From Opera To Rock

Second Cup Café: Beth Hart

(CBS)  Los Angeles-based singer Beth Hart had childhood training in classical piano, cello and opera. But when she was turned on to blues and rock 'n' roll at age 15, her world changed.

Her last album, "Screamin' for My Supper," spawned the hit rock ballad "L.A. Song." With a voice reminiscent of Janis Joplin, she visited The Early Show's Second Cup Cafe to sing tracks from her new album, "Leave the Light On."

The raspy-voiced Hart says she found her musical calling as a teen when she discovered blues and soul from artists such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Donny Hathaway.

"I realized that the blues gave you the chance to feel your pain," she once told The Dallas Morning News. "That's when I really clicked with it."

After spending countless hours playing in many Los Angeles clubs, her music caught the ear of Atlantic Records. She soon recorded her debut album, "Immortal." She followed that CD with the more autobiographical "Screamin' for My Supper."

Some fans believe Hart's voice and style of music pays tribute to Janis Joplin. But Hart says until later in her career, she didn't even know who Joplin was. Once she did discover the music of Joplin, Hart says she was mesmerized. She even played the rock and blues legend in a show called "Love, Janis."

"Leave the Light On" will be released by Koch Records on October 21.