[Eric in the Ozarks]

To appreciate Janis, you'd have to reach back to Black R&B/torch singers from the 1930s. I liked her work, what little there was of it. She had a lousy band in the beginning of her career and a better manager could have made a difference. Her “live in Toronto” gig was her best voice. Later, she'd lost self control and was overwhelmed by alcohol and drugs.

[Tar and Feathers]

The fact that Janis was such a phenom in spite of her lousy back up band says much for her stage charisma (which I understand was nearly super-human). Off stage, she was plain, and even a bit homely, but on stage she somehow could turn into a sexy siren. The transformation was remarkable.