Janis Joplin would have turned 74 today. The singer, known for her unforgettable voice and exuberant style, died of an accidental drug overdose at age 27 in October of 1970.
Like many celebrities, Joplin has a Tampa-related story: On Nov. 16, 1969, Joplin was arrested in Tampa for “vulgar and indecent language” during her performance at Curtis Hixon Hall. She was handcuffed by police backstage after the show and released on bond after spending about an hour in jail. Months later, she was fined $200 in absentia and the case was closed. She was one of the most famous singers of her generation.
Read Rolling Stone’s 1970 cover story about Joplin here.