The “Golden Hits Of The 70s” 

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JANIS JOPLIN

“ME AND BOBBY MCGEE”

(Kris Kristofferson)

Columbia 45314

No. 1   March 20, 1971

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Joplin was found in a room at Hollywood’s Landmark Hotel, on October 4, 1970, with puncture marks in

her arm. Her death was ruled an accidental heroin over­ dose. She was the premier white blues singer of the

’60s, a gutsy but vulnerable tough-mama icon from Texas, an overnight sensation, and yes, literally a One-

Hit Wonder.

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While every album that featured Joplin–Big Broth­er & The Holding Company (1967), Cheap Thrills

(1968), I Got Dem Ol‘ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! (1969), Pearl (1971), Joplin in Concert (1972), Janis

Joplin‘s Greatest Hits (1973), Janis (1975), and Farewell Song (1982)–sold well enough to grant her

superstar status, only the posthumous release of “Me and Bobby McGee” (penned by an ex-lover, Kris

Kristofferson) managed to make the nation’s “hit parade.” Four other 45s did make the Hot 100, though:

“Kozmic Blues” (#42, 1969), “Cry Baby” (#42, 1971), “Get It While You Can” (#78, 1971), and “Down on Me”

(#91, 1975).