Janis Joplin was a force, and she was even more incredible live. Sadly, many of us were too young to hear her sing in person, and all we have to get an idea of how good she was is a somewhat limited collection of live albums. And I’m a big fan of the following live recorded performances, specifically.
Videos by American Songwriter
Keep in mind that this list of Janis Joplin’s best live album performances is entirely a matter of opinion. If you have a favorite performance that wasn’t mentioned below, I’d love to hear about it!
5. ‘Wicked Woman’ (1976)
This one’s a bootleg, forewarning. However, I decided to include it on this list because of the haunting significance of this album. Wicked Woman features recordings of Janis Joplin’s last concert before her death, recorded roughly two months before we lost her.
This album is made up of audience recordings, and you can definitely tell by the quality. Still, even with the limited technology of the time, Joplin’s insane vocal talent still rings through the fuzzy recordings. This album was recorded at Harvard Stadium in Boston.
4. ‘The Woodstock Experience’ (1969)
If you grew up in the 1960s or had parents who grew up in that era, you’ve probably heard this album in full. It’s an excellent box set that features Janis Joplin’s performance at Woodstock 1969, but it also features recorded performances from Santana, Jefferson Airplane, and Sly & The Family Stone, among others.
The other performances add context to Joplin’s sound; you get to hear all of the other music that was getting big at the same time she was. If anything, this box set is a great history lesson.
3. ‘Live At Winterland ’68’ (1998)
Released in 1998 but recorded in 1968, Live At Winterland ‘68 could easily tie with Live At The Carousel Ballroom 1968. Janis Joplin and Big Brother And The Holding Company recorded this gem at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, following a tour of the East Coast with B. B. King.
2. ‘Live At The Carousel Ballroom 1968’ (1968)
Live At The Carousel Ballroom 1968 was famously recorded at the Carousel Ballroom in San Francisco. Big Brother And The Holding Company, including Joplin, were on their A game during the recording of this live album, as they had just finished recording sessions for Cheap Thrills. It’s quite an organic live recording, full of missed notes and distinct left-and-right channel isolations that just make it more endearing.
1. ‘In Concert’ (1972)
Janis Joplin performances just don’t get better than this. And this is the only live album from Joplin to substantially chart, which lends some credibility to its ranking on this list, at least.
In Concert was released months after her death, and it’s full of Big Brother And The Holding Company and Full Tilt Boogie Band goodness. Many of the songs on this album were recorded between 1968 and 1980. All the hits are here, and Joplin delivers them with insane energy.
Photo by Crawley/Kobal/Shutterstock
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.