Back in the 1960s, Tom Jones became a huge star. His powerful voice and energetic performances made him famous, and soon he got his very own TV show called This Is Tom Jones. The show ran from 1969 to 1971 and featured not only Tom but also some of the biggest artists of the time, like Nancy Sinatra, Cher, and The Who. But one performance that stands out, even today, is when Tom Jones and Janis Joplin teamed up for an unforgettable duet.
Tom Jones wasn’t known as a rock singer, but that didn’t stop him from keeping up with Janis Joplin’s electrifying blues-rock style. However, no matter who she performed with, Janis always stole the show. She had a voice full of raw power and emotion, and she owned the stage like no one else.
When she and Tom performed Raise Your Hand together, the audience was blown away. The video of their performance has now been watched over 14 million times online, and fans still can’t get over it. One comment perfectly sums it up: “Tom is a powerhouse, but I think even he was blown away by Janis’ raw energy and talent!”
This performance was a perfect example of why Janis Joplin is remembered as one of rock’s greatest voices. Her wild, passionate singing made her a legend. But what some people don’t know is that she was deeply influenced by blues music.
She grew up listening to artists like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey, and their emotional, soul-filled songs helped shape her own unique sound. On This Is Tom Jones, she didn’t just deliver her usual high-energy rock performance—she also showed off her blues roots with a stunning version of Little Girl Blue.
Originally written in 1935, Little Girl Blue has been performed by many great artists, including Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughan. Janis recorded her own version for her album I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!, which came out the same year she appeared on Tom’s show.
Her performance of the song was deeply emotional, revealing a softer, more vulnerable side of her voice. Even though she was best known for her wild, high-energy performances, this song proved that Janis could be just as powerful when singing something slow and soulful. With her bluesy, heartfelt delivery, she made sure everyone watching felt the emotion behind every note.
Janis Joplin’s career burned bright but ended far too soon. She was only in the music industry for four years before her tragic death at age 27. That’s why performances like her appearance on This Is Tom Jones are so important—they give us a glimpse into her incredible talent and unforgettable presence. In just two songs, Janis showed why she remains one of the most respected and beloved musicians in rock history.
If you want to hear more of Janis Joplin’s amazing music, you can subscribe to her YouTube channel. Stay connected with her legacy on Facebook and Instagram, and learn more about her life on her official website. Her music may have been created decades ago, but its impact is still felt today.
