Me and Bobby McGee by Kris Kristofferson, Jewel, Lady A, Martina McBride

Kristofferson’s gravelly delivery set the tone, with his seasoned voice full of wisdom and nostalgia, reminding us all of the song’s origins. Watching him sing “Me and Bobby McGee by Kris Kristofferson, Jewel, Lady A, Martina McBride, and more at this stage of his career felt like witnessing a piece of music history. A man revisits one of his most celebrated works with reflection and pride.

The Skyville Live 2021 performance of “Me and Bobby McGee” was a tribute to Kris Kristofferson, who was joined by Jewel, Lady A, and Martina McBride. Together, they performed one of his most iconic songs, honoring the emotional depth and classic appeal of this piece.

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Me and Bobby McGee by Kris Kristofferson, Jewel, Lady A, Martina McBride – Live at Skyville Live, 2021.

Kristofferson’s raw, weathered voice, shaped by years of life and music, brought a sense of truth that connected with the audience. Though his voice has changed over time, it carried emotion, making lines like “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose” hit even harder. Jewel’s vocals, along with Lady A’s harmonies and Martina McBride’s strong presence, added a new layer to this well-known song, matching well with Kristofferson’s delivery.

This performance stood out because of the connection among the artists. Each brought their approach, yet all shared deep respect for Kristofferson. Their performance lifted the song and honored his contribution to music.

Skyville Live has long been a platform for bringing together respected artists, and this 2021 show followed that tradition. The collaboration between Kristofferson and these musicians was smooth, and their passion for the song came through clearly.

This Skyville Live session was part of a larger series of standout performances that year. Other moments included Gladys Knight singing “Midnight Train to Georgia” with Martina McBride and Estelle, and appearances by Gregg Allman, Cyndi Lauper, and Graham Nash. Each show paid tribute to the lasting influence of these artists.

The 2021 Skyville Live performance of “Me and Bobby McGee by Kris Kristofferson, Jewel, Lady A, Martina McBride, and more showed how lasting Kristofferson’s music is, and how it continues to inspire musicians across generations. It was not just a tribute. It was a shared moment in music history, brought to life by some of the strongest voices performing today.

Me and Bobby McGee by Kris Kristofferson, Jewel, Lady A, Martina McBride Lyrics:
Busted flat in Baton Rouge, headin’ for the train
Feelin’ nearly faded as my jeans
Bobby thumbed a diesel down just before it rained
Took us all away to New Orleans

I took my harpoon out of my dirty red bandanna
And was blowin’ sad while bobby sang the blues
With those windshield wipers slappin’ time
And Bobby clappin’ hands we finally sung up every song that driver knew

Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose
Nothin’ ain’t worth nothin’, but it’s free
Feelin’ good was easy Lord, when Bobby sang the blues
Feelin’ good was good enough for me
Good enough for me and Bobby McGee

From the coalmines of Kentucky to the California sun
Bobby shared the secrets of my soul
Standin’ right beside me Lord through every thing I done
Every night she kept me from the cold

Then somewhere near Salinas lord, I let her slip away
Lookin’ for the home, I hope she’ll find
And I’ve trade all my tomorrows for a single yesterday
Holdin’ Bobby’s body next to mine

Me and Bobby McGee
Me and Bobby McGee

Songwriters: Kris Kristofferson / Fred L Foster