Big Brother and the holding Company formed in the summer of 1965 in San Francisco, California. Founded by guitarists Peter Albin and Sam Andrew, the group later grew to include another guitarist, James Gurley, drummer Dave Getz, and their soulful lead singer, Janis Joplin.

The band is best known for their 1968 album Cheap Thrills, which, although recorded in a studio, was engineered in such a way to give it the sounds and feel of a live performance. “Piece of My Heart” and “Ball and Chain” call Cheap Thrills home.

After the immense success of Cheap Thrills, Joplin and Andrew left Big Brother to pursue new projects, while Albin and Getz joined Country Joe and the Fish. James Gurley retreated to the desert.

The band momentarily reunited with new members in 1970, and disbanded once again in 1972, only to reunite with its original rhythm section in 1987. Even with the passing of Janis Joplin, Sam Andrew and James Gurley, the band still tours to this day.