Janis Joplin joined the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company in 1966 and recorded two albums with them. After leaving the group in 1968, she worked on solo material including the albums 'Cheap Thrills' and 'Pearl.' Her version of 'Piece Of My Heart' appeared on 'Cheap Thrills' that same year.
Her vocal approach on songs like 'Summertime' and 'Get It While You Can' was raw and emotionally direct, drawing from blues and soul traditions. The song 'Piece Of My Heart' was written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns, but Joplin's interpretation became the most widely recognized.
She worked with musicians including bassist James Gurley, guitarist Sam Andrew, and drummer David Getz during her time with Big Brother and the Holding Company. Other songs in her catalog include 'Stay With Me Baby,' 'One Night Stand,' and 'The Rose.'
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
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