Brittany Howard
If you’re looking for the modern heir to Joplin’s gut-wrenching soul, look no further than Brittany Howard. As the frontwoman for Alabama Shakes and in her solo work, Howard possesses a voice that can go from a sultry whisper to a full-throated roar in a heartbeat.
Like Joplin, she isn't just singing notes; she’s channeling pure, unadulterated emotion. Her performances are visceral and electrifying, tapping into a deep well of blues, rock, and Americana. Listen to a track like "Don't Wanna Fight" with Alabama Shakes or her solo song "Stay High" to hear how she commands a song with a power that feels both timeless and entirely her own. It's not about imitation, but about embodying that same fiery, fearless vulnerability that made Joplin a legend.
Beth Hart
When it comes to a gritty, powerhouse blues-rock voice, Beth Hart is frequently and rightfully compared to Joplin. In fact, guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa, a frequent collaborator, has called her "the new Janis Joplin." Hart’s vocal delivery is raw and dynamic, capable of conveying immense pain and soaring joy. She completely immerses herself in her songs, whether it's a tender ballad at the piano or a blistering rock anthem. Her career is a testament to resilience, and that lived experience bleeds into her music, giving it an authenticity that can't be faked. For a taste of her Joplin-esque fire, check out her cover of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" or her original, "War in My Mind."
Florence Welch
While Florence + The Machine might lean more into art-rock and baroque pop, Florence Welch’s vocal prowess and explosive stage presence absolutely channel the spirit of Joplin. Welch is a force of nature on stage, a whirlwind of cathartic energy who, like Joplin, seems to leave every ounce of herself in a performance. Her voice, a mighty instrument capable of incredible range and power, shares that same feeling of teetering on the edge of emotional abandon. One writer even described another artist as effortlessly evoking a mix of Joplin's cadence and Welch's wailing vocals, showing how Welch has become a modern benchmark for powerhouse female singers. Songs like "Dog Days Are Over" and "Shake It Out" build to massive, freeing crescendos that feel like a direct spiritual link to Joplin’s own explosive releases.
Larkin Poe
Fronted by sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, Larkin Poe is a masterclass in modern roots and blues-rock. Rebecca’s lead vocals are packed with soul and grit, while Megan’s slide guitar wails with the kind of bluesy fervor that would feel right at home on a Big Brother and the Holding Company record. They are often compared to the Allman Brothers, but their sound is a fiery, female-fronted force that feels deeply connected to the trailblazing women of rock. Their music is steeped in Southern heritage, creating a sound that's both raw and technically impressive. For proof of their gutsy, Joplin-worthy sound, listen to tracks like "Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues" or "She's A Self Made Man." They recently won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album, cementing their place as leaders in the genre.
Dorothy Martin
The band DOROTHY is built around the formidable vocals of its namesake, Dorothy Martin. From the moment they burst onto the scene, critics drew comparisons to the great wailers of rock history. Martin’s voice is a powerful, blues-drenched instrument perfectly suited for swaggering hard rock. Songs like "Raise Hell" and "Wicked Ones" are unapologetic, high-energy anthems delivered with a snarl and a ton of soul. Like Joplin, Martin brings an undeniable star power and a raw, sometimes chaotic energy to her music. Rolling Stone even named the band one of its "best new artists" early in their career, and they have continued to deliver on that promise with a sound that’s both classic and fresh.
