The Florence and the Machine frontwoman looks up to the 60s icon - who died in 1970 of a drugs overdose - because of her colourful life and the way she put her all into her performances.She explained: "I learnt about Janis Jopin from an anthology of female blues singers. Janis was a fascinating character who bridged the gap between the psychedelic blues and soul scenesshe was vulnerable, self conscious and full of suffering. She tore herself apart, yet on stage she was totally different. She was so unrestrained, so free, and she wasn't afraid to wail.The 'Dog Days Are Over' singer also learned much about how to connect with an audience by watching videos of Janis and credits her with helping her to understand soul music.She added: "Her connection with the audience was really important. It seems to me the suffering and intensity of her performance go hand in hand."There was always a sense of longing, of searching for something. I think she really sums up the idea that soul is about putting your pain into something beautiful. And that's why she's so important to me."Florence was talking about her love of Janis Joplin in a video made for anti-piracy campaign, which aims to get people thinking about the enduring value of music and is backed by Florence, Pixie Lott, Elbow, Bernard Butler and Paloma Faith . for more information please visit http://www.whymusicmatters.org
