Janis Joplin's life was tragically brief, but the soulful icon left behind a fiercely original body of work. Born in Texas, she was drawn to the progressive culture of San Francisco, becoming the lead singer of psychedelic rockers Big Brother and The Holding Company. They recorded two albums together before a defiant Joplin went solo. She found mainstream success backed by The Kozmic Blues Band, playing earthier rock and R&B. The troubled genius' final album Pearl was recorded with The Full Tilt Boogie Band and released posthumously after her overdose in 1970.