Big Brother & the Holding Company

In August 1968, Big Brother & the Holding Company performed at the Carousel Ballroom in San Francisco, capturing one of the most electrifying periods of their career. This live rendition of 'Ball & Chain' features the unmistakable voice of Janis Joplin, who had just released the band's breakthrough album 'Cheap Thrills' earlier that same year. The album not only propelled the band into the limelight but also solidified Joplin's status as a rock icon with hits like 'Piece of My Heart.' The live recording exemplifies the raw energy and emotive power that defined their performances during this era. Interestingly, the Carousel Ballroom itself was a vital hub for the burgeoning counterculture movement, making this performance a perfect snapshot of the time, blending music with the cultural revolution. It's a piece of history that resonates with so many, encapsulating the spirit of American rock in the late '60s.

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