Happy 55th Anniversary to Janis Joplin's Pearl

Happy 55th Anniversary to Janis Joplin's crowning musical achievement, Pearl. 

A great record from an artist who left the world much too soon. 

While Joplin had sounded otherworldly on records previously, her backing with the Full Tilt Boogie Band, brought her to the big time with a more professional, tighter, rocking backing throughout Pearl. From the first notes of "Move Over" to the fabulous Howard Tate cover "Get It While You Can", Janis and the band are in synch and rolling. 

It is a shame she never lived to see her number one hit, "Me and Bobby McGee" written by Kris Kristofferson, as acceptance and success seemed to be core to her being. "Buried Alive In the Blues" is a great instrumental from the band while "Cry Baby" is a stunner, showcasing Joplin's heart wrenching vocals. "Mercedes Benz" proves her playful side as the last song she ever wrote or recorded. 

Janis Joplin left this world in October 1970, but her going away present Pearl, released on January 11th, 1971, has stuck around. On the 55th anniversary of its release, give it a whirl. Below are a few tunes to get you started.