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Janis Joplin sang lead. Big Brother & the Holding Company was one of the groups she sang with before going solo later in 1968. Until her death in 1970, this was her biggest chart success, and it continues to get a lot of airplay.
Bert Berns wrote this song, and Aretha Franklin's younger sister Erma sang the original version and put it on the R&B charts in 1967. Big Brother & the Holding Company quickly covered it and took it to #12 on the Hot 100. For Erma Franklin, it was her biggest hit. She went on to sing backup on some of Aretha's songs, and ran a childcare agency called Boysville. Erma died of cancer in 2002 at age 63.
Franklin's original version made its UK chart debut in 1992 - 25 years after initial release - thanks to its being used in a Levi's jeans commercial. (thanks, Brad Wind - Miami, FL, for above 2)
Joplin sang this at Woodstock in 1969.
Danielle Stearman sang this at the Popstars concert in North Sydney. Popstars is a TV show looking for new talent. She didn't win, but was able to launch a singing career. She regularly performs it on television appearances as well. She sings it with a country flavor. (thanks, Mel - somewhere, Australia)
Sammy Hagar recorded this in 1982, and Faith Hill covered it in 1994. Her version went to #1 on the Country charts. (thanks, Farrah - Elon, NC)
When Erma Franklin heard Joplin's cover on the radio, she barely recognized the song. She graciously said in a 1973 interview: "Her version is so different from mine that I really don't resent it too much."
British soul singer Beverly Knight recorded this for her 2006 best-of compilation, Voice. Released as a single, it peaked at #16 in the UK.
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This particular movie would be about my friendships as a teen in Atlanta in the 1960s, and I've imagined Piece o' My Heart as the perfect song to end the movie, as the main character walks the streets as an aging baby boomer remembering the late 60's.
It's an incredibly powerful song.
thats all i have to say