Music post by guest blogger Ruddy Adam.

Janis Early in Her Career Covering Old Blues Tunes as They Were Originally Done

Before Janis developed her own unique style of singing the Blues when she covered old blues songs, she sang them as the original singers did. Here are three of those. By being able to get this close to the original singer, it’s another testimony of what a great ear she had.

Great Blues Song!!

“Down and Out,” Janis Joplin, 1965 (3:40) From an old studio version.

Janis Joplin Hesitation Blues, 1965 (4:00)

This song has been sung every kind of way, country, folk, and blues. Here, Janis does it as the original version was done by Bessie Smith. Below is a rare copy by Bessie, if you want to see how close to the original vocal Janis gets.

“Careless Love,” Janis Joplin, 1965 (3:00)

“Careless Love,” Bessie Smith, 1925 (3:20)