Janis Joplin, Forest Hills, 1970

“Janis played the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium on August 1 and August 2, 1970, after being rained out previously. A standing room only crowd showed up to cheer her on, after paying a maximum of $6.50 per ticket. The show was part of the Pearl tour, promoting her album by the same name. It showcased her new Full Tilt Boogie Band.

“Forest Hills was my hometown and I was ecstatic about having the opportunity to photograph her there—front row center. Janis had already become iconic as the first female rock star of her generation.

“This photo was shot just a few short months before her untimely demise. When I saw her, she was vibrant, exuberant, passionate—every bit the dynamic performer she was known to be. She possessed almost otherworldly energy. She seemingly had it all and she gave it her all.

“If I had to rate the hundreds and hundreds of shows I’ve shot, this Janis Joplin concert out of all would have to be in my Top 5… very possibly Number 1.”