Me and Bobby McGee - Ronnie Hawkins, Kris Kristofferson, Gordon Lightfoot, Willie Nelson

[@RyanIncorporated]

I only just discovered this, and only because Gordon Lightfoot’s Facebook page posted it in tribute to Kris Kristofferson’s passing. I’m so glad I found this, and wish I found it sooner. I’m so sad Kris, Gordon, and Ronnie are gone. Only Willie is left…damn…

[@vikingblood0408]

Last leaf on the tree!

[@jzanolla7419]

The "FOUR HORSEMAN" of the "Carefree Highway"......Best songsmiths EVER!

[@210895David]

What a wonderful tribute to Ronnie Hawkins and Gordon Lightfoot❣ RIP Ronnie and Gord🌹

[@mountainmama2460]

And now add Kris Kristoferson. RIP 🕊️♥️

[@lanamiller5121]

More legends here than I can take...

[@effiemooney8477]

Oh damn, my heart just blew up... fantastic, we had the best artists and songs, didn't we, TY guys!!! ❤❤❤

[@davidtsmith33]

You can say that again.

[@Johnkult]

In 2016, four music legends-none younger than 77-came together to perform “Me and Bobby McGee,” the classic song written by Kris Kristofferson (and also credited to Fred Foster). On this occasion, Kristofferson (then 80) and Gordon Lightfoot (a relative youngster, just 77 at the time) joined Ronnie Hawkins at the 81 year-old’s home known as “The Hawks Nest,” in Stoney Lake, Ontario, Canada to lay down their tracks. They were joined later by then-83 year-old Willie Nelson, who contributed his part remotely in his tour bus. As the Peterborough (Ont.) Examiner noted, the story began in 2015 at the Havelock Jamboree where Lightfoot was performing, and his old friend, Hawkins, paid him a visit. The pair ultimately collaborated on some recordings with producer James McKenty. Months later, while Hawkins was in Florida where he often spent the winter, he was paid a visit by Kristofferson. Hawkins played the songs for his guest and one thing led to another when, several months’ later, Kristofferson flew to the Hawks Nest and the pair recorded a version of “Me and Bobby McGee.” When Lightfoot arrived, he eagerly agreed to add his vocal. “He laid down the most perfect track,” said McKenty. “It was out of this world. He sings so softly, beautifully, no one does songs with that type of phrasing and pitch. “I asked Kris if he wanted to take another crack at it after hearing Gordon and he did it far better than the day before. It was like he was performing and by that time there was a small audience there. He rose to the occasion.” Not long after, McKenty attended a concert where both Kristofferson and Nelson were performing. Nelson was convinced to add his own vocal to the song and the golden quartet was complete. “He was incredible; his phrasing is unlike any others,” said McKenty. The producer had a “high class problem.” “I had four of these great vocalists. I had to edit them, chop some of their work out, and that was torture.” The video for the epic recording, featuring the four legends, was released on Aug. 5, 2016. It was produced by McKenty and Hawkins’ son, Robin. Sam Weber, Ryan Weber, Steve Kendry and McKenty perform various instruments. McKenty, both Webers, and Leah Hawkins, Robin Hawkins, Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo), and Travis Good (The Sadies) provide backup vocals.

[@davidtsmith33]

Such a privilege to see these legends performing in their senior years. It makes it more special IMO.

[@01sapphireGTS]

Thank you Mr. Kristofferson and Mr. Foster for authoring one of the lyrically very best songs ever written. When Gordon Lightfoot, Roger Miller and Janis Joplin cover your work, you did something special.

[@58frascatti]

A thrill watching them all leaning into that harmony! That’s real, pure love of music happening there❤️❤️❤️

[@monoped8437]

best version of this song I'VE ever heard

[@VictorMawhinney]

I don’t know how I got here,,, but I’m sure glad I did 👏👏👏 🎸🎸🎸🎸👍🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@LakeLouise1000]

When Kris said “Janice” 💔. What a great video

[@earldonaldson1427]

Great performance , Ronnie, Kris , Gordon And Willie .

[@kamac8761]

Oh wow! How special is this!

[@vengealdreams6544]

Great the see that old heroes! Thank you!

