Feature Photo: Grossman Glotzer Management Corporation, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Janis Joplin embodied passion, grit, and soul with every powerful note she sang, leaving an unforgettable mark on rock music. Her story began in Port Arthur, Texas, a conservative oil town whose rigid social structures and expectations clashed deeply with Janis’s free-spirited, rebellious nature. Struggling to fit into her hometown’s conventional norms, she found solace in blues and folk music, igniting a flame that drove her to pursue a different life on the vibrant music scene of California in the early 1960s.
After initially trying her luck in San Francisco, Joplin briefly returned to Texas in 1965, discouraged and dealing with substance abuse issues. Yet her relentless drive soon led her back to California in 1966, this time to join the psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company. This partnership ignited her career, delivering electrifying live performances that showcased her raw vocal talent and magnetic stage presence. The band’s breakthrough came during the legendary Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, where Joplin’s powerful rendition of “Ball and Chain” stunned audiences and critics alike, propelling her into national acclaim.
With Big Brother, Joplin released two pivotal albums: the self-titled debut Big Brother & the Holding Company (1967) and the critically acclaimed Cheap Thrills (1968). The latter became a massive commercial success, topping the Billboard charts and featuring one of her most iconic hits, “Piece of My Heart,” a song that became synonymous with Joplin’s intense, heartfelt delivery. Despite her success with Big Brother, she departed from the band in late 1968, determined to pursue an even more ambitious creative path.
Joplin’s next musical chapter involved assembling the Kozmic Blues Band, which released the album I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! in 1969. The album, which embraced a fuller sound blending blues, rock, and soul influences, yielded the single “Kozmic Blues.” Although initially met with mixed critical reactions, it eventually earned gold certification, underscoring Joplin’s commercial appeal and musical versatility. During this period, her historic performance at Woodstock further solidified her status as one of rock music’s most dynamic and beloved figures.
Seeking yet another evolution in her sound, Joplin formed her final band, Full Tilt Boogie Band, in 1970. With this ensemble, she began recording her most polished and ambitious album, Pearl. Tragically, Joplin never witnessed its immense success, as she died from a heroin overdose on October 4, 1970, at the age of just 27. Released posthumously in January 1971, Pearl became her most acclaimed album, featuring her definitive hit “Me and Bobby McGee,” written by Kris Kristofferson. The song soared to number one on the Billboard charts, immortalizing her legacy as one of the greatest voices in rock history.
Although her life was painfully brief, Janis Joplin’s influence and contributions have been consistently honored and celebrated. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, acknowledging her profound impact and lasting legacy within music. Rolling Stone Magazine consistently recognizes her as one of the greatest singers of all time, underscoring her raw emotional power and unique ability to convey deep human vulnerability through music.
Beyond her groundbreaking musical career, Joplin’s persona challenged conventional norms about femininity and success in a predominantly male-driven industry. Her uninhibited style, emotional honesty, and rejection of traditional standards paved the way for future generations of female musicians. She fiercely championed freedom of expression and embodied the spirit of a generation seeking authenticity in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
Outside of music, Joplin’s passions extended into art and social justice. She was an outspoken supporter of civil rights and was deeply involved in anti-war movements during the turbulent 1960s. Her life embodied the countercultural ethos of her era, promoting ideas of personal liberation, social equality, and artistic freedom. Her advocacy and willingness to challenge societal boundaries further enriched her legacy as not merely an entertainer, but a committed advocate for change.
Janis Joplin’s enduring power comes from her honest and unapologetic representation of human emotion—she was raw, vulnerable, and intensely real. Her performances remain unmatched in their passion and depth, and her songs continue to resonate deeply with listeners. Despite the tragic brevity of her career, she left behind a powerful, indelible legacy, defined by authenticity, emotional intensity, and unwavering courage to live her truth.
