For the record this is Kris Kristofferson in his own words talking about Janis Joplin and "Epitaph." “The first time I heard Janis Joplin’s version was right after she died. Paul Rothchild, her producer, asked me to stop by his office and listen to this thing she had cut. Afterwards, I walked all over L.A., just in tears. I couldn’t listen to the song without really breaking up. So when I came back to Nashville, I went into the Combine [Publishing] building late at night, and I played it over and over again, so I could get used to it without breaking up. [Songwriter and keyboardist] Donnie Fritts came over and listened with me, and we wrote a song together that night about Janis, called ‘Epitaph’.
You can hear Kris break up in the middle of this song. Had to be so hard for him o sing, no matter how many times he sang it. Must have been torture to write it, but hope it was a catharsis for him. He owes so much to Janis and her recording of this song. May his prayers always include her.
So the other night, I brought my empty bottles down to the recycle. In the next bin, someone had tossed a Kristofferson album cover. I picked it up to read the song list and then I realized I knew this song was about Janis but I had never actually heard it. Thanks for posting.
I got too kiss him back in 1980 81 he was at The Lakeland civic centre and get his autograft I told him when my brother died of a drug over dose we put on his head stone we take are on chances and pay are own dues and he stop a kissed me on my lips that was something I will never forget .good luck kris. I will always love you
One of my favorite Kristofferson songs. One amazing singer/songwriter. This man helped me through my horrible teenage years. His music really does touch the soul. Thank you so much MrKoopa26 for sharing this.
My first wife died after we were married 23 1/2 years. She was only 43 years old after fighting four brain surgeries over a period of 16 years. I was at her side when she died. She requested this song by Kris to be played at her funeral. It was played and then silence in the church. So sad.
I have this on vinyl it’s a great record. Last night this song grabbed me and i just played it over and over, weeping, and i was wondering who it was he was mourning. I learned the answer from the comments here. Knowing the story behind it only makes it more profoundly sad.
Bobby Magee and Kris are always close to me with their music. Janis told my story when I was young with Me and Bobby Magee. It took years to understand she was singing and like people like me.
