In this biography, George-Warren paints a complex portrait of singer Janis Joplin (1943-1970). Drawing on archival materials as well as interviews with Joplin's friends, family, and bandmates, George-Warren begins with Joplin's life, stretching back to her childhood in Port Arthur, Texas. George-Warren explores Joplin's evolution as a singer, including her early incorporation of Otis Redding's vocal techniques into her own performances, as well as her moments of impulsive brilliance, such as her first time singing Bobby McGee live in Nashville in 1969, having just learned it, which she would record only a few days before her death.