Janis Joplin’s Legendary Newport Folk Festival Performance — Tonight on NPR’s All Things Considered Live

Tonight, music fans have a rare opportunity to experience one of rock and folk music’s most electrifying live performances with the All Things Considered Live Radio Show. This NPR-driven program is a weekly celebration of live artistry, taking listeners behind the scenes at iconic venues, festivals, and showcases across the country. Every episode delivers exclusive performances, musical highlights, and intimate moments that bring the energy of the stage directly into your home.

Tonight’s feature shines a spotlight on Janis Joplin with Big Brother & The Holding Co. at the Newport Folk Festival on July 27, 1968. Captured at a pivotal moment in Joplin’s career, this legendary set showcases the raw power, emotional intensity, and magnetic stage presence that made her one of the most unforgettable voices of the era. With a setlist blending soul, blues, and rock-infused folk, this performance is a masterclass in live musical storytelling.

The concert opens with an electrifying intro, immediately setting the stage for what would become a performance for the ages. Joplin then tears into “Piece of My Heart”, delivering a rendition full of passion and grit that still resonates decades later. Her haunting interpretation of “Summertime” follows, where her soulful phrasing and emotional depth transform the classic into a personal declaration. Tracks like “Coo Coo” and the combination of the two highlight Joplin’s fearless approach to genre and performance, blending improvisation with raw authenticity.

One of the night’s defining moments comes with “Ball & Chain”, where Joplin’s vocals soar over Big Brother & The Holding Co.’s dynamic instrumentation, creating an unforgettable sonic explosion that epitomizes the late 1960s music scene. The set closes with “Down on Me” and a reprise of “Piece of My Heart”, leaving the audience—and listeners today—mesmerized by her unrelenting energy and emotional candor.

What makes this Newport performance so remarkable is not just Joplin’s extraordinary vocal talent but the sense of unfiltered emotion she channels into every note. This was an era of social change and musical experimentation, and Janis Joplin’s performance captures the urgency, rebellion, and soul of the late 1960s like no other. For music historians, fans of rock and folk, and anyone drawn to powerful live performances, this set remains a benchmark of musical brilliance.

The All Things Considered Live Radio Show does more than present historic performances—it preserves the magic, the energy, and the stories behind the music. For JamFest readers, tonight’s episode is a chance to witness Janis Joplin at her most iconic, a live experience that transcends time and reminds us why she remains a legendary figure in American music.

Whether you’re revisiting this historic 1968 Newport set or discovering Joplin’s genius for the first time, tune in tonight to feel the passion, grit, and brilliance that made Janis Joplin an indelible voice of a generation.