Welcome to Formative Jukebox, a column exploring the personal relationships people have with music. Every week, a writer will tackle a song, album, show, or musical artist and their influence on our ...

Over half a century since her sudden death at the age of 27, Janis Joplin's loss remains one of the most tragic in rock history. Particularly heartbreaking is the fact that the iconic singer recorded ...

Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose / Nothin’, don’t mean nothin’, honey, if it ain’t free. Written by Kris Kristofferson and immortalized by Janis Joplin, “Me and Bobby McGee” stands ...

Janis Joplinwasn't merely a singer and songwriter — she was a beacon of unrestrained emotion and indomitable expression. From soul-moving songs such as "Piece of My Heart" and "Me and Bobby McGee" to ...

Janis Joplin’s version of “Me and Bobby McGee” was released on Jan. 12, 1971. One day earlier, a Food Stamp Amendment was passed, establishing uniform work requirements for eligibility. “Busted flat,” ...