People, whether they know it or not, like their blues singers miserable. They like their blues singers to die afterwards.

My father wouldn't get us a TV, he wouldn't allow a TV in the house.

Why should I hold back now and sound mediocre, just so I can sound mediocre twenty years from now?

Being an intellectual creates a lot of questions and no answers. You can fill your life up with ideas and still go home lonely. All you really have that really matters are feelings. That's what music is to me.” – Janis Joplin

I want a bigger band with higher highs, a bigger ladder. And I want more bottom - I want an incredible amount of bottom. I want more noise. When I do a rock tune I want it to be so HUGE.

If I hold back, I'm no good. I'm no good. I'd rather be good sometimes, than holding back all the time.

I talk to the audience, look into their eyes. I need them and they need me.