Janis Joplin was a musical force to be reckoned with in life, with her powerful voice and extraordinary songs that couldn't be ignored. And now, there is talk that she is also a force to be reckoned with in death. This month marks the 40th anniversary of the death of Janis Joplin, and there is talk of her spirit inhabiting the hotel room in which she died from a heroin overdose in 1970. This was a volatile time for classic rocket,s with Hendrix dying two weeks before and Jim Morrison soon to follow.

The Landmark Hotel, which has since changed its name to the Highland Gardens, was Joplin's home for more than a month before her death. The hotel room in which she died, room 105, is now known for having unexplained incidents that have made at least one of her friends believe in her post-death activities in the room.

The hotel room is a suite, including a kitchen, a bedroom and a changing room. The suite is the home to Joplin's friend, Don Hoyt, on the anniversary of her death every year. And during that time, he has reported a number of odd disturbances in the room. Lights turn on and off by themselves, items move around the room and the thermostat seems to have a mind of its own. The phone in the room rings without explanation, making those who stay in the room believe in the spirit of Janis Joplin, reaching out to those who are left behind.

Though the memory of Janis Joplin was downplayed by many people at the tie, including members of her own band, her amazing performances left behind a legacy of passion and strength that are hard to match by any current musical act. According to Hoyt, Joplin was called one of the "greatest blues singers ever" by blues giant B.B. King.

Other than her amazing, soulful vocals, Joplin leaves behind numerous memories of her life. Among those is her name carved in a table in West Hollywood's Barney's Beanery, one of the many places that Joplin fans visit to see a piece of her legacy.



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