A member of Club 27, Janis Joplin never had the opportunity to take us through enough years of vocal change, musical growth, and personal evolution. She, like Jeff Buckley and way too many more, met her end far too soon. But she left behind a legacy startling in both its brevity and massive scope. Like some others on this list, Joplin had a voice that was nothing if not purely honest. She would tell you truths with the timbre, volume, pitch, and growl of her vocals. Oftentimes, those truths would be difficult to hear, because they spoke of broken promises, deep-seeded dreams that were destined for doom, or love that could never be grasped with both hands. But there was joy, too. Oh, was there joy. Joy and love and the attainment--if ever so briefly--of the top rung of life's ladder. References: "Piece of My Heart", "Me and Bobby McGee", "Down on Me (Live)" (Janis Joplin's Greatest Hits).