The Origin of Me and Bobby McGee

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the origins of Kris Kristofferson's song "Me and Bobby McGee," detailing its connection to Janis Joplin and her impactful performances with Big Brother and the Holding Company. Participants reflect on live concerts from 1967, including a memorable performance at the Synanon Street Fair and the Hollywood Bowl. The conversation highlights Joplin's vibrant stage presence and her relationship with Kristofferson, as well as personal anecdotes about her music and iconic car, a 1964 Porsche 356C, which recently sold for $1.76 million.

PREREQUISITES
  • Knowledge of Kris Kristofferson's music career
  • Familiarity with Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company
  • Understanding of the cultural context of the 1960s music scene
  • Awareness of significant music festivals like the Monterey Pop Festival
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the history of "Me and Bobby McGee" and its various recordings
  • Explore the impact of Janis Joplin's performances on the music industry
  • Investigate the significance of the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival
  • Learn about the legacy of classic cars in rock music culture, focusing on Joplin's Porsche 356C
USEFUL FOR

Music historians, fans of classic rock, and anyone interested in the cultural impact of 1960s musicians will benefit from this discussion.

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.
1698710622067.png

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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