1046. JANIS JOPLIN (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. Rare A.L.S. "J" with holograph transmittal envelope signed "Miss Janis Joplin", 6pp. 8vo., [Port Arthur, Texas, Sep. 15, 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 in part: "...I kept thinking about you. I got kind of warm & blushy thinking about how much I love you & everything...Sigh. Kiss, kiss. I love you!!!...I registered for school this morning. At last!...after fixing my hair 3 different times, I went to Beaumont & registered...I got all the classes that I wanted...I am not the lecherable thrill-crazy young thing that I was before. Yuck!...on Wednesday evenings from 6-8, I'm taking Poise & Personality Development. There, shudder, I've said it...I want to be able to go someplace nice without going Wow, twitch, what's that!, oh excuse me, twitch, bumble, etc...I'm taking it so I will be good enough for you...". Two pieces, both near fine condition.       $2,000 - 3,000