3 Overlooked Songs From ‘Pearl ‘ By Janis Joplin

By 1970, Janis Joplin was living in two different worlds. On one side, she found joy and stability with her new band, the Full Tilt Boogie Band, where she felt musically fulfilled. On the other side, her personal life was a rollercoaster of emotions. Though she had managed to quit heroin at one point, she returned to it, often using it as an escape. This internal conflict tragically cut short Joplin’s brilliant career. But through her music, we can still see the incredible value of what she left behind.

Get It While You Can
The last song Janis Joplin recorded was “Get It While You Can,” written by Jerry Ragovoy and Mort Shuman. Originally performed by soul singer Howard Tate, the song didn’t gain much traction, peaking at #134 in the U.S. Despite that, Tate’s version set the stage for Janis to add her powerful voice and emotion to the track. Her rendition turned the song into something unforgettable, a fitting end to her recording career.

Cry Baby
A standout from the Pearl album is her cover of “Cry Baby,” originally sung by Garnett Mimms. This track showcases Joplin’s raw, explosive vocal power, and some say it’s one of her most impactful performances. In one version, she ad-libbed a response to her boyfriend, David Niehaus, who had left her to travel through Turkey and Nepal. The song was a staple during her 1970 tour, but the performance in Toronto stands out. The chemistry between Janis and the Full Tilt Boogie Band was palpable which made this version a fan favorite.

Half Moon
“Half Moon” is another gem from the Pearl album. Written by John Hall and his then-wife, Johanna Schier, the song has an interesting backstory. Johanna, a writer for The Village Voice, was interviewing Joplin when Janis suggested they write a song for her. John crafted a Hendrix-inspired guitar riff, and Johanna penned the lyrics. The result was a funky, unforgettable track that became one of Janis’ favorites.