Rock Hall of Fame Presents Bennett Recognition Award to Janis Joplin

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, in conjunction with Case Western Reserve University, presented a Bennett recognition award – the American Music Masters Award - posthumously to Janis Joplin, the legendary singer and songwriter. Joplin was one of the music industry’s most passionate and influential artists. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked her #46 on their list of 100 greatest artists of all time, and #28 on their list of 100 greatest singers of all time. The unique Bennett award was presented to Joplin’s brother and sister, Michael and Laura, by Terry Stewart, President of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, at an awards celebration held November 15 at Cleveland’s State Theater in Playhouse Square. The awards gala featured tributes to Joplin and a three-hour concert that culminated with Lucinda Williams debuting a yet-to-be-named song in honor of Joplin.

The unique award "Harmonize", which depicts a stylized musical note, was used for the recognition award. The recognition awards presentation was part of the 14th Annual American Music Masters series. The annual American Music Masters series celebrates an artist whose career has had a significant impact on rock and roll. This is the third straight year that Bennett Awards has produced recognition awards for this event. Past recipients of Bennett recognition awards used for the American Music Masters Award include Jerry Lee Lewis and Les Paul.