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Lot #676
Janis Joplin

“I’ve been practising the recorder and now I can play G, A, B, C, C#, D & E! Gee, aren’t I great!”

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Description

“I’ve been practising the recorder and now I can play G, A, B, C, C#, D & E! Gee, aren’t I great!”

ALS signed “Love, Janis,” six pages, 5.75 x 8, August 28, [1965]. Letter to her boyfriend Peter de Blanc. In part: “I don’t know what I’m trying to prove—second letter today…but I have news: we now have a third car—a light green Volkswagon! It’s really nice, Laura & I have been hopping around all day in it. We drove up to Beaumont to see what my grades were—B’s!! Thank you, thank you…I’ve been practicing the recorder and now I can play G, A, B, C, C#, D & E! Gee, aren’t I great! One thing I don’t quite understand—perhaps you can explain to me…how do these #’s and [music note]—do you have to remember all the way through what lines were marked at the beginning? Or do they put the little signs right in front of the note they want altered? In theory, I’m not so hot, I guess, but I am practicing. Sigh, we could play such beautiful duets together…You know Peter, it’s really great—we’re still making it. I mean, we’re apart & still love each other. I really do love you more each day. We’ll probably really make it—through any kind of troubles, I mean—we just keep trying. I really love you baby, and I intend to keep trying no matter what (practically…) cause it’s really worth it. I’ve never been happy before, you know, ever. And now I am, because of you and well it’s just worth it. We should make it…I was lying looking out the window & listening to the trains last night. Just like I was 4 and awed with the world again. Nice.” In very fine condition.

A desperate intervention by her friends in San Francisco sent Joplin back to her home of Port Arthur in 1965. She avoided drugs and alcohol, enrolled as an anthropology major at Lamar University in nearby Beaumont, Texas, and commuted to Austin to perform solo, accompanying herself on guitar. During this period, she wrote de Blanc frequently, as she struggled to balance her desires for a peaceful private existence with her passion for the rock and roll lifestyle. Unfortunately, after formally asking her family's permission to marry her, de Blanc broke off the engagement, left the bay area, and relocated back to New York in 1966; Joplin returned to San Francisco in June of that year and joined Big Brother. A very hopeful and optimistic letter as Joplin continued on her road to sobriety and hopes of settling down. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
  • Dates: #424 - Ended March 12, 2014





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