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I had started to write a post earlier this week about my first rock hero, Janis Joplin, since January 19 was her birthday, but I kept getting sidetracked and never got back to writing.
I got as far as finding YouTube videos of a couple of my favorite Janis songs, and planned to write about how she could transform a classic R&B song into something wildly her own.
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Today I got chills when I heard of the death of Etta James – I had chosen a Janis version of one of her songs that I just love. Coincidence for sure, but it somewhat changes the nature of what I wanted to write.
Of course I was saddened by the news of Etta James’ death. No one wants to hear of the loss of such great talent. But at the same time, the gift of her music will make her live on. Which is what I was going to write about Janis. Now I write it for both. And Big Mama Thornton.
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Legendary women.
I’ll let their songs speak for them.
Tell Mama
• Etta James: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8pcNIGjJX0
• Janis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6ou63LX0NM
Ball and Chain
• Big Mama Thornton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-rNX1DKuMI
• Janis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhBFRNBxT_o
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Rambling Prose 
What a nice tribute to all three singers! I listened to Etta’s “At Last!” album last night. Beautiful singing. I’ll have to put on some Janis today, even if Mrs. Funk doesn’t particularly like it …
Janis is like magic to me. I love her rough, untamed voice. And I love how she could belt out all those crazy songs. I learned about her R&B influences much later, but it made me like her even more.