Who?

Despite having a very short career, Janis Joplin is one of the most important women in rock history. First gaining prominence as a member of Big Brother and the Holding Company in 1966, the band became famous after releasing their 1967 debut album, with critics universally praising Joplin's incredible voice and fiery stage show. Having already struggled with drugs throughout her life, Joplin relapsed during her time with Big Brother before splitting from the band, next joining the Kozmic Blues Band. Sadly, around the time she released her first solo album, Pearl, she died of a heroin overdose in 1970.

And I Care Because?

- She was a pioneer. Every woman in rock that came after Janis Joplin has taken both inspiration and courage from her. Without Joplin, there likely wouldn't have been a Stevie Nicks or a Karen O, and that alone deserves praise, managing to not only break barriers but to be truly wild and ferocious in the process.

- What a Pearl she was. It's a shame that it looked like Joplin was just getting started when she created Pearl. Widely considered to be the best album she'd ever made, Joplin was front and center, which is exactly where she needed to be all along.

- It's been 40 years. At least, it will be in a couple months. It's strange to think that it's been so long since we've lost one of our rock's true counterculture icons. Though she's become a cautionary tale for the out-of-control stars that have come since, it's still not going to keep us from imagining what the rock world would look like if she'd stuck around.

Stream Pearl, buy her albums, and watch a vintage clip of her performing "Piece of My Heart."