International Courant
Grammy-winning nation artist and actor Kris Kristofferson has died on the age of 88.
In a press release on his official Fb account, Kristofferson’s household stated the musician died on Saturday.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we share the information that our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, handed away peacefully,” the assertion launched Sunday stated.
“We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thanks for loving him all these years, and while you see a rainbow, know that he’s smiling down on us all,” the assertion added.
Kristofferson died “peacefully at his house in Maui, Hawaii,” his household stated.
Kristofferson’s resume was eclectic: Rhodes scholar, U.S. Military veteran, pilot, Golden Gloves boxer and award-winning actor. However it was his well-known songs – together with “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Assist Me Make It By way of the Evening” – that made him a music legend.
Kris Kristofferson performs in live performance throughout Willie Nelson’s forty second Annual 4th of July Picnic at Austin360 Amphitheater on July 4, 2015 in Austin, Texas. (Picture by Gary Miller/Getty Pictures)
Gary Miller/Getty Pictures
Kristofferson’s resume was eclectic: Rhodes scholar, U.S. Military veteran, pilot, Golden Gloves boxer and award-winning actor. However it was his well-known songs – together with “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Assist Me Make It By way of the Evening” – that made him a music legend. None apart from Bob Dylan was as soon as quoted about Kristofferson: “You may have a look at Nashville earlier than Kris and after Kris, as a result of he modified all the pieces.”
Born Kristoffer Kristofferson within the border city of Brownsville, Texas, on June 22, 1936, he earned a grasp’s diploma from Oxford, moved to California, joined the Military and have become a helicopter pilot – and commenced writing songs on the aspect. Impressed by Dylan, he turned down a military task to show literature at West Level and moved to Nashville as a substitute.
After struggling for a number of years and even working as a janitor on the similar studio the place Johnny Money and Dylan recorded, Kristofferson obtained his break when established stars like Tom T. Corridor, Ray Worth, Roger Miller, Ray Stevens and Money recorded his songs. Money’s hit rendition of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” helped him win the Nation Music Affiliation’s Tune of the 12 months trophy in 1970, the identical yr Kristofferson launched his debut solo album.
That album included “Me and Bobby McGee,” which Janis Joplin recorded earlier than her dying in October 1970. It topped the Billboard Scorching 100 in 1971 and is now often called her signature track.
Kris Kristofferson
Bettmann Archive
In 1971, Kristofferson launched his appearing profession and through the years he appeared in movies akin to ‘A Star Is Born’, which gained him a Golden Globe, and ‘Semi-Robust’, ‘Pat Garrett and Billy the Child’. The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Se,” “Lone Star,” and “Blade.”
In 1985, Kristofferson joined his outdated pal Johnny Money within the supergroup The Highwaymen, which additionally included Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. He additionally continued his solo profession, touring continuous till 2020. He was a member of the Nation Music Corridor of Fame and gained a number of Grammy Awards, together with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy.
When Nelson was inducted into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame in 2023, he additionally advocated for Kristofferson’s induction from the stage. Kristofferson, who dated Joplin and as soon as married fellow singer Rita Coolidge, can be survived by his spouse Lisa. in addition to eight kids from three marriages and 7 grandchildren.
– ABC Information’ Leah Sarnoff contributed to this report.
