The original Big Brother and the [bad word] was formed in September of 1965 featuring Peter Albin, Sam Andrew, James Gurley, and Chuck Jones.

Dave Getz joined the band and debuted March 12, 1966 at The Matrix, San Francisco.

Janis Joplin joined the band and debuted June 10, 1966 at the Avalon Ballroom, San Francisco. She was a member of the band for two and a half years. Her final show as a member of Big Brother was December 1, 1968 at the Family Dog Benefit, San Francisco.