[@nitalay5317]

Four of the greatest troubadours --RIP Hawk

[@Seafarer62]

Just a great get-together with old friends. Hard to believe that Willie has outlived his three friends- who'da thunk?

[@davidtsmith33]

Willie like Queen Elizabeth.

[@bobmagee2879]

Bobby Magee approves ; Thanks

[@beantallen8239]

What a gem thankyou

[@Alwayswilling]

Where has this pure gem been hiding all these years. Sadly, only Willie is left.

[@cherylstevens9665]

Four of the greats!

[@jamesmurphy6622]

WOW...IT DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER OR CLASSY THAT THIS...4 LEGENDS....YEARS GONE BY....STILL ABLE TO DO IT...LOVE IT

[@camplethargic8]

"Me and Bobby McGee" was written by singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson and originally performed by Roger Miller. Fred Foster shares the writing credit, as Kristofferson wrote the song based on a suggestion from Foster. A posthumously released version by Janis Joplin topped the U.S. singles chart in 1971, making the song the second posthumously released No. 1 single in U.S. chart history after "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding. Gordon Lightfoot released a version that reached number 1 on the Canadian country charts in 1970. Jerry Lee Lewis released a version that was number 1 on the country charts in December 1971/January 1972 as the "B" side of "Would You Take Another Chance On Me." Billboard ranked Joplin's version as the No. 11 song for 1971. (from Wikipedia)

[@alejandrobocskor4622]

@@camplethargic8Pero a mi me gusta 1..J.J....2,..Kosmic Blue...3...Micke Muster,...4..Miller...y de ahí la bajo...Peroooooo ES UN TAMASO...!!! Me and Bobby Mcgee...FOREVER...!!!!!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶🎤🎸🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹💞💞💞💞💞🍀🆎

[@owensound1000]

@@camplethargic8 Jack Elliott released his version of "Me and Bobby McGee" in 1970 on the "Bull Durham Sacks & Railroad Tracks"album.

[@katherinecollingwood7303]

Wow! Just wow! Four spectacular artists 🌻

[@borderlord]

The story Fred Foster told,in a documentary about Kris, of Ronnie Hawkins hiring Kris to open for him on a Canada tour when he was starting out is hilarious. Probably on KZbin somewhere called Kris Kristofferson His Life and Work

[@paulatighe7073]

kings in their own right - thank you

[@Twang-Train]

Heading for the train is always a great idea! 👌🚂

[@rgi1998]

God bless The Legends!

[@bermudaguy5003]

Beautiful, just beautiful Gentlemen! Thanks very much! 👍👍👍👍

[@funisnumberone1]

At first the video made me feel old (at 66), but it also reminded me to run this race THROUGH the finish line and to keep on doing what you love to do! I saw Willie with Dylan and Mellencamp last month; also saw Kris a couple years back and the shows were flawed but terrific; just like all of us. Go get 'em, friends!!!!

[@DanPurdy1]

One great song and four great singers. Could not be better.

[@LynnWood-r3g]

This is one of the most beautiful videos I have ever seen!😻🎶❤️🌈

[@WyliesLiveMusicCorner]

An awesome project and an excellent result! (And the Webers are equally fantastic people as they are musicians! 👍👊)

[@michaelhermiston]

those old farts sound fantastic!! and they're having fun!!!! standing (with a cane) ovation here!!!!!

[@a3284]

My soul is overflowing love, light and healing …… no words ❤️🧡⭕️🎤

[@petertilston416]

Great memories when we spent good times at the Brass Rail in London, Ontario with Ronnie and the Hawks!

[@CarloGiusti-r7m]

I giganti del country. Bellissimo video 👏

[@MaraschinoChary]

…feelin’ good was good enough for me…good enough for me and Bobby McGee ❤️

[@jpmorinski]

Rip Ronnie and Gord...the legends will live on

[@Vagabondo-fs6qu]

Four icons right there . . .

[@jefferygravelle9358]

Thanks for sharing, such a treat!

[@kevinbarry3548]

Fantastic!

[@trisharowland2257]

Put a smile on my face ! Love these guys.

[@roderickassance8322]

Eye only met Ronnie and Robin ìn Midland at the Windrifter ,Eh Robin ! 😊

[@ColleenKearey]

Pure Magic! Thank you for uploading.

