JANIS JOPLIN

Janis Joplin (1943-1970) possesses the ambitious, hard working spirit of a Capricorn, the empathetic nature of a Cancer (also known as moon child), and the progressive and unconventional mindset of an Aquarius. She moved with energetic grace despite the abuse she experienced. Always laughing, dancing, singing; something we should all try to do more. Her natural ability to portray the deepest feelings within the limits of a beautifully raspy voice, gives the audience chills and tears with every listen. Although her life was short, she still created a long-lasting legacy with her stellar musicianship.

Five decades later, no one has been able to imitate her.

Joplin was a great songwriter, stage performer, and vocalist. She performed with multiple bands and contributed to the intimate connection between members of a jam band. One of the most influential psychedelic rock songs to come from the late 60s was Janis Joplin and Big Brother & Holding Company’s cover of “Ball and Chain,” originally written and recorded by Big Mama Thornton. After listening to Thornton perform the song at a club in San Francisco, Joplin and the band approached her, requesting permission to cover the song. Ever since Cheap Thrills (1968) hit the shelves, Thornton and her estate have been receiving royalty checks. Since Joplin was extremely inspired by blues artists, she has covered a few of her favorites; Garnet Mimms, Erma Franklin, Bessie Smith, Wanda Jackson, and Ma Rainey, to name a few.

Listening to the band’s rendition of “Ball and Chain,” to put it simply, is a spiritually awakening experience. I recommend listening to it with headphones or in a parked car.

Let the intense, grooving instrumentation engulf you. The guitar rips a wavy sequence of notes, gaining intensity with each beat that passes. The band builds and builds until they drop to a pianissimo. Soon enough, Joplin enters soft and slow, giving the feeling of heartbreak a run for its money.

The screeches and cries haunt your subconscious while your body becomes one with the instrumental accompaniment; following along to the compelling storytelling of Joplin. The bass and drums are a solid duo, maintaining the 12-bar blues scale and time signature, while the vocals and guitars deliver insane improvisation. The guitar solo, half way through the song, utilizes distortion pedals, trills, and fuzzy reverb to create a chaotically hypnotic atmosphere. Toward the end of the song, the band dips out to allow Joplin to sing alone, letting herself cry out freely.

It feels like your heart is breaking with her. If you need a song to cry to, this is it. 

Fun fact: The album Cheap Thrills was initially titled Sex, Dope and Cheap Thrills and the front cover was supposed to be a picture of the band laying naked together in bed, but Columbia Records shot down those ideas.