Happy Birthday Janis Joplin: ’Piece Of My Heart’ Isolated Vocals

There may not be a singing voice more recognizable, imitated and unparalleled than that of late rock performer Janis Joplin. The beloved counter-culture icon was born on this date in Port Arthur, Texas in 1943. Joplin had yet to realize her full potential when a drug overdose in October 1970 cut her life and career tragically short at just 27 years old.

One of three cover songs recorded by Joplin on her 1968 studio album with Big Brother And The Holding Company was “Piece Of My Heart.” The song was first recorded a year earlier by Erma Franklin who achieved moderate success with the Bert Berns/Jerry Ragovoy-penned R&B song.

Joplin and Big Brother found huge success with “Piece Of My Heart” and other Cheap Thrills singles such as “Summertime” and “Ball And Chain.” The blues-rock arrangement of “Piece Of My Heart” became one of Joplin’s signature works, demonstrating her raw, emotionally driven singing style.

Below is the studio recording of “Piece Of My Heart” with the instrumentation almost completely muted in order to isolate Janis’ gut-wrenching performance. Listen below thanks to Joh Ph: