Singer, songwriter, award-winning actor, and activist Kris Kristofferson died Saturday (September 28th) at his home in Maui, Hawaii at the age of 88.
Kris Kristofferson, born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, led a life as varied and influential as any in American entertainment history. His early years were shaped by academic and military achievements. A Rhodes Scholar, Kristofferson followed in the footsteps of his father, a Major General in the Air Force, and entered the military. However, after his honorable discharge, his true calling beckoned him to Nashville, where his career in music would begin.
In the early days of his pursuit of music, Kristofferson worked as a janitor at a recording studio, all while crafting songs that would eventually become classics. His breakthrough came when Johnny Cash recorded his song “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” solidifying Kristofferson’s place in country music. His songwriting prowess became undeniable with songs like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “For the Good Times,” “Lovin’ Her Was Easier,” and “Help Me Make it Through the Night.” These songs resonated across genres, becoming timeless hits that have endured for generations.
Kristofferson’s success as a songwriter opened the door to a solo recording career in the 1970s, winning him four Grammy Awards, including two collaborations with his then-wife, Rita Coolidge. Beyond his solo work, he joined forces with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings to form the country supergroup The Highwaymen, recording three influential albums between 1985 and 1995. His immense contributions to music earned him a rightful place in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004. Kristofferson’s talent extended beyond music. His film career was just as impressive, with over 90 films to his credit. He starred in notable movies such as Blume in Love, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Semi-Tough, and the 1976 remake of A Star is Born, for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
His co-star in A Star is Born, Barbara Streisand, reminisced about their time together in a tribute shared on Instagram. “The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in L.A. I knew he was something special. Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing, which eventually became A Star Is Born.
In the movie, Kris and I sang the song I’d written for the film’s main love theme, “Evergreen.”
For my latest concert in 2019 at London’s Hyde Park, I asked Kris to join me on-stage to sing our other A Star Is Born duet, “Lost Inside Of You.” He was as charming as ever, and the audience showered him with applause. It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved.
My thoughts go to Kris’ wife, Lisa who I know supported him in every way possible.”
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