American Songwriter

Why “Me and Bobby McGee” Isn’t Just a Road Song—It’s a Study in Freedom and Loss

"Me And Bobby McGee" is based off the 1954 Italian road tragedy, 'La Strata', which paints a dark picture of the "freedom" of ...
American Songwriter

On This Day in 1971, a Kris Kristofferson-Penned Hit Inspired by Frank Sinatra Topped the Country Charts—and Was Later Covered by Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn

Sammi Smith sent Kris Kristofferson's masterpiece, "Help Me Make It Through the Night," to No. 1 on Feb. 27, 1971.
Whiskey Riff

“Beer In One Hand & A Tape In The Other”: Kris Kristofferson Did Land A Helicopter In Johnny Cash’s Yard, But The Real Story Isn’t Quite As Exciting

Two country music legends, one legendary country music song. Throughout the entire history of country music, there are few songs as iconic as "Sunday Morning Coming Down." Penned by the great ...

Janis Joplin’s Pearl Reached No. 1 on Feb. 27, 1971

Fifty-five years ago today, on Feb. 27, 1971, five months after her death, Janis Joplin’s final studio album began a nine-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album was Pearl. Released on Jan.