Waller Creek Girl
While attending the University of Texas, Janis Joplin found herself harmonizing with a folk trio known as The Waller Creek Boys. Initially, they were an all-boys ensemble, but upon hearing Janis’ soul-stirring vocals, they instantly welcomed her into the band. Perhaps, in honor of their new addition, they should have rebranded to ‘The Waller Creek Boys and their Unforgettable Girl!’
Joplin, a self-styled blues heroine, drew inspiration from Beat poets and her favorite blues singers. Her inaugural song, “What Good Can Drinkin’ Do,” was captured in the intimate setting of a fellow University of Texas student’s home in December 1962. Joplin candidly confessed, “This song, ‘What Good Can Drinkin’ Do,’ was born from a night of drowning myself in liquor till I was in a stupor.”