Erma Franklin was an American gospel and soul singer, known for her powerful, emotive vocal style. Born in 1938 and sister to the legendary Aretha Franklin, she is best remembered for her 1967 hit "Piece of My Heart," a song later famously covered by Janis Joplin. Though often overshadowed by her younger sibling, Erma Franklin's contributions to the soul genre, particularly her blending of gospel-inflected vocals with R&B rhythms, hold a significant place in music history.