[@y369878y]

Excellent!!

[@9921moo]

one of the ALL-TIME greats and a forever video with his special friend MR KRIS KRISTOFFERSON and of course mr canada...Gordon Lightfoot....willie nelson was in texas...this video i hope will live forever....a true masterpiece...and to think that Ronnie formed the Band for Bob Dylan and for the world to consume....the Last Waltz is legendary....just can`t say enough !!!

[@lyndamorrison9373]

The voices may have gone but the spirit certainly hasn't. Love you guys

God bless Legends! From Hungary

[@helenheeney2284]

Amazing

[@Snakedrvr]

Loved that video.

[@GordEvans]

So glad I found this. Brings back amazing memories of each of these giants! Beautiful!!

[@carllittle4548]

Four favorites taking turns.

[@007more7]

This could be a movie

[@lynnjohnson2712]

Wow so much talent in one room

[@maritaunosson9631]

Beautiful I Love That Song And Singing ❤

[@detweilcny]

This is awesome! Talk about a walk down memory lane with legends!

[@mag.margaretakrammer4830]

Thank you for sharing. Very wonderful. ❤️‍🩹

[@007more7]

Fricken pure gold...

[@gemmacoronato2391]

RIP Kris Kristofferson

[@pattijannetta5664]

This is the BEST!

[@kenbarthSimAV8tor]

Awesome!

[@davelegget1000]

legends!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ahouser53]

Wow, just wow!

[@peterl9656]

So cool

[@garytube1955]

Excellent

[@robotman5639]

Wow, you geysers really killed it! Love you ❤️

[@Northyorkspaul]

Legends.

[@janmacdonald1547]

The BEST!

[@porkandbeansmt4145]

So great

[@CATHYandGERRY]

Wonderful. Thank you 🎶💖

[@BarbaraABryant]

Thanks! Thoroughly enjoyed that. that.

[@Fred1919able]

Awesome recording ❤❤❤

[@ddpg3]

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!

[@roxbororob]

I love this.

[@pamelabell2316]

Wonderful! A real treat to see and hear these remarkable legends get together. Lovely, also to hear their young talented friends Sam & Ryan Weber accompany them. The list of excellent musicians goes on, what a room filled with talent!!

[@themoonshinecafe7079]

This is friggin awesome!!! LOVE IT

[@blueflint57]

That was so wonderful

[@CarolynaLovely]

So very, very good.

[@Wolfganghildebrandt]

AWESOME - I LOVE IT

[@swedeswedeson8951]

RIP to the Hawk!

[@briancollie3057]

Simply lovely - genius talent

[@leekoss7083]

Ty for this great video!❤❤

[@rationallogo]

I always fantasized about these four guys getting together and forming a new “Highway Men” supergroup. Would never have happened, especially since “The Hawk”passed away the other day. RIP, Ronnie.

[@davidosims]

And now, sadly, Gordon too.

[@rationallogo]

@@davidosims Yes. Very sad.

[@bryansehn1368]

Ronnie Hawkins passed away today. Will be greatly missed.

[@joepipino]

You guys rock!

[@brendanoshier8997]

Very cool

[@ronron8941]

love it !!!

[@agarrett5401]

wow....

[@debgregg8113]

RIP Gordon Lightfoot

[@Kat-nd1ln]

didn't make me want to kill anybody, uplifting/calming and no autotune

[@Latnman101]

tears

[@RobAGabor]

RIP, Kris…

[@roelkomduur8073]

Only one Highwayman left, straight talking, sincere, honest folks like Kris and Jesse Ventura ( a democracy with only 2 parties isn't a democracy..) are getting scarce.

[@robertharrison2.055]

still got it ''''

[@sherigentry4955]

❤️

[@nadiasimmons5403]

RIP! Gordon Lightwood.. 🕊️🥲

[@robertpayne8290]

love how they mention Janis

[@wendyfuller2984]

OmGod. I saw these guys together at the Nicolodeon in 60s. Yay Ronnie just not Willie with them. I gave Ronnie an album of Bonnie and Delaney from that night. Magical

[@joelhorowitz4065]

OK, so who gave this a thumbs down? Really?

[@anncsimmons7382]

tone deaf Nickelback fans.

[@giuseppechieppa8860]

Willie the best