Kristofferson (album)
Kris Kristofferson, country musician, singer and songwriter, known for his literate songcraft reflected in classics like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” “Help Me Make it Through The Night” and “For The Good Times,” and later his talents on the big screen, has passed away. Word of the artist’s passing was sourced from his family, who publicized the announcement on Instagram. Kristofferson was 88.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28, at home. We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all,” the family imparted on social media, concluding their note with a request for privacy.
Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, Texas, on June 22, 1936. The son of a military man, he and his family moved often, eventually settling in California, where the young artist graduated high school and found his literary voice, publishing a pair of essays in The Atlantic Monthly, “The Rock” and “Gone Are the Days.”
Rather than continue with his academic efforts, Kristofferson labored as a dredging contractor on the Pacific Ocean before returning to the mainland and enrolling in Pomona College. There, he brushed shoulders with contemporary philosopher Frederick Sontag, who would remain an influential figure and muse.
Familial pressure led Kristofferson to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the military, stationed in West Germany in the early 1960s. Following his time in Europe, he was tasked with returning to the States and teaching English literature at West Point Military Academy. Subversive to the role, Kristofferson rejected the title, pursuing his passion of becoming a songwriter–to the dismay of his family.
Relocating to Nashville in 1965 meant its own challenges for Kristofferson, whose young son was experiencing medical troubles. This resulted in a string of odd jobs to cover costs and keep the family afloat, leading him to Columbia Recording Studios, where he met June Carter. He asked her to give one of his tapes to her husband, Johnny Cash, while simultaneously holding a position as a helicopter pilot in Louisiana–where he wrote “Bobby McGee” and “Help Me Make it Through the Night.”
Using the flight position to his advantage, Kristofferson landed a helicopter on Cash’s front lawn, gaining the musician’s full attention, which led to the Man in Black cutting “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” By 1970, Kristofferson received the title Songwriter of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards, cementing a future in the industry.
Kristofferson’s musical reputation soared before the onset of the groovy ‘70s, signing to Epic Records in 1967 and, within a few short years, penning classics for the likes of Ray Stevens, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roger Miller, Billy Walker & the Tennessee Walkers, and more. Kristofferson signed with Monument Records as a solo recording artist, solidifying his place in music, turning out his debut self-titled set, a range of new songs and chart-topping hits.
The album was unsuccessful and re-released as Me & Bobby McGee the following year, although retrospectively appreciated in the decades that followed. Still, Kristofferson remained a sought-after songwriter, scribing for Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Bobby Bare, and more, receiving awards from the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association. Intimacy with Janis Joplin brought the California-bound Bobby saga to No. 1 hit status on her posthumous release, Pearl.
Hits continued: Ray Price (“I’d Rather Be Sorry”), Joe Simon (“Help Me Make It Through the Night”), Bobby Bare (“Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends”), Jerry Lee Lewis (“Me and Bobby McGee”) and Patti Page (“I’d Rather Be Sorry”). The artist returned to his own discography, cutting sophomore release, The Silver Tongued Devil and I. Kristofferson made his film debut in Dennis Hopper’s The Last Movie, following up with more acting roles and studio time.
Between writing songs and working toward albums, Kristofferson extended his talents in films such as Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Semi-Tough, Heaven’s Gate, and Lone Star. A Star Is Born skyrocketed his acting success, alongside co-star Barbara Streisand, earning the pair Best Original Song, for their love-soaked, “Evergreen.” Eventually, he joined a country music supergroup with Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Brenda Lee. He turned out LP The Winning Hand before taking superstar status to Highwaymen with Nelson, Cash, and Jennings.
Kristofferson remained engaged with democratic rhetoric throughout his life, expressing his feelings via 1990’s Third World Warrior and remaining active regarding South American policies and disapproval of nuclear testing in Nevada.
His musical accolades included wins at the Country Music Association Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and Americana Music Honors & Awards. His influence on the music industry was profound, with his songs being covered by numerous artists and his unique style inspiring many. As for the Grammy Awards, the artist took home three trophies and 13 total nominations, culminating in the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
According to his family, Kristofferson died at his Maui home on September 28, 2024. He is survived by his eight children and wife, Lisa, whom he married in 1983. He was 88 years old.
Before his passing, Kristofferson expressed using Leonard Cohen’s “Bird on a Wire” lines to engrave his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
Celebrate the life and legacy of Kris Kristofferson by listening to pulls below.
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