I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama! by Janis Joplin

I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!

by Janis Joplin

Released: September 11, 1969

Blues rock, psychedelic rock, soul

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

01

The Album

"I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!" is the debut solo album and third studio album overall by American singer-songwriter Janis Joplin, released on September 11, 1969, by Columbia Records. The album marked a departure from her previous psychedelic rock style, incorporating soul and blues elements and featuring a brass and horn section—something her former band had not allowed. Notably, a 180-gram Limited Edition Virgin Heavy Vinyl pressing was released in 2010.

02

Inside the Recording

The album includes hits such as "Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)," "Kozmic Blues," and "To Love Somebody." The 1999 CD reissue features bonus tracks including an outtake cover of Bob Dylan's "Dear Landlord" with new lyrics by Joplin, and live versions of "Summertime" and "Piece of My Heart" recorded at Woodstock. Most of the tracks were cover versions selected by Joplin and producer Gabriel Mekler, with only "One Good Man" and "Kozmic Blues" being original compositions by Joplin.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

This album marked Joplin's first recording effort after…

This album marked Joplin's first recording effort after departing from her former band, Big Brother and the Holding Company.

It is notable for being the only solo…

It is notable for being the only solo album Joplin released during her lifetime.

Recording for "I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues…

Recording for "I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!" began on June 16, 1969, in New York City and concluded on June 26.

For this album, Janis Joplin enlisted guitarist Sam…

For this album, Janis Joplin enlisted guitarist Sam Andrew from her former band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, along with her new group, the Kozmic Blues Band.

Initially, the album’s title appeared only on the…

Initially, the album’s title appeared only on the spine and labels.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

01

Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)

The album includes hits such as "Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)," "Kozmic Blues," and "To Love Somebody." The 1999 CD reissue features bonus tracks including an outtake cover of Bob Dylan's "Dear Landlord" with new lyrics by Joplin, and live versions of "Summertime" and "Piece of My Heart" recorded at Woodstock.

02

One Good Man

Most of the tracks were cover versions selected by Joplin and producer Gabriel Mekler, with only "One Good Man" and "Kozmic Blues" being original compositions by Joplin.

03

To Love Somebody

The album includes hits such as "Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)," "Kozmic Blues," and "To Love Somebody." The 1999 CD reissue features bonus tracks including an outtake cover of Bob Dylan's "Dear Landlord" with new lyrics by Joplin, and live versions of "Summertime" and "Piece of My Heart" recorded at Woodstock.

04

Kozmic Blues

"I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!" is the debut solo album and third studio album overall by American singer-songwriter Janis Joplin, released on September 11, 1969, by Columbia Records.

05

Little Girl Blue

The single "Kozmic Blues," paired with "Little Girl Blue," reached #41 on the US Billboard charts.

Then

Reception

The album was released on September 11, 1969, and achieved gold record status within two months. The single "Kozmic Blues," paired with "Little Girl Blue," reached #41 on the US Billboard charts.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!" is the debut solo album and third studio album overall by American singer-songwriter Janis Joplin, released on September 11, 1969, by Columbia Records. This album marked Joplin's first recording effort after departing from her former band, Big Brother and the Holding Company. It is notable for being the only solo album Joplin released during her lifetime.

Recording for "I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!" began on June 16, 1969, in New York City and concluded on June 26. For this album, Janis Joplin enlisted guitarist Sam Andrew from her former band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, along with her new group, the Kozmic Blues Band. The album marked a departure from her previous psychedelic rock style, incorporating soul and blues elements and featuring a brass and horn section—something her former band had not allowed. Most of the tracks were cover versions selected by Joplin and producer Gabriel Mekler, with only "One Good Man" and "Kozmic Blues" being original compositions by Joplin.

The album was released on September 11, 1969, and achieved gold record status within two months. Initially, the album’s title appeared only on the spine and labels. Later pressings included a title sticker designed by Robert Crumb on the shrink wrap, though this was not part of the original release. The album was reissued multiple times on vinyl, with varying cover designs and stickers. Notably, a 180-gram Limited Edition Virgin Heavy Vinyl pressing was released in 2010.

The single "Kozmic Blues," paired with "Little Girl Blue," reached #41 on the US Billboard charts. The album includes hits such as "Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)," "Kozmic Blues," and "To Love Somebody." The 1999 CD reissue features bonus tracks including an outtake cover of Bob Dylan's "Dear Landlord" with new lyrics by Joplin, and live versions of "Summertime" and "Piece of My Heart" recorded at Woodstock.

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