Complete List Of Songs From A to Z
Complete List Of Songs From A to Z
- All Is Loneliness – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- All Is Loneliness (Live at Fillmore West) – In Concert – 1972
- All Is Loneliness – Janis – 1993
- All Is Loneliness (Live at The Matrix) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Amazing Grace – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Amazing Grace/Hi-Heel Sneakers (Medley, Live) – Farewell Song – 1982
- As Good as You’ve Been to This World – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – 1969
- As Good as You’ve Been to This World (Live at Woodstock) – The Woodstock Experience – 2009
- As Good as You’ve Been to This World – Janis – 1993
- A Woman Left Lonely – Pearl – 1971
- A Woman Left Lonely – Janis – 1993
- Ball and Chain – Cheap Thrills – 1968
- Ball and Chain (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Ball and Chain (Live at Festival Express, Calgary) – In Concert – 1972
- Ball and Chain – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- Ball and Chain (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Ball and Chain (Live at Woodstock) – The Woodstock Experience – 2009
- Ball and Chain – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Ball and Chain (Live at Monterey Pop Festival) – Janis – 1993
- Ball and Chain (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Blindman – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Blow My Mind – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- Blow My Mind (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Buried Alive in the Blues – Pearl – 1971
- Bye, Bye Baby – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Bye, Bye Baby (Alternate Take) – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Bye, Bye Baby (Live at Winterland Ballroom) – In Concert – 1972
- Bye Bye Baby (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Bye, Bye Baby – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Bye, Bye Baby – Janis – 1993
- Bye, Bye Baby (Live at The Matrix) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Call on Me – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Call On Me (Alternate Take) – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Call on Me (Live) – Janis – 1993
- Can’t Turn You Loose – The Woodstock Experience – 2009
- Catch Me Daddy – Cheap Thrills – 1968
- Catch Me Daddy (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Catch Me Daddy – Farewell Song – 1982
- Catch Me Daddy – Janis – 1993
- Caterpillar – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Caterpillar (Live at The Matrix) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Combination of the Two – Cheap Thrills – 1968
- Combination of the Two (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Combination of the Two – Janis – 1993
- Come On Baby Let the Good Times Roll – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- (Come On Baby) Let the Good Times Roll (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Coo Coo – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Coo-Coo – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- Coo Coo – Janis – 1993
- Coo-Coo (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Cry Baby – Pearl – 1971
- Cry Baby (Alternate Version) – Pearl – 1971
- Cry Baby (Festival Express Tour) – Pearl – 1971
- Cry Baby (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Cry Baby – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Cry Baby – Janis – 1993
- Dear Landlord – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – 1969
- Dear Landlord – Janis – 1993
- Down on Me – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Down on Me (Live at Grande Ballroom) – In Concert – 1972
- Down On Me – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- Down on Me (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Down on Me (Second Version, Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Down on Me – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Down on Me – Janis – 1993
- Down on Me (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Easy Rider – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Easy Rider (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Easy Rider – Janis – 1993
- Ego Rock – In Concert – 1972
- Farewell Song – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Farewell Song (Live) – Farewell Song – 1982
- Farewell Song – Janis – 1993
- Faster Pussycat Kill Kill – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Flower in the Sun – Cheap Thrills – 1968
- Flower in the Sun (Live at Carousel Ballroom) – In Concert – 1972
- Flower in the Sun (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Flower in the Sun – Janis – 1993
- Get It While You Can – Pearl – 1971
- Get It While You Can (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Get It While You Can (Live at Festival Express, Calgary) – In Concert – 1972
- Get It While You Can – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Get It While You Can – Janis – 1993
- Great White Guru – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Gutra’s Garden – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- Gutra’s Garden (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Half Moon – Pearl – 1971
- Half Moon (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Half Moon (Live at Festival Express, Toronto) – In Concert – 1972
- Half Moon – Janis – 1993
- Hall of the Mountain King – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Happy Birthday, John (Happy Trails) – Pearl – 1971
- Happy Birthday, John (Happy Trails) – Janis – 1993
- Harry – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- Harry – Farewell Song – 1982
- Harry (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Hesitation Blues – Janis – 1993
- Hey Baby – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- Hey Baby (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Hi Heel Sneakers – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- I Know You Rider – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- I Know You Rider (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- I Need a Man to Love – Cheap Thrills – 1968
- I Need a Man to Love (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- I Need a Man to Love – Janis – 1993
- Intruder – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Intruder – Janis – 1993
- It’s a Deal – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Kozmic Blues – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – 1969
- Kozmic Blues (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Kozmic Blues (Live at Festival Express, Toronto) – In Concert – 1972
