SPOTLIGHT = Janis Joplin (1 song) & Kansas (1 song)

A Port Arthur TX-native singer-songwriter & a band from Topeka KS….

#1
Janis Joplin is a Port Arthur TX-native singer-songwriter who gained fame in the late 1960s as the lead singer of the band Big Brother & The Holding Company, during which their biggest hit was “Piece Of My Heart” (later covered by Faith Hill). This song, written by Kris Kristofferson & Fred Foster, was originally performed by Roger Miller & recorded by many artists, including Kenny Rogers, Gordon Lightfoot, Dottie West, The Grateful Dead, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Jeannie C Riley, Waylon Jennings, Chet Atkins, Olivia Newton-John, Melissa Etheridge, Anne Murray, Pink, Tori Amos & Dolly Parton. For Joplin, it became her biggest solo hit. Her version, released 01/11/1971 from her album ‘Pearl’, claimed #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

#2
Kansas was formed in 1970 in Topeka KS with the merger of the bands Saragota (originally The Reasons Why) & White Clover, rival progressive rock groups. Written by band member Kerry Livgren, this song hit the airwaves 01/16/1978 from the band’s album ‘Point Of Know Return’; it peaked at #6 on both the Billboard Hot 100 & Adult Contemporary charts. Elsewhere, this single reached #1 in Canada, #22 in France, #29 in Belgium & #36 in New Zealand. Since, the song has been covered by various artists & featured in various pop culture aspects. The band’s other 3 most-familiar tunes are 1976’s “Carry On Wayward Son”, 1982’s “Play The Game Tonight” & 1986’s “All I Wanted”.