The digital radio display showed “Big Brother and the Holding Company.” Remembering their songs from childhood years, it would have been disappointing if the voice had been other than that of Janis Joplin. Despite the Band existing for decades after the death of their former Lead Singer, it is her singing that has become what is expected when their name appears.

A colleague who is lead singer in an R & B band that plays in pubs and clubs says audiences expect them to play songs that are recognized, songs …