2015 saw the release of two documentaries about members of the “27 Club”. The 27 Club is a term that refers to a group of popular musicians who died aged 27, at the height of their fame. The critically acclaimed documentaries about Amy Winehouse (Amy) and Kurt Cobain (Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck) paid tribute to the artists who will forever be remembered at 27. On 5 February, we are releasing Janis: Little Girl Blue, which pays tribute to Janis Joplin from acclaimed director Amy J. Berg.
The “27 Club” originated when Jimi Hendrix, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin, all passed away in similar circumstances in the short space of two years between 1969 and 1971. The “Tragic Six” as they are described by some, all possessed exceptional musical talents and have become beloved cult figures in musical history.
Like Amy and Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, Janis: Little Girl Blue tells the story of Janis' upbringing, life and musical success. The documentary includes unseen material, interviews with Janis’ close friends and personal letters as narrated by Chan Marshall (Cat Power). It tells the story of her humble upbringing in a conservative part of Texas and her rise to fame with Big Brother and the Holding Company.
The documentary includes her descent into drinking and drugs, revealing a vulnerable person who channeled her emotions into her art. The stories of the Janis, Amy and Kurt span several decades but their stories all have tragic similarities. All legendary musicians, who passed away aged 27 and now commemorated in unforgettable documentary films.