Joplin’s path was cut short. She formally recorded “Me and Bobby McGee” in September 1970. It was released in January 1971. Between those two dates, the singer died of a heroin overdose.

Hear a previously unreleased recording of Me and Bobby McGee from his 1981 performance at Gilley's honky-tonk.

Joplin’s path was cut short. She formally recorded “Me and Bobby McGee” in September 1970. It was released in January 1971. Between those two dates, the singer died of a heroin overdose.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — "Me and Bobby McGee" is one of Kris Kristofferson's most famous and widely covered songs, with everyone from Janis Joplin to Pink putting their own spin on it since 1969. It'… ...

I sang “Me and Bobby McGee” to him and he started to cry. It was the only thing that evoked a reaction in him.

He put me on stage the first time.” One of his most recorded songs, “Me and Bobby McGee,” was written based on a recommendation from Monument Records founder Fred Foster.

One of his most recorded songs, “Me and Bobby McGee,” was written based on a recommendation from Monument Records founder Fred Foster.

Others who have recorded “Me and Bobby McGee” include Roger Miller, Charley Pride and Jerry Lee Lewis.

NASHVILLE — “Me and Bobby McGee” is one of Kris Kristofferson’s most famous and widely covered songs, with everyone from Janis Joplin to Pink putting their own spin on it since 1969.