Janis Joplin’s Favorite Singer Was Genre-Defining Rock ‘N’ Roll Queen

In the short time she was here, Janis Joplin established herself as one of the most successful – and unique – rock performers of the age. She drew inspiration from a diverse range of artist, from rock to jazz. Among them all, Joplin’s favorite artist was simply the best: Tina Turner.

Turner is regarded as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll thanks to her electrifying stage presence, powerful voice, and mastery of the physical aspect of her performance. Tragically, Turner passed away on May 24 at the age of 83 after an eventful life riddled with domestic abuse and health issues. Similarly, Joplin is a symbol of the rock genre who stands out long after her own premature passing with her unique voice and definitive air of rebellion.

Janis Joplin names Tina Turner as her favorite musical artist

Joplin had many musical influences and inspirations, just as she herself would go on to shape many other singers in the future, but it was Tina Turner she named her favorite. Joplin appeared on The Dick Cavett Show in 1969, where she was asked about the sounds that shaped who she became as a performer.

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Immediately, Joplin name-dropped Turner, saying, “She is my current favorite.” She continued, “She is the best chick ever. Fantastic singer, great dancer, fantastic show.” That was in July of that year. Just months later, Joplin had lived the dream by performing with Turner at New York’s Madison Square Garden, on November 27. The “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” singer, along with Ike Turner and B.B. King were opening acts for the Rolling Stones. In short, it was a bastion of musical mastery.

Other influences besides Tina Turner who shaped Janis Joplin

Music is, ultimately, a collaborative effort, even when the artist isn’t trying for that, with multiple genres shaping one another in a complex, beautiful tapestry. So, Joplin had her fair share of inspirations throughout her career. For instance, she once shared, “I started singing rhythmically, and now I’m learning from Otis Redding to push a song instead of just sliding over it.”

“Back in Port Arthur,” she further shared, “I’d heard some Lead Belly records, and, well, if the blues syndrome is true, I guess it’s true about me…So I began listening to blues and folk music. I bought Bessie Smith and Odetta [Reading] records, and one night, I was at this party and I did an imitation of Odetta. I’d never sung before, and I came out with this huge voice.”

While today, Turner might be one of the most memorable names on Joplin’s list of influences, back when she first listed her, Cavett said he hadn’t heard of her. “A lot of people don’t,” Joplin mourned, “That’s too bad.” It’s hard to imagine, but now, both names represent the somber dance between art and struggle.