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 ...

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.

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.

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.