Kristofferson Explains "Me and …" Bobbie McKee?
It's astounding to think of all the brilliant songs written from Kris Kristofferson's pen. His credits include "Sunday Morning Comin' Down," "Help Me Make It Through the Night," "For the Good Times," "Why Me" and of course, that famous "Me and Bobby McGee." In fact, 39 years ago today, Janis Joplin recorded the song in Los Angeles. Yet, very few people know the rather peculiar story behind it.
Kristofferson was working as a songwriter for Combine Music Publishing in Nashville as well as flying helicopters for oil companies. During this time, Combine and Monument Records founder Fred Foster called one day to tell him of a song title -- "Me and Bobby McKee," an idea that came about because Foster knew a secretary by the same name. The hook? Bobbie McKee was a woman. Her real name was Barbara. Seems silly, right? Well, Kristofferson thought so too and tried to avoid Foster. But after several months, Kristofferson thought it in his best interest to finish the song. Having recently been moved by the Italian film La Strada, Kristofferson found inspiration in Giulietta Masina and Anthony Quinn's traveling circus characters. And since Kristofferson thought Foster said "McGee," the song became known as "Me and Bobby McGee."
See him tell the in-depth story and perform the song live on Studio 330 Sessions.
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T J says:
Janis owned that song - Kris might have wrote it but, it was Janis that gave “Me and Bobby McGee”a life of it’s own.
T J says:
it’s = its
rodney says:
waylon did a good verison of it too and so did roger miller but i think your right it was janis’s song.
Marty says:
TJ… It’s = it is as in “It is astounding to think…etc” above
However, rodney needs an apostrophe and an “e” when try to abbreviate “You are right” above. It’s you’re (the apostrophe stands for a letter that’s missing and is often omitted when spoken), not “your” which is 2nd person possessive as in your hat, your call, your wife, your turn
Sunkie says:
Whitney,
Thanks for the history lesson. I always enjoy reading your articles for they are full of details that sometimes gets lost in all the gibberish that people spew. I have learned to appreciate Kris’s writing over the years and you have helped add to my understanding. Again, thanks for allowing your readers to gain an insight to such a legend.
Hawk says:
This song was covered so many times. Even a good version is made by Brian McKnight on “The Pilgrim - A Celebration Of Kris Kristofferson”. It’s different to all I knew before, but it is good as well. I guess nobody can demage this song :-)
Redmaz says:
One reason how Janice made it her own was a subtle chord arraingnent change, as opposed to the original. Here it is…during the lines “we sang every song that driver knew” and “to be holding Bobbie’s body next to mine”…the original chord progression through this section was 5 1 4, but in Janice’s version she held the 5 through this, skipped the 1 and went right to the 4. Was it planned or just a mistake?
Charlotte says:
I love Kris Kristofferson as a singer and songwriter.I suppose he is better known as a songwriter.I think he is a great songwriter.My all time favorite song he wrote is “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down” and Johnny Cash singing this song was the perfect artist to sing the song.
kenspeaker says:
Hack again?!
evhandbag says:
Hack again?!
beatssolo says:
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