Piece of My Heart

More about the book

In a candid reflection, an 80-year-old bartender serves as a backdrop to the struggles and triumphs of a young woman from Port Arthur, Texas, who transformed the blues genre. The narrative captures her experiences on the road, from backstage encounters with legends like Jerry Lee Lewis to wild nights with the Grateful Dead and her own band, Big Brother and the Holding Company. It delves into her life, revealing moments of both joy and turmoil, including an incident where she faced discrimination at a bar due to the company she kept. The story illustrates her evolution and the newfound freedom she relishes, highlighting the self-destructive nature of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. The author, a former contributing editor for Rolling Stone, offers a profound exploration of a cultural icon, providing a raw and intimate portrait that resonates deeply with readers. Critics have praised the work as intimate, revealing, and shocking, noting its ability to convey the complexities of a major cultural figure and the music scene of the time. This compelling narrative goes beyond mere biography, capturing the essence of an era and the personal struggles intertwined with fame.