Which soul singer had a 1967 hit with "Piece of My Heart"?

The soul singer who had a 1967 hit with “Piece of My Heart” was Erma Franklin.

Franklin recorded the original version for Shout Records in 1967. The song was written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns, who also produced the recording. Franklin’s powerful gospel-influenced vocal turned it into a successful R&B single, reaching number 10 on Billboard’s Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart and number 62 on the pop chart.

The best-known version today is often associated with Janis Joplin, who recorded the song with Big Brother and the Holding Company for the 1968 album Cheap Thrills. Joplin’s performance became a much larger mainstream hit, but it was a cover of Franklin’s earlier recording—not the original.

Another frequent confusion comes from Erma’s famous younger sister, Aretha Franklin. Aretha did not originate “Piece of My Heart”; she won the 1969 Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance with “Chain of Fools,” while Erma’s recording received a nomination. Erma’s version later gained renewed attention in Europe after appearing in a 1992 Levi’s advertisement.