Original vs Remake (Help Me Make It Through the Night)

Written and recorded by Kris Kristofferson in 1970 for his album "Kristofferson", he had some nominal success with "Help Me Make It Through the Night" but it would become a standard and a classic with country singer Sammi Smith in 1971.
She reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart and #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and this is still the version that is most requested and played on classic hit radio.
In 1972 Gladys Knight and The Pips had the second most successful version when they peaked at #33 on the Hot 100 and #13 on the Billboard Soul Chart.

Casey Kasem's American Top 40 - The 70s - April 16th 2011

AT40 the 80s this week April 17th 1971

The Top Ten Singles

10 - One Toke Over the Line - Brewer & Shipley

9  -  For All We Know - The Carpenters

8  -  Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted - The Partridge Family

7  -  Me and Bobby McGee - Janis Joplin

6  -  Put Your Hand In the Hand - Ocean

5  -  Another Day - Paul McCartney

4  -  She's A Lady - Tom Jones

3  -  Just My Imagination - The Temptations

2  -  What's Going On - Marvin Gaye

1  -  Joy to the World - Three Dog Night

(1st of 6 consecutive weeks at #1)

The Top Ten Albums

10 - Close To You - The Carpenters

9  -  Abraxas - Santana

8  -  Tea for the Tillerman - Cat Stevens

7  -  Up to Date - The Partridge Family

6  -  Golden Bisquits - Three Dog Night

5  -  The Cry of Love - Jimi Hendrix

4  -  Love Story - Soundtrack

3  -  Love Story - Andy Williams

2  -  Jesus Christ Superstar - Various Artist Compilation

1  -  Pearl - Janis Joplin

(8th of 9 consecutive weeks at #1)

The last album for the late Janis Joplin was released in January 1971, 3 months after her untimely death in October 1970.

This contains her only song to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100, "Me and Bobby McGee" which was written by Kris Kristofferson.

The album also contained her a cappella song "Mercedes Benz" which is the last recording she made before her death.