The Origin of Me and Bobby McGee

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the origins of the song "Me and Bobby McGee," including Kris Kristofferson's recording career, Janis Joplin's involvement with the song, and their relationship. Participants share personal experiences related to Joplin and her performances, as well as reflections on her music and legacy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants discuss the beginnings of Kris Kristofferson's career and the origins of "Me and Bobby McGee."
  • Others share personal anecdotes about attending Janis Joplin's performances, highlighting her energy and impact on audiences.
  • There is mention of the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and the perceived differences between live performances and album versions of Joplin's songs.
  • One participant expresses a preference for Joplin's music with Big Brother and shares opinions on her songs, including a comparison of "Take Another Piece of My Heart" to a cover by Faith Hill.
  • Discussion includes details about Joplin's personal life, such as her ownership of a Porsche and its significance, along with a recent article about the car's history.
  • Some participants correct the spelling of "Bobby" in the song title and express curiosity about the condition of Joplin's car after many years.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a fondness for Janis Joplin and her music, but there are differing opinions on specific songs and performances. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact details of the song's title and the personal anecdotes shared.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on personal memories and interpretations, which may vary in accuracy. The discussion includes subjective opinions on music and performances, and the historical context may not be fully detailed.

BillTre
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This is explains the beginnings of Kris Kristoffersons's recording career, where Me and Bobbi McGee came from, how Janis Joplin came to record it and her relationship with Kristofferson.

 
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That video is very personal and moving. Thanks for posting that. Didn't know about Barbara McKee or story.
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I saw Big Brother and the Holding Company at the Synanon Street Fair in SF in 1967. Before they released their first album. Sitting up on a hill. https://diva.sfsu.edu/collections/sfbatv/bundles/239403
She was full of energy, really projected it. Sold me right away. Bought the album as soon as it came out. She was wild and a beautiful, free spirit. Thought her best music was with Big Brother too.
 
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1967 Monterey Pop. Wildness of the times comes through in this music video. Way out of key singing/playing. Album version much better, but Janis Joplin looked great then! Kris thought so too.

 
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BillTre said:
This is explains the beginnings of Kris Kristoffersons's recording career, where Me and Bobbi McGee came from, how Janis Joplin came to record it and her relationship with Kristofferson.
Make that Bobby McGee...

difalcojr said:
I saw Big Brother and the Holding Company at the Synanon Street Fair in SF in 1967.
I saw them plus Jefferson Airplane at the Hollywood Bowl 0n September 15 of 1967. I had to look up the date by searching for the events at this venue for that year. Apparently, Grateful Dead were also on the bill, but either they didn't show up or my wife and I showed up after their set.
difalcojr said:
Thought her best music was with Big Brother too.
That's my opinion as well. My most favorite Janis Joplin song is "Take Another Piece of My Heart," (Faith Hill's version is better IMO), and my least favorite song is the one about a Mercedes Benz, when she had gone solo (I think).

It's interesting to note that one of the lines in the MB song is "My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends." As the picture in post #2 shows, Joplin did have a 1964 Porsche 356C, which she had painted by one of the Big Brother roadies. I belong to PCA (Porsche Car Assn.) and by coincidence the current issue has an article about her car and its color scheme. That car is still in existence and recently sold for $1.76 million USD.
 
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Wow, quite a coincidence with the magazine article. Wonder how the paint job is after all these years?! 1967.

In the song was Bobbi McKee, I think. :smile:
 
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