In the late 1960s, Tom Jones was at the height of his fame and had landed his own television variety show, This Is Tom Jones. Running from 1969 to 1971, the program welcomed some of the biggest names in music, including Nancy Sinatra, Cher, and The Who. But one performance that remains especially memorable is the moment Jones shared the stage with the legendary Janis Joplin.
When the two joined forces for “Raise Your Hand,” the result was an electrifying rock performance. Although Jones was better known for his powerful pop vocals than for rock music, he held his own alongside Joplin’s explosive blues-rock voice. Still, it was Janis’s raw vocal power and fearless stage presence that truly stole the spotlight. The performance has attracted millions of views online, with fans praising the incredible chemistry between the two singers.
But their appearance together revealed more than just Joplin’s wild rock-and-roll energy. She also showcased a softer, more vulnerable side with her rendition of “Little Girl Blue.”
Originally written in 1935, the song has been recorded by celebrated artists such as Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughan. Joplin included her own version on her 1969 album I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! During her television performance, she stepped away from her usual high-energy style and delivered a deeply emotional interpretation that highlighted the blues influences behind her distinctive voice. Inspired by blues legends Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey, Joplin brought a heartfelt intensity to the song that made the performance especially moving.
Janis Joplin’s musical career lasted only a few short years before her tragic death at age 27 in 1970. Yet her influence on rock music remains immense. These two performances on This Is Tom Jones capture the remarkable range of her talent—from the untamed energy of a rock powerhouse to the tender emotion of a blues singer.
More than five decades later, watching Joplin and Jones share the stage is a powerful reminder of her extraordinary gift and the timeless appeal of her music.