Janis Joplin was an American singer who “rocked the house” with her raspy voice, soaring lyrics and bouncing legs.  She threw herself into life … and died of a heroine overdose at 27.

Janis was “out there” – such a cool expression.  And that’s it.  To express, any way you want to.  Just put lots of oxygen into the air!  (Carbon dioxide, actually)  Put yourself way out into the world.

The venue is the Monterey Pop Festival in California.

The year is 1967.

The song is “Ball and Chain”.

And the singer!

Here’s a few comments about that concert:

She wore a loose blouse and stacks of bracelets that clattered when she moved. Her voice carried the grain of Southern blues singers she had studied – artists like Bessie Smith and Big Mama Thornton.

…

The band laid down a heavy, dragging rhythm.  Joplin leaned into the microphone and began almost quietly, drawing out the opening lines.  Her phrasing bent around the beat, stretching words until the notes sounded less like singing and more like a raw release of pressure.

Then the volume climbed.

Her voice cracked, climbed higher, and pushed against the band’s amplifiers.  The performance built in waves – each chorus louder than the last.  She crouched low, gripping the microphone stand, then threw her head back and pushed the final notes into a long, unsteady wail.

The crowd stopped moving.

…

The band finished the song.

For a moment, there was a pause.

Then the audience erupted.

Here’s “Ball and Chain”.  I’m fine whether you love or hate Janis’ performance.

Either way …

I expect your mouth will drop open

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=X1zFnyEe3nE&si=tiQAtg3rimnz33rq