commentary. Engaged students and the general public with discussions on democracy and political engagement.
Continue ReadingYevgeny Sadovyi
Born in 1973, an accomplished swimmer and coach achieved recognition in competitive swimming. Competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics representing Russia. Transitioned to coaching, guiding and developing training programs for swimmers. Focused on enhancing athlete performance and fostering talent in the sport.
Continue ReadingTippi Hedren
An actress and former model born in 1930, this individual starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s films 'The Birds' and 'Marnie'. Transitioning to animal rights, established a sanctuary for big cats in California. Focused on the treatment and preservation of wildlife, she advocated for humane practices in film and entertainment industries. Contributions to animal welfare include founding the Shambala Preserve, offering educational programs and promoting conservation.
Continue ReadingPredrag Mijatović
Played as a forward in professional football, primarily for Partizan and Real Madrid. Contributed significantly to club success, particularly in the 1997-1998 season, helping Real Madrid secure the UEFA Champions League title. Transitioned to management after retiring as a player, holding various coaching roles. Represented Montenegro internationally, participating in European competitions and friendlies.
Continue ReadingRoger Ashton-Griffiths
An English actor, screenwriter, and film director, this individual gained recognition for roles in television and film. Significant contributions include appearances in 'Game of Thrones' portraying Meryn Trant, and in 'The'Two Ronnies'. Besides acting, involvement in screenwriting and directing showcased creative versatility. The body of work encompasses various genres and formats, highlighting a continuous engagement with performance and storytelling throughout a career spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 4th
Marie Gutheil-Schoder
Acclaimed as a prominent soprano, significant work included performances at the Vienna State Opera. Also excelled as an actress and theater director, contributing to various productions. Offered rich interpretations of operatic roles, shaping the artistic environment of her time. Notably collaborated with numerous composers and playwrights, leaving a lasting legacy in the arts.
Continue ReadingUlric Cross
A navigator, judge, and diplomat from Trinidad, contributed significantly to the fields of law and international relations. Served as a judge on the Caribbean Court of Justice and contributed to the establishment of various legal frameworks in the Caribbean. Actively participated in the independence movement in various Caribbean nations, advocating for self-governance. Held several key diplomatic roles, representing his country and region in various international forums.
Continue ReadingSarsa Dengel
Ruled as emperor of Ethiopia from 1563 until 1597. Oversaw attempts to consolidate power and strengthen the Solomonic dynasty. Engaged in military campaigns against various regional rivals and promoted the expansion of Orthodox Christianity. His reign was marked by efforts to stabilize the empire amidst internal strife and external threats.
Continue ReadingBarney Oldfield
Pioneered auto racing in the early 20th century. Achieved fame as the first driver to break the 60 mph world speed record. Competed in various racing formats, including dirt tracks and board tracks. Participated in the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Transitioned to acting with a notable role in the silent film 'The Great Race'. His contributions significantly shaped the sport of auto racing in America.
Continue ReadingJean Béraud
A prominent Russian-French painter recognized for capturing the essence of Parisian life through vivid representations of urban scenes and society. Béraud studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and gained acclaim for his works that often depicted cafes, street scenes, and fashionable gatherings in late 19th century Paris. He became an influential figure in the academic art community and was associated with the Salon tradition. His detailed approach to light and movement conveyed the vibrancy of the Parisian social landscape. Béraud's art reflected the era's cultural shift, and he played a significant role in the transition from romanticism to modernism.
Continue ReadingHenrietta Lacks
A medical patient from Virginia, contributed to science through the collection of cervical cancer cells without consent, which became the first immortal human cell line called HeLa. These cells were critical in numerous medical breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine and cancer research. Lacks' cells continued to multiply in laboratories across the globe, serving as a foundational tool in biomedical research, despite the ethical concerns surrounding informed consent. The story has prompted discussions about medical ethics and the rights of patients in research.
Continue Reading