Recorded in September 1970 with her Full Tilt Boogie Band, "Cry Baby" showcases Joplin's transition into a more polished yet still visceral blues-rock style. The song was released as the second single from the Pearl album in 1971, reaching #42 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was famously backed by the original track "Mercedes Benz" on its B-side.
Janis Joplin ’s "Cry Baby" is more than just a blues-rock track; it is a raw, volcanic expression of heartbreak and resilience that remains a defining moment in music history. Originally a 1963 R&B hit by Garnet Mimms and the Enchanters, Joplin’s version—recorded for her posthumous masterpiece, Pearl —transformed the song into a soul-shaking anthem. The Story Behind the Song download janis joplin cry baby