For those who know how much some musical gems go unsung, Erma is the original artist of this song and a true soulful diva in her own right . . . If the world only knew!
Erma was not only a great singer who never got the breaks, but a warm, kind and generous person, and a stabilizing force in the Franklin family in Detroit. It was a privilege to know her.
I'm going to look Erma up & see the life she lead. She's a great singer. and there is an attractive energy about her. I bet she was the smartest. (I of course could be wrong)
Very rich people should make a nice musical movie that tells the story of giants like Erma who deserves the best in the world of music. The back up singers just love this song and the band is fabulous
I really enjoyed all her recordings throughout the years. So many great memories attached to her recordings like places,faces and situations attributed to her glorious voice. Grateful Erma Franklin to the times.
My husband and I *love* *love* *love LOVE* this woman. What class, such a beautiful voice. Whoever put this together well done, well done. Thank you. She's a dream.
This is what a soul song is all about. Janis' version was raw and painful too, but this original version has something special going on too. On the opposite side of the coin, Faith Hill should be flogged for her version of this classic !! LOL Thank you for this Erma, wherever you are, and your sisters Carolyn and Aretha too for the music they gave the world.
36 years old and still coming back to listen to this LEDGEND, that is, and was Erma Franklin in August 2024. I grew up listening to amazing artists, and you, Mam, are and will always have given us a BIG PIECE OF YOUR HEART ❤️
First time I ever heard this song it was by Janis Joplin. When I heard Irma's version I was blown away. Hers delivery was deliberate, soulful and in control, she didn't scream the way Janis did, she sings this song with conviction. I wish she got her due like Aretha did, to me she was just as good.
I Remember My Mom Playing This Song At Her Parties. I Use To Sneak And Listen To Them. This Song I Listen To Over And Over Again. So Soulful And Beautiful 💛💛💛RIP The Franklin Sisters.
Janice made it superb in the way any woman could relate. There are so many Rock songs that were remakes and often stolen from blues bands. I heard this one and like it better for the feelings that escape in Franklin's voice as if she is experiencing it right now this instance.
soul classic from erma franklin, Aretha franklin's older sister. my lady has a piece of my heart. sad and beautiful song at the same time, so timeless. real soul at the very best.
I play a monthly Motown and Funk night in my sleepy little Oxfordshire hometown, and I usually finish with this track. I wish Erma knew that even in 2022 there's still a plethora of folks young & old properly getting down to this record.
I remember first hearing Erma singing the heaven and hell out of "Piece of My Heart" on the radio, while visiting Montreal in 1967 as a teenager. I purchased the 45 rpm single, on the SHOUT! label and still have it to this day! Fab-u-licious!
My parents would not let us listen to soul (called it a horrible, racist name). Of course, it didn't work - we just listened to the radio and 45's we bought when they were not home.
I actually discovered this from a New York Times crossword puzzle clue..."Franklin who sang "Piece of My Heart." The answer was "Erma." I was only familiar with the Janis Joplin version. I had to look it up and I'm glad I did. Thank you for posting, and thanks to Byron Walden (creator of the crossword) for allowing me to discover this. I of course had heard of Aretha (had her very first album and some CDs). I was delight to find this. Thanks again!
Erma Franklin singing Piece of My Heart is riveting and magnificent. Growing up in the era of complete SOUL, had never before realized this was her fabulous recording. I’ve never understood the reason talented siblings were never allowed to reach their highest level of success. Erma Franklin clearly had the VOICE , BEAUTY AND STYLE!
The record companies of the era were obsessed with 'Star power'. The suits could not get their heads around putting more than one performer per category out front. Arethas fame was not just bought at the expense of her sisters, but to other artists like Etta James who saw their publicity dropped and contracts lapsed, so the ad men and promotion money could be focused on a single Property.
Having heard all three major versions of this song--Faith Hill's country style, Janis Joplin's classic rock, and Erma Franklin's original--all I can say is this: Everybody just shut up and take a back seat to Queen Erma. She will probably never be bested at this song.
Erma Franklin put her heart and soul into this video as if making a personal testimonial. Like some exquisite jewels that have not been unearthed, this beautiful work of art and expression sadly has not got its due.
Janis screams this song and Erma sings it. Both are great version. My regret is that it took me years to find this beautiful version. Thank you for put it in youtube.
What a great performance by Miss Irma Franklin........What a great classic this is! Rest in Peace to this great singer, who is sister to Aretha Franklin........
Wow, all these years and I never knew Janis Joplin's version was a cover of this original rendition. Erma Franklin had such a beautiful voice and I love this version now too!
