The 1968 Big Brother and The Holding Company version sung by Janis Joplin is the one most are familiar with, but it was originally recorded by Erma Franklin in 1967. Erma was the elder sister of "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin.
Written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns, "Piece Of My Heart" had previously been offered to Van Morrison, who rejected the song, instead preferring to do his own original material.
Franklin's single was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, the winner to be revealed in Spring 1969 at the 11th Annual Grammy Awards. Ironically, the award went to Franklin's sister Aretha for the song "Chain of Fools".