More Than Talent
Jasper got it right. The paintings posted yesterday were created by Janis Joplin.
I am constantly amazed at the versatility of so many famous creative individuals. Perhaps I shouldn't be. Truly creative people tend to be curious, empathetic, energetic, flexible, and open to inspiration whenever it strikes. Many move into the arts instinctively, dabbling in areas before finding their true calling. Janis sang in coffee houses in order to pay for art supplies. She planned to be an artist and fashion designer. Destiny had other plans. A door was opened and she walked through it with confidence and originality. That takes more than talent. It takes guts.
I caught just a bit of Live Earth over the weekend. Eh. It dawned upon me that most every big concert like this craves a moment like the one below, where a practically unknown Janis Joplin simply destroys the Monterey Pop Festival. It happened forty years ago this summer. Her first album wouldn't come out for another few months. She walks off the stage a superstar.
Take five minutes and watch her performance. Yes, that's Mama Cass (herself a superstar) sitting there in the audience, mouth agape, mesmerized. You will be, too.
Damn.
Posted by: Sarah | July 09, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Thanks for the memories. Good stuff.
Too bad the music and the audience's love weren't enough to fill whatever hole she had that she felt could be filled only by hard drugs.
Posted by: Roger von Oech | July 10, 2007 at 08:56 PM
Yes, she was only 27 when she died of a heroin overdose. So much life snuffed out.
Natural curiosity can be a two-edged sword.
Posted by: Tim Siedell | July 10, 2007 at 09:21 PM
Love the post, Tim. She's breathtaking every time. Are you a Rauschenberg fan as well? Something in the water down there in the Gulf...
Posted by: Chris | July 11, 2007 at 06:05 PM
Michael Jackson was already famous when he launched his solo career on a TV special for Motown's 25th anniversary, but everyone in the live audience and watching at home recognized his performance of Billie Jean as something incredible. It was one of those "ohmygod" moments.
Posted by: Joanne | July 16, 2007 at 07:55 PM
Sing it sister. Fantastic!
Posted by: Scarlet | July 17, 2007 at 09:59 AM