Pop Archives

Nova Express - Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart (1970)

(Bert Berns - Jerry Ragovoy)
Australia Australia
#28 Melbourne

Jazz-influenced Melbourne pop band with brass section whose members included Linda George, later successful as a solo singer.

The band's name is presumably after the 1964 William S. Burroughs novel.

Suggested by Mike Robbins. Thanks to Pete Lloyd.


Erma Franklin - Piece Of My Heart (1967)

(Bert Berns - Jerry Ragovoy)
USA USA
Original version

Produced and co-written by Bert Berns, single on Berns's own r&b label, Shout.

Erma Franklin is Aretha Franklin's sister.

Further reading: The Originals website has more background and other versions in its song history.


Big Brother & The Holding Company (with Janis Joplin) - Piece Of My Heart (1968)

(Bert Berns - Jerry Ragovoy)
USA USA
Influential version
#12 USA #32 Brisbane

This is the version everyone knows, from Cheap Thrills, the album that introduced Janis Joplin to the world, not to mention the art of Robert Crumb.


Jenny Morris - Piece Of My Heart (1990)

(Bert Berns - Jerry Ragovoy)
Australia Australia
Later version
#31 Sydney #16 Melbourne #10 Brisbane #16 Adelaide #15 Perth

Single on WEA label by New Zealand pop/rock singer, formerly with The Crocodiles, in Australia since the early 80s.

Further readingJenny Morris biography at All Music.


Barry McCaskell And Levi Smith’s Clefs, Featuring Lindy Cable - Take A Little Piece Of My Heart (1970)

(Bert Berns - Jerry Ragovoy)
Australia Australia

Single On Chart.

Lead vocals are by Lindy Cable

The "Barry McCaskell" on the label is Barrie McCaskill.

There never was a "Levi Smith" in the Clefs. The moving force in this progressive r&b band was Scottish-born singer-guitarist Barrie 'The Bear' McAskill. Over the years its personnel included a number of musicians well-known to Australian audiences.

Who's Who of Australian Rock lists over 60 members of Levi Smith's Clefs

Further reading: 1. Band history at Barrie McCaskill's website. 2. See Milesago has a band history along with a big personnel list.