Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Me and Bobby McGee (1971)

Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) The song begins with Janis telling us about a trip from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Have you ever visited Louisiana? If yes, where did you go? I've never been, and I don't know why, really. I have two friends who both insist it is terrific, easily walkable and with great food.

2) She and her boyfriend Bobby hitch a ride with a truck driver and together the three of them sing "every song the driver knew." If you were to begin a singalong with strangers in a bar or at a party, what song would you confident everyone knows? "Sweet Caroline (buh buh buh) good times never seemed to so good ..."

3) Janis had a painful time in her Port Arthur, TX, high school. She was ostracized for her looks and her taste in music. If you could give advice to your high school self, what would you say? Life is long and this is only four years. Don't take it all so seriously!

4) She credited the blues and Bessie Smith, specifically, for getting her through her tough adolescence. After she became famous and mentioned Bessie in interviews, Janis learned Ms. Smith had been buried in an unmarked grave back in 1937. Janis rectified the situation by paying for a proper tombstone for Smith in 1970. If money were no object, what's something you would like to do for someone else? I'd buy a condo in Long Beach, CA, and let my oldest friend live there. Her current living situation out there is not great, and I'd like to help.

5) Because of her party girl persona, people were surprised that Janis had a domestic side and enjoyed talking recipes. Thinking of cooking, what dish would you whip up for our Saturday 9 potluck? I don't cook, so I'd bring a fruit plate.

6) "Me and Bobby McGee" was written by the late Kris Kristofferson. Kris' life before hitting it big was varied, including time in Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, focused on English literature, and serving as a helicopter pilot in the US Army. Which career path do you think you'd enjoy more: academia or the Army? Academia.

7) In 1971, when this song was popular, the US Mint introduced the Eisenhower Silver Dollar. Think of the last thing you bought at a store. Did you pay with cash, plastic, or your phone? I mailed a package and paid for the postage with my debit card.

8) England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971 and in honor of the occasion, she had an official portrait taken by fashion photographer Norman Parkinson. Who took the most recent photo of you? My friend Amy took a selfie of us. Last time I saw her (30 years ago), she had a mass of long black hair. Now it's short and gray. But she's still cute as a button.

9) Random question -- There's a knock at your door. Who do you expect it is? My neighbor from the end of the hall. He means well, but he annoys the living shit out of me. "Did your cable (or electricity) go out and then come back on again?" "Did you find that Amazon package I left yesterday?" "Did I tell you I'm selling my car?" I'm always tempted to pretend I'm not home, but I suspect he's lonely and really, it costs me nothing to be kind. But I admit I'm never happy to see him.