About the song
Janis Joplin’s rendition of “Summertime” is a powerful and emotionally charged interpretation of one of the most famous songs from the American musical canon. Originally composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by DuBose Heyward for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess, “Summertime” has since become a jazz and blues standard, covered by countless artists. However, Janis Joplin’s version, recorded with Big Brother and the Holding Company in 1968, stands out as one of the most raw and compelling.
Joplin’s “Summertime” was featured on the album Cheap Thrills, the second and final studio album with Big Brother and the Holding Company before she embarked on her solo career. Released in August 1968, Cheap Thrills was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and staying there for eight consecutive weeks. The album perfectly captured the essence of the late 1960s counterculture, blending rock, blues, and psychedelic influences, with Joplin’s soulful and gritty voice leading the way.
In her interpretation of “Summertime,” Joplin transforms the lullaby into a haunting, almost desperate plea, infusing it with the pain and longing that became her signature. Her raspy, bluesy vocals convey a depth of emotion that is both powerful and heartbreaking, turning the song into something uniquely her own. The track’s searing guitar work, courtesy of Sam Andrew and James Gurley, adds to the intensity, creating a version of “Summertime” that is unforgettable.
While Joplin’s “Summertime” didn’t chart as a single, it remains one of the standout tracks on Cheap Thrills and a testament to her extraordinary talent. Her ability to take a classic song and reinvent it with her unique style made her one of the most revered and influential artists of her time. Even today, Janis Joplin’s “Summertime” is celebrated as a masterpiece, showcasing her unparalleled ability to convey deep emotion through her music.