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Ramblings of a retiree in France
I’m kicking off 2023 with a series of my favourite cover songs. It’s quite amazing how many artists cover one another’s songs. Sometimes they’re not artists you might expect, sometimes they are.
In 1971, Janis Joplin, who had dated its writer Kris Kristofferson, had a number one hit with “Me and Bobby McGee” from her posthumous album Pearl. It stayed on the number-one spot on the charts for weeks. It was in fact her only song to reach No. 1.
Lines such as “I’d trade all my tomorrows for one single yesterday” hit especially hard in light of the legendary singer’s premature death, and her unparalleled vocals make this one an enduring classic.
The song was originally performed by Roger Miller. Fred Foster shares the writing credit, as Kristofferson wrote the song based on a suggestion from Foster. Gordon Lightfoot released a version that reached number 1 on the Canadian country charts in 1970. Jerry Lee Lewis released a version that was number 1 on the country charts in December 1971/January 1972 as the “B” side of “Would You Take Another Chance On Me.”
Here’s Sheryl Crow giving Kristofferson a helping hand.
Which version do you prefer? Let me know below.
View from the Back 
No one sang it like Janis–the best.
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I agree Lois
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Thank you, Sheree, for the song. Second version speaks better to me.
Joanna
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Thanks for commenting Gaby, much appreciated
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You are welcome, but I am Joanna not Gaby!
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Apologies!
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That is fine, no harm done!
Joanna
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Thanks for your understanding
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I liked the Roger Miller version. He was not revered for his talent and unique voice
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
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Interesting how many sang this song. Janis is the best, in my opinion. 🙂
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She gets my vote too
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🙂 🙂
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Thank you
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👏👏👏
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Thanks Cindy
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You’re most welcome!!! ❣️
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I never had heard of Fred Foster before. I googled him a minute ago. He had a very impressive career in the music biz.
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That’s what I love about blogging, you learn lots of stuff every day
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Hi – fun covers and the Sheryl Crow & Kristofferson cover is pretty upbeat and smooth
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Yes, I felt Sheryl added a lot to the version
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Yes
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A classic. Thanks for sharing this, Sheree. 🙂
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My pleasure Mark
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Janis for me.
Sheryl Crow was good but giving Kristofferson a helping hand is an understatement. Kris Kristofferson was woeful.
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Thanks for your comments, much appreciated
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Nobody can sing this one like Janis, it will always be HER song. ❤
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Absolutely Eliza
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I used to have a recording of Kris Kristofferson singing it alone. That’s the one I used in my English classes, because it was fairly slow and easier for learners to understand.
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Good idea
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My dad had that Janis Joplin album and I was listening to it as a teenager. Great songs. Thanks for checking out the “Love Is In Da Blog 2023 post (https://thebeewritesdownloads.wordpress.com/2023/01/31/tomorrow-is-the-day-love-is-in-da-blog-2023-is-rolling-in). Would be great to have you with us if you feel like it.
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Thank you, it’s a lovely idea.
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I think I prefer the original on this one!
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Thanks for commenting Lyssy
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Janis for me too. I had not realised the provenance you outline.
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Me neither until I looked into it. Thanks for your feedback Derrick. It’s hands down Janis’ version.
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I love the passion and spirit in Joplin’s version.
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Thanks Steve
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You’re welcome, Sheree!
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