Port Arthur (finally) to install historical marker for Janis!

Check out this article in the Chron . . .

Port Arthur will celebrate Janis Joplin's 65th birthday by putting a historical marker in front of her childhood home.

"She was a very popular figure in the '60s, and she had a lot to do with the style of music that evolved at that time," said Yvonne Sutherlin of Jefferson County Historical Commission, who provided the documentation for the state marker. "We just want people to know that she's from here."

Port Arthur residents weren't always so willing to claim the rocker who died of a drug overdose in 1970 at age 27. The city didn't embrace its celebrity wild child until almost 18 years after her death.

When she became famous, rebellious Joplin didn't have any kind words for her hometown, and the townsfolk felt the jab. Her manner of death, a heroin overdose, didn't endear her to the citizens of Port Arthur.

However, time heals, and Joplin's popularity proved beneficial to a city trying to hook tourists.

Now Port Arthur proclaims its link to the singer/songwriter with billboards, brochures and an annual concert. The Joplin area on the second floor of the Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter, is a major attraction for out-of-towners.

The exhibit features her artwork, music and a replica of her painted Porsche. Near a Joplin statue, her music is in rotation with that of several Gulf Coast musicians such as the Big Bopper, George Jones and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown.

The historical marker dedication ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at 4330 32nd. The 21st annual Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame ceremony begins at 7 p.m. on the campus of Lamar State College-Port Arthur. Edgar Winter and the Clique will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Beat Daddy, 98 in the Shade and Joplin impersonator Andra Mitrovich will perform. [ . . . ]

Woo-hoo, it's about time y'all. :D

See also: this and that article in the Enterprise.