What Was the Legacy of Kris Kristofferson?
At eighty-eight, award-winning country singer and actor Kris Kristofferson—known for his significant contributions to music and movies—has gone away. A spokesman verified that, surrounded by family, he passed “peacefully” at his Hawaiian residence.
Celebrated for his diverse life—described in a moving statement by his family as “a peacenik, a revolutionary, an actor, a superstar, a sex symbol, and a family man”—Kristofferson was honored not just for his music. The multi-award winner was praised for his composition, especially for authoring classics like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” He starred in the venerable movie “A Star Is Born” as well.
How Did His Family Remember Him?
His family said in a moving statement they were “so blessed” for the time they spent with him. Reflecting their great love for him, they added, “Thank you for loving him all these many years; now he’s smiling down at us all when you see a rainbow.”
Born June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson became a significant player in the country music industry. He said, famously, “When I got started, I was one of the people hoping to bring respect to country music.” Saying, “Some of the songs I had that got to be hits did that,” he noted the importance of his tunes. That explains why someone would vote me into a Hall of Fame. I know it has nothing to do with my incredible voice.
How Did Kristofferson Transition from Scholar to Superstar?
Beginning his academic path at Pomona College in California, Kristofferson studied writing. Later, he was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford, getting his master’s degree in 1960. After returning to the United States, he joined the army and was assigned to teach literature—a job he jokingly said “sounded like heaven.”
Seeking his real calling, he traveled to Nashville in 1965 and, two weeks later, left his army post to pursue a career in country music. The Country Hall of Fame and Museum president said of Kristofferson’s extraordinary influence: “He left behind a resounding legacy.”
What Philosophy Guided His Creativity in Music and Film?
“Creativity is God-given,” Kristofferson said, “those who ignore such a gift are doomed to unhappiness.” This idea permeated his work, giving voice to his soul and the souls of many others who listened. Including “Help Me Make It Through the Night” in 1972 and two duets with Rita Coolidge in 1974 and 1976; during their marriage in the 1970s, he received three Grammy Awards for Best Country Song.
Kristofferson debuted in movies in 1971 and won a Golden Globe for his performance as John Norman Howard in “A Star Is Born” (1976), supporting Barbra Streisand’s Ester Hoffman. His cinematic career featured memorable roles in “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,” “Lone Star,” and the “Blade” trilogy.
What Was His Role in The Highwaymen and Beyond?
He formed the supergroup The Highwaymen in 1985, working with country stars Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. A tribute to his old employment at CBS’s Nashville studio, Kristofferson said, “Every time I look at a picture of Willie and me and John and Waylon, I find it amazing that they let the janitor in there.” Reflecting on his standing amid such legends,
The Americana Music Association presented Kristofferson with the Free Speech Award in 2003; he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004. The Recording Academy, the Country Music Association, and the Academy of Country Music have given him many lifetime achievement awards.
What Is His Loving Legacy?
Kris Kristofferson leaves a rich legacy as a singer, actor, and dear family guy. His wife, Lisa, eight children, and seven grandkids all survive him and still treasure his significant influence on their lives and the realm of music.
