The Epic Story Behind Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee”

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Photo of Kris Kristofferson Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Music is the one single element that has withstood the test of time. It’s no wonder whenever we hear a beat or tempo; we automatically get into a rhythmic motion. Here’s one song that will surely bring back the good old days. June 1969 was the year that the epic song ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ was conceptualized , and transformed the genre of country music by fusing the art of storytelling with the great classic tempos of its time. In fact, this timeless classic has quite the intriguing history, and without further ado, in celebration of its greatness, we’re here to tell it.

Our epic journey kickstarts in the confines of Kris Kristofferson’s mind, shortly after receiving a phone call from Fred Foster, the founder of Monument Records. At the time that Fred Foster made the call, Kristofferson was a struggling musician signed to Fred’s label. In fact, Kristofferson was just about to head off to Nashville for his on-the-side helicopter job when Fred briefed him on a great song idea he had in mind.

The song was to be ‘Me and Bobby McKee, though Kristofferson recalls thinking he heard ‘McGee.’

Half-heartedly, Kristofferson agreed to write the song, though he later admits that it took him quite a while to come up with all the facets of the classic. One that would then be sung by Janet Joplin, the version that would be highly revered among Country music aficionados and casual listeners today.

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