- Kozmic Blues (Live at Woodstock) – The Woodstock Experience – 2009
- Kozmic Blues – Janis – 1993
- Light Is Faster Than Sound – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Light Is Faster Than Sound (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Light Is Faster than Sound – Janis – 1993
- Light Is Faster Than Sound (Live at The Matrix) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Little Girl Blue – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – 1969
- Little Girl Blue (Festival Express Tour) – Pearl – 1971
- Little Girl Blue (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Little Girl Blue – Janis – 1993
- Magic of Love – Cheap Thrills – 1968
- Magic of Love (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Magic of Love (Live) – Farewell Song – 1982
- Maybe – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – 1969
- Maybe (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Maybe – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Maybe (Live from The Ed Sullivan Show) – Janis – 1993
- Me and Bobby McGee – Pearl – 1971
- Me and Bobby McGee (Demo Version) – Pearl – 1971
- Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Me and Bobby McGee (Alternate Version) – Janis – 1993
- Me and Bobby McGee – Janis – 1993
- Mercedes Benz – Pearl – 1971
- Mercedes Benz – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Mercedes Benz – Janis – 1993
- Misery’N – Farewell Song – 1982
- Misery’n – Janis – 1993
- Moanin’ at Midnight – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- Moanin’ at Midnight (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Move Over – Pearl – 1971
- Move Over (Alternate Version) – Pearl – 1971
- Move Over (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Move Over (Live at Festival Express, Toronto) – In Concert – 1972
- Move Over – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Move Over – Janis – 1993
- My Baby – Pearl – 1971
- My Baby (Alternate Version) – Pearl – 1971
- My Baby – Janis – 1993
- Oh My Soul – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- Oh My Soul (Live at The Matrix) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Oh My Soul (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Oh, Sweet Mary – Cheap Thrills – 1968
- Oh, Sweet Mary – Janis – 1993
- One Good Man – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – 1969
- One Good Man – Janis – 1993
- One Night Stand – Farewell Song – 1982
- One Night Stand (Alternate Take) – Janis – 1993
- Pearl (Instrumental) – Pearl – 1971
- Piece of My Heart – Cheap Thrills – 1968
- Piece of My Heart (Live at Woodstock) – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – 1969
- Piece of My Heart (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Piece of My Heart (Live at Grande Ballroom) – In Concert – 1972
- Piece of My Heart (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Piece of My Heart (Live at Woodstock) – The Woodstock Experience – 2009
- Piece of My Heart – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Piece of My Heart – Janis – 1993
- Raise Your Hand – The Woodstock Experience – 2009
- Raise Your Hand (Live) – Farewell Song – 1982
- Raise Your Hand (Live from The Ed Sullivan Show) – Janis – 1993
- Road Block (Live at Carousel Ballroom) – In Concert – 1972
- Roadblock – Cheap Thrills – 1968
- Road Block (Live at Monterey Pop Festival) – Janis – 1993
- Summertime – Cheap Thrills – 1968
- Summertime (Live at Woodstock) – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – 1969
- Summertime (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Summertime (Live at Carousel Ballroom) – In Concert – 1972
- Summertime (Live at Winterland) – Live at Winterland ’68 – 1998
- Summertime (Live at Woodstock) – The Woodstock Experience – 2009
- Summertime – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Summertime (Alternate Take) – Janis – 1993
- Tell Mama (Festival Express Tour) – Pearl – 1971
- Tell Mama (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Tell Mama (Live) – Farewell Song – 1982
- Tell Mama – Janis – 1993
- That’s Rock ‘n’ Roll – Pearl – 1971
- The Last Time – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- The Last Time – Janis – 1993
- To Love Somebody – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – 1969
- To Love Somebody (Live at Woodstock) – The Woodstock Experience – 2009
- To Love Somebody – Janis – 1993
- Trouble in Mind – Janis – 1993
- Trust Me – Pearl – 1971
- Trust Me – Janis – 1993
- Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – 1969
- Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) (Festival Express Tour) – Pearl – 1971
- Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) (Live from Festival Express) – Pearl – 1971
- Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) (Live at Festival Express, Calgary) – In Concert – 1972
- Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) (Live at Woodstock) – The Woodstock Experience – 2009
- Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) – Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits – 1973
- Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) – Janis – 1993
- Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) (Live) – Janis – 1993
- Turtle Blues – Cheap Thrills – 1968
- Turtle Blues – Janis – 1993
- Turtle Blues (Live at The Matrix) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- What Good Can Drinkin’ Do – Janis – 1993
- Whisperman – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- Whisperman (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Women Is Losers – Big Brother & the Holding Company – 1967
- Women Is Losers – Cheaper Thrills – 1984
- Women Is Losers (Live) – Janis – 1993
- Women Is Losers (Live at The Matrix) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Women Is Losers (Live at California Hall) – The Lost Tapes – 2002
- Work Me, Lord – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – 1969
- Work Me, Lord (Live at Woodstock) – The Woodstock Experience – 2009
- Work Me, Lord – Janis – 1993
Albums
Big Brother & the Holding Company (1967): 14 songs
Cheap Thrills (1968): 11 songs
I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! (1969): 11 songs
Pearl (1971): 33 songs
In Concert (1972): 14 songs
Cheaper Thrills (1984): 13 songs
Live at Winterland ’68 (1998): 14 songs
The Woodstock Experience (2009): 10 songs
Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits (1973): 12 songs
Farewell Song (1982): 9 songs
Janis (1993): 49 songs
The Lost Tapes (2002): 26 songs
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