One of the leading bands in the history of San Francisco psychedelic rock, combining blues and folk-rock in a loose way, but later became dominated by Janis Joplin's voice.

Formed in San Francisco in 1965, the original members of the band were Sam Andrew (lead guitar), James Gurley (guitar), Peter Albin on bass and Chuck Jones on drums, who was replaced by Dave Getz in 1966.

The group increased in popularity with the addition in April 1966 of lead singer Janis Joplin. She was recruited by the band's manager of the time, Chet Helms, who had previously lived in Austin, Texas where Joplin was at college. The group also benefited greatly from the fact that Helms had recently founded the renowned San Francisco concert promotions company Family Dog Productions.

The band's historic performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967 attracted national and international attention.

In November 1967 they parted with Helms and signed with Albert Grossman, manager of Bob Dylan. Their second album, Cheap Thrills, reached the top of the charts in 1968.

Near the end of 1968, Joplin left the band with Andrew and formed a new backing group, the Kozmic Blues Band, with whom she recorded I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama! in 1969. Albin and Getz became members of Country Joe and the Fish.

The band reformed in 1969 around the same line-up (except Joplin). Albin, Andrew, Getz and Gurley were joined by Nick Gravenites (vocals), Dave Schallock (guitar) and Kathi McDonald (vocals), plus many others on occasion. This lineup lasted until 1972, after which the band performed together only once in 15 years.

The latest incarnation started up again in 1987 and has been touring part-time ever since with most of its original members, including Andrew, Albin, Getz and Gurley, who was replaced on guitar in 1997 by Tom Finch.