Answer first: date and age at death
Janis Joplin died on October 4, 1970, at age 27. Her death was caused by a heroin overdose, officially recorded as such by authorities at the time.
Why the date and circumstances matter
Understanding the exact date and age at death helps frame her role in the 1960s counterculture and the tragic pattern of substance loss among prominent musicians. Accurate dating also supports historical clarity and public memorial observances.
Biographical summary
Janis Joplin (born January 19, 1943) rose to fame as a powerhouse blues-rock vocalist in the late 1960s. Her career spanned from regional club performances to major festival appearances, leaving a lasting influence on rock and soul singing. Her death at 27 situates her among notable artists who died young, often cited in discussions of the "27 Club.
Timeline of key events surrounding her death
Preceding circumstances
In the months before her death, Joplin had been actively recording and performing. She had recently dismissed her band and formed a new one, indicating a period of professional transition. There were documented concerns about her escalating heroin use.
Immediate timeline on October 4, 1970
| Time (approx.) | Event | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Early afternoon | Last seen alive at her hotel and in company of others | Witness reports / hotel logs |
| Evening | Reported unresponsive at Landmark Hotel, Los Angeles; emergency services called | 911 records / news reports |
| After arrival at hospital | Declared dead on arrival; cause recorded as heroin overdose | Coroner / official reports |
Coroner findings and official records
The Los Angeles County coroner ruled her death an accidental heroin overdose. Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of heroin and alcohol, consistent with an acute intoxication event. No evidence of other drugs or foul play was found.
Context among peers and public memory
Joplin died weeks after the death of Jimi Hendrix and near the anniversary of Janis Joplin's close friend's passing, adding to the pattern of losses in 1970. Her age and cause of death continue to inform conversations about addiction, fame, and early mortality in music history.
- Date of death: October 4, 1970
- Age at death: 27 years old
- Reported cause: Heroin overdose, with alcohol present
- Location: Landmark Hotel, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Official classification: Accidental drug overdose by coroner
Common questions and clarifications
Questions about exact timelines, substances involved, and circumstances often arise. Official records and repeated journalistic inquiries align on a consistent account. Clarifying age and date reduces confusion in biographies and reference works.
Legacy and historical record
Joplin's influence on rock vocal style and women in rock remains evident decades after her death. Accurate reporting on the date and age supports respectful remembrance and scholarly work on 1960s music culture.
Sources and verification notes
Information is drawn from coroner reports, contemporaneous news accounts, and established biographies. Cross-referencing across official and journalistic sources confirms the date, age, and cause as documented here.
Tags: biography, rock history, music deaths, verified reporting
