Kris Kristofferson, Underappreciated Writer of Great Songs
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This master singer, songwriter and actor swept floors at Columbia Records in Nashville while waiting for his talent to be discovered. The infamous story of how he landed a helicopter in Johnny Cash's front yard to present his demo tape has become the stuff of legends.
Kristofferson actually knew Johnny before this event, describing their early times as having been Johnny's janitor. Kris says Johnny's version of the helicopter stunt that day may have been embellished a bit over time. Johnny describes Kris jumping off the helicopter with a demo tape in one hand and a beer in the other. Old stories get better with age.
Mr. Kristofferson penned the words to songs that would become hits for many others besides Johnny Cash, such as Bob Dylan, Ray Price, Waylon Jennings as well as those hits that he recorded himself. Despite this success, some reports allege Kris Kristofferson was disowned by his family after leaving the Army to pursue a career in music.
Me and Bobby McGee Demo
Perhaps he is best remembered for his song, "Me and Bobby McGee" which topped the charts at number one, recorded by "The First Queen of Rock1, Janis Joplin, on her posthumous album "Pearl". Various sources name Kris Kristofferson as both a lover and friend of Ms. Joplin from the onset of her career until her untimely death of an overdose in 1970. Although Kristoffersen says the song was not written for her, it is most often associated with Janis Joplin. In his original version, Bobby McGee was a female.
Other well known singers who recorded this popular hit include the artist Pink in 2004, (aka Alecia Beth Moore), Gordon Lightfoot (1970), Kenny Rodgers (1969), Jerry Lee Lewis (1971,1972), Olivia Newton John, Joan Baez, Dolly Parton and a multitude of others along with Johnny Cash (1972) and even The Grateful Dead (1971).
Janis Joplin singing Me and Bobby McGee
His first Grammy Award was earned in 1971, as songwriter for the Best Country Song, "Help Me Make It Through The Night". The YouTube version below, sung by Martina McBride, includes a charming introduction by the man himself.
He won a Grammy in 1973 for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for his song "From the Bottle to the Bottom" sung with former wife, Rita Coolidge
In 1975 he again took the award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for "Lover Please" also performed with Ms. Coolidge.
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Martina McBride singing Help Me Make It Through The Night
Johnny Cash and Kris sing Sunday Morning Coming Down
Kristofferson's hit song "Help Me Make It Through The Night" has been recorded by a number of famous singers including Jerry Lee Lewis, Gladys Knight and Willie Nelson.
Beyond his many well received songs and movie song tracks, Kristofferson achieved stardom in the films Semi Tough with Burt Reynolds, Lonestar, The Blade Trilogy, Cisco Pike along side actor Gene Hackman, A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries, A Star is Born starring Barbra Streisand and Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid along with many others.
He is the winner of three Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe Award."
The Silver Tongued Devil and I
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Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge - Breakaway - 1974 - Monument - PZ 33278
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WILLIE NELSON KRIS KRISTOFFERSON SONGWRITER DVD ~ BRAND NEW ~ FREE U.S. SHIPPING
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Kris Kristofferson The Publishing Demos 1968-72 DOUBLE LP 12" 180-gram VINYL
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Born in Brownsville, Texas in 1936, Kris' childhood family moved around frequently as do most military brats. The eldest son of a Major General in the US Army Air Corps (now the US Air Force), his Father was the driving force behind Kris' enlistment in the Army.
After finishing a BA in Literature from Southern California's Pomona College, he attended the University of Oxford as a Rhodes scholar. Kristofferson is reputed to have been influenced by William Blake, the 17th Century songwriter, illustrator and poet. Blake's work promoted pursuing one's God given talents to their fullest regardless of the risk. Blake's work spoke to the common man, much like the words behind Kristofferson's songs.
Under pressure from his family steeped in military tradition, Kristofferson later joined the Army and trained as a helicopter pilot in the era of the Vietnam War. Having achieved the rank of Captain, he left the Army to pursue a career in music, turning down a job as Professor of Literature at West Point, much to the disappointment of his family.
Loving Her Was Easier Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again
A survivor of multiple marriages, devastating Vietnam war experiences, a career in the Army, and years of struggle trying to make a name in the music business, this Award Winning actor and performer continues to wow audiences with his life-enriched, whiskey flavored voice with wistful tunes filled with earnest, heartfelt words.
Currently in his mid seventies, Mr. Kristofferson remains a favorite singer-story teller and performer, his work spanning generations beyond the children of the sixties who remember his famous hit songs like it was just yesterday.
His latest album, "Closer to the Bone", demonstrates his true viability as a great performer to this day.
Sources
- NPR Music, npr.org, Laura Sydel
- US News, usnews.com, Jeff Greer
- Grammy Awards Past Winners, grammy.com
- Allmusic.com
- Kris Kristofferson's Website
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Great song by Kris. Thank you, Peg. Over the years I have been on the "fence" about liking him or not, mainly because of what I perceived as over the top arrogance. But now, having read your hub and finding out so much that I didn't know about him, including that he served in Vietnam, makes me definitely like him.
Hi Susan, It was a rude awakening for me as well. In my memories he is still as young as ever; he is as handsome now as he was way back when. Thank you so much for your visit today and for such nice comments. I love him too.
SubRon, Hello! It is interesting to see how we view others differently once we know a little bit about what they've been through. Thank you for sharing your feelings then and now. There are so many incredible performers whose words come back to haunt them. I'm thinking about John Lennon, when I say this, and how his remark about Jesus and the Beatles' popularity really went wrong somehow. So good to see you here and thanks for the great comments.
I have always thought he was just plain sexy and forever young. In his 70's dang time marches on. Sigh.
Hello Peg, when you get an inspiration for a hub, there is no stopping you. You put this together so fast, and so well. Pomona College is just up the road, I never ran across Kris. lol
I'll just sit here a piece and listen to the music.I did all the voting thing above.
Hello Lynn, Oh yes, he is sexy and handsome; a dangerous combination. Time does march on. Heavy sigh, back to you.
Dear Mck - You were the inspiration for the title of this one with your keen words. Hope you don't mind that I used the "underappreciated" adjective you provided. It seemed the right one to describe him and his talent.
I keep pushing the buttons on the music and reliving those times myself. Love those songs! I have a couple of demo tapes leftover from the 70s when I dated a musician. Good times.
Never ran across Kris at Pomona? He won 1st prize in a contest sponsored by Atlantic Monthly for a short story he wrote in college. You two would have been great pals.
Thanks for the kind words and votes.
Peg
Great hub. Kris and Kenny Rogers were helicopter pilots for the Special Forces group that my husband was in. