When Jannis sang the blues

sorenbarrett

Dismayed by segregation in school

She stood up for what she thought was right

Was bullied and called a fool

For taking the part of blacks and their fight

Inspired by Bessy Smith, Thornton and Leadbelly

“I want to be the first white black person” she said

In college, voted the man most ugly

This scar she would carry until she was dead

To be loved was all that she wanted

She sought some southern comfort in whiskey

Her music, a generation haunted

Her drug behavior all too risky

The first female rock star she broke many taboos

She died with the music that took others to heaven

Far to early she was buried in the blues

Died becoming a founding member of the club 27

  • Author: sorenbarrett (Offline Offline)
  • Published: February 25th, 2023 05:13
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 19
Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

✔ Receive the ebook in seconds ✔ 50 poems from 50 different authors


Comments5

  • Doggerel Dave

    Agreed - Janis had something...no, more than something... A fitting tribute, Soren.
    (On a personal note, age 27 was the year I just got going, but I wasn't a musician, singer, actor or artist.)

  • sorenbarrett

    Good thing you weren't that is a club you wouldn't want to join. Thanks for the review and comment Dave

  • Christina8

    A lot of my favorite artists are in the 27 club, unfortunately. Janis was a force to be reckoned with for sure, you brought up some facts that I did not know....thank you....Christina

    • sorenbarrett

      Thank you for your review and kind words.

    • Goldfinch60

      Good words about a strong lady soren.

      Andy

      • sorenbarrett

        Thanks Andy she was always one of my favorites. She sang from the soul.

      • L. B. Mek

        a wonderful tribute, dear Poet
        I shamefully admit
        I only know her for the 27 connection and friendship with Hendrix
        I will try to correct that, thank you

        • sorenbarrett

          Thank you L.B. for the review and comment. The thing that I loved about her was that she sang with her soul and you could feel her pain. Music, like poetry I have to feel it to love it.

          • L. B. Mek

            So true, sincerity of sensation
            Is that defining bridge of relatability
            between us liking and us being moved
            or connecting, with something
            enough to love it
            I looked her up as promised
            found a few performances and anecdotal stories
            like how she was so nervous at Glastonbury
            she kept on drinking/smoking to calm herself
            and was completely drunk on stage, lol
            it makes you realise how much it meant to her
            to perform at that stage
            may she rest in peace



          To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.