Imprint
- Virago
Biography: general, Prose: non-fiction
* The definitive biography of Janis Joplin - rock's first female superstar, the queen of sex, drugs and rock n' roll whose music expressed the recklessness, defiance and energy of her generation
The undisputed queen of sex, drugs and rock n' roll was also the voice of a generation who, when she overdosed on heroin at the age of twenty-seven in October 1970; became the posthumous icon of bad girl femininity for millions around the world.
Drawing on hundreds of interviews Echols renders Joplin in all her complexity, revealing how this sweet-voiced girl from Texas recreated herself, first as a gravely-voiced bluesy folksinger, and then as rock n' roll's first female superstar. Echols examines the roots of her musicianship and her efforts to probe the outer limits of life; declaring herself the first white-black person and pursuing sex with men and women alike.
Moving from the electric ballrooms of San Francisco to the mud-soaked fields of Woodstock, Joplin's story is also a chronicle of the revolutions of the sixties - a generation's experiment with high-risk living and the exacting price they ultimately paid for this. Written in a captivating novel-like style this is a deeply affecting biography of one of America's most talented, tormented and enduring stars.
Praise for Scars Of Sweet Paradise: The Life and Times of Janis Joplin
-
Finally a biography that doesn't downplay Janis's intelligence and deep knowledge of traditional American music ... how refreshing - Joan Osborne
-
Fascinating and insightful ... Alice Echols analyzes Joplin's place in the sixties with skill and brings her rebellion and pain vividly to life - JON WIENER, author of COME TOGETHER: JOHN LENNON AND HIS TIME
-
Forget everything you've ever read, heard or seen about Janis Joplin- Alice Echold has wirtten the definitve account of rock's first female superstar... enjoy it. - IRISH TIMES
-
After reading this, the next time you hear the raw, emotional pain in Janis Joplin's voice, you will understand where it all comes from. - THE TIMES
-
Finally a biography that doesn't downplay Janis's intelligence and deep knowledge of traditional American music ... how refreshing - Joan Osborne
-
Fascinating and insightful ... Alice Echols analyzes Joplin's place in the sixties with skill and brings her rebellion and pain vividly to life - JON WIENER, author of COME TOGETHER: JOHN LENNON AND HIS TIME
-
Forget everything you've ever read, heard or seen about Janis Joplin- Alice Echold has wirtten the definitve account of rock's first female superstar... enjoy it. - IRISH TIMES
-
After reading this, the next time you hear the raw, emotional pain in Janis Joplin's voice, you will understand where it all comes from. - THE TIMES
Find a book you’ll love, get our Word Up newsletter
.png?auto=compress&w=150&h=60&fit=crop&fm=jpg)
.png?auto=compress&w=150&h=60&fit=crop&fm=jpg)
Hachette Australia acknowledges and pays our respects to the past, present and future Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our head office is located on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
