After her death, her J-45 was given to close friend and collaborator Bob Neuwirth, who taught her Bobby McGee and co-wrote with her Mercedes Benz. Add a Show Listing MUSIC ...

Fred Foster shares the story behind the song Me and Bobby McGee. Skip to main content Skip to site footer. The Latest. Exclusives. Fresh Music. 2023 Album Release Calendar; Lists. Galleries.

Joplin’s version of “Me and Bobby McGee” was released in 1971, the year following her death. The track wouldn’t just become her only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

He added a few touches of his own (including softening "McKee" to "McGee"), and the rest was history. Joplin topped the Billboard Hot 100 with "Me and Bobby McGee" on March 20, 1971.