On January 19, 1943, the oil refinery seaport of Port Arthur, Texas won the heavenly birth of rock and roll's first female superstar. Janis Joplin, the first child that was born to the Joplin family in a city and not on a farm (Joplin 26). She was idolized by the public, but her life was bent on self-destruction behind all the glamour and curtains of fame and stardom. But there was more to Janis than just lyrics and good entertainment on stage.
             Janis was a bright, precocious child with a winning smile and a manner about her that charmed people (Joplin 28). She was a child who liked people and she got the same treatment in return. She showed great respect for older individuals and went out of her way to help others. Everyone seemed to love young Janis. Her sister Laura looked up to her very much. They shared a special bond that some young people today have never experienced. Even though there was a six year age difference, they always got along great. Janis displayed an independence that pleased her parents when it showed her creativity and originality. Mom was quick to follow up on an interest expressed by her children, especially if it was artistic in nature (Joplin 29,36). Her parents let her practice the piano and sing regularly as a child and also encouraged her abilities in art. Janis was taught to try for excellence at home, but she was criticized by teachers who wanted her to be quiet and follow directions at!
             school (Joplin 40). She participated in the glee club and she excelled in art, music and journalism throughout her school days.
             Janis had a happy childhood, but her entrance into womanhood was less graceful. The memory of her adolescent years caused her continuing grief throughout her young life. She was overweight, had acne on her face, and her beautiful child-blond hair seemed to turn brown, frizzy, and unruly. She avoided mirrors because she only saw negative reflections gazing back upon her. Janis felt like ...