The U.S. Postal Service added legendary singer Janis Joplin to its Music Icons Forever Stamp series during a first-day-of-issue ceremony at the Outside Lands Music Festival at Golden Gate Park.
“Today we salute an American original, Janis Joplin,” said Megan Brennan, chief operating officer and executive vice president. “I am honored to dedicate this stamp to pay tribute to one of the most important musicians of the 20th century.”
The Janis Joplin Forever Stamp is the fifth in the Postal Service’s Music Icons series. Through the power of stamps, Joplin joins a list of celebrated artists so honored: Lydia Mendoza, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles and Jimi Hendrix.
“The recognition of her legacy and persona on such a permanent and iconic symbol as a United States postage stamp is truly humbling and it fills us with joy and pride,” said Michael Joplin, Joplin’s brother, who attended the stamp dedication ceremony.
“I am happy for Janis that her image stands strong, representing the power, artistry and independence of women,“ said Joplin’s sister, Laura Joplin, in reflecting on the issuance of this stamp. “As a rock and roll icon of the turbulent 1960’s era, Janis’s inclusion helps remind us of the positive strength of an era devoted to peace, love and — as Janis said — ‘Be True to Yourself.‘“
The ceremony paid homage to the iconic singer with performances by Mary Bridget Davies, from the critically-acclaimed Broadway play A Night with Janis Joplin, and Outside Lands performers Kacey Musgraves and Nicki Bluhm. SiriusXM Radio DJ, Jim Ladd, served as master of ceremonies.
The artwork for this stamp was designed by Art director Antonio Alcala of Alexandria, VA, and features a June 1970 portrait of Janis Joplin taken in New York City by renowned music photographer David Gahr.
