Description:

Janis Joplin Handwritten Letter Number 1
(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 and Full Tilt Bogie Band. Died of a heroin overdose in 1970. Excessively rare A.L.S. "J", 1p. 4to., [Port Arthur, Texas, Oct. 14, 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 describing her good grade on a sociology test dealing with social problems, alcoholism, self-destructive behavior, and so on [not included]. In part: "... I got this back today & I'm very proud! Thought you might like to read it. Need I say - highest in the class. Mother said to call it my application for the position of wife of a Mensa member...I guess having depressingly first hand knowledge of social problems helps...". Fine condition.

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October 22, 2009 2:00 PM EDT
Uncasville, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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