Idol Janis Joplin

Since the Season Finale of American Idol airs tonight, we thought we would highlight our title, Janis Joplin: "Take Another Little Piece of My Heart"  from our American Rebels series. For grades 9–12, author Edward Willett gives a comprehensive biography of legendary singer Janis Joplin, from her childhood singing in the church choir to her adolescent rebellions with the local beatniks through her drug and alcohol use and her amazing musical success. With a powerful and soulful voice, Janis blazed a trail for other female rockers during her short and eventful life.

Anniversary of Elvis Presley's 1st hit on Billboard's top 10

On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley had his first Billboard top 10 hit with "Heartbreak Hotel."

The title song was written by Tommy Durden and Mae Boren Axton. It was released as a single on January 27, 1956. The song also became Presley's first million-seller, and the best-selling single of 1956. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1995 and in 2004 was named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll."

Enslow's biography of Elvis Presley, written by John Micklos, Jr., is written for the high school market.

Today would have been Janis Joplin's birthday

Had this legendary singer lived, she would have turned 68 today.

Her powerful and soulful voice blazed a trail for other female rockers. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Janis found her place in life was onstage. She sang with Big Brother and the Holding Company, a band from San Francisco. She became a household name after the Monterey Pop Festival.

Despite her early death, her accomplishments and influence are felt throughout the music industry today. She continues to be an inspiration to musicians everywhere.

Another event in history

In 1968, Johnny Cash recorded a live concert at Folsom Prison in California. When he took the stage, he solidified the public's perception of him as a rebel who followed his own path.

Part of the American Rebels series, Johnny Cash: "The Man in Black" talks about his growing up in poverty in Arkansas, the death of his older brother, his difficult relationship with his father, and more. Written for high school students, this biography will keep Johnny Cash fans reading!

For those James Dean fans out there ....

On this day in 1955, literally 55 years ago, James Dean died in a car accident at the age of 24.

This complicated young actor made three classic films, East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant.

In James Dean, Karen Clemens Warrick explores his often unguarded life, giving insight into his personality and turbulent emotions and offering explanations about what made his few film performances unforgettable.

Today is the 40th anniversary of the death of Jimi Hendrix

James Marshall Hendrix was the greatest electric guitarist in the history of rock-n-roll music. By experimenting with the electronic elements of the guitar, he created a signature style that was unmistakable—one that has not been matched since his untimely passing at age twenty-eight in 1970. In Jimi Hendrix: "Kiss the Sky", author Edward Willett examines the life and career of this legendary pioneer of contemporary music.

On this day in history

Elvis Presley made the first of three appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Enslow has a biography on Elvis for the high school reader.

Happy Birthday Madonna

Madonna "Express Yourself"
Author: Carol Gnojewski
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2442-7

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
Page Count: 160

At the peak of the disco era, a rebellious dancer arrived in New York with 35 dollars and big dreams. This girl was Michigan-born Madonna Ciccone, but she would become known to the world as Madonna. Read how this musical icon caught the world’s attention with her trend-setting style and rebellious performances that sent the '80s music scene spinning and changed pop music forever.

Today would have been Andy Warhol's birthday

Andy Warhol NEW!"Everyone Will be Famous for 15 Minutes"
Author: Edward Willett
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3385-6
Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
Page Count: 160

"Paintings are too hard. Machines have less problems…" In the 1960s, Andy Warhol became the most famous creator of a new style of art called pop art, which transformed mass-produced items of popular culture into fine works of art. From Campbell's Soup cans to photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Warhol's willingness to use anything and everything from the mass media in his work expanded the range of subject matter available to artists. His avant-garde films, artistic usage of American icons, and unconventional social life made him a controversial figure, both greatly admired and deeply reviled. A trendsetter rather than a trend-follower, a dispassionate observer of both the seamy and celebrity sides of life, Warhol was a true American rebel.

On this day in 1967

The three-day Monterey International Pop Music Festival - which catapulted Jimi Hendrix, the Who and Janis Joplin to stardom - opened in northern California.

On this day in history

Janis Joplin debuted on stage at the Avalon ballroom in San Francisco.

Sad anniversary for Kurt Cobain fans

On this day in 1994, Kurt Cobain died.

Jeff Burlingame, who personally knew Cobain, explores the rock legend’s too-brief life, his revolutionary music, and the enduring legacy he left behind.

Today would have been Jack Kerouac's 88th birthday

Jack Kerouac was born on March 12, 1922. Writer, poet, father of the Beat Generation, man of the road—Jack Kerouac just wanted to tell stories. But his stream-of-consciousness writing style and problems with authority made this a difficult dream to achieve. So Kerouac took to the road, traveling, writing, making friends, and getting by, until it all resulted in the publication of On the Road, making him a literary figure who would not be forgotten.