Thursday, September 16, 2010

Me And Bobby McGee

OK, back to the 60's: This Kristofferson/Foster standard took its name from Foster's secretary and is loosely based on Fellini's "La Strada". First recorded by the late great Roger Miller in '69, peaking at #12 on the Country charts. Janis Joplin recorded it shortly before her death in '70 - it was her only Top 10 hit, topping the charts. Kristofferson, with whom she had had a brief affair, 1st heard her version on the day she died. Only the 2nd posthumous #1 hit in rock & roll history (the other one was Otis Redding's "Dock Of The Bay"). #148 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time. Don McLean's lyrics on "American Pie", "I met a girl who sang the blues and I asked her for some happy news but she just smiled and turned away..." refer to Joplin and to this tune. KILLER versions by Crystal Bowersox during last season's American Idol and by winner Michael Grimm and Jewel during the recent "America's Got Talent" finale.





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZAYS6JzQME

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FMhnl0__Vo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV0RPC6yHF0







Yesterday's answer: "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina" from "Evita". Surprisingly Laura Branigan never recorded it. Madonna took it to #8 and even Zamfir (!) covered it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYTIUgSokf0 In my book this is one of The Grammy's greatest moments - not a dry eye in the house!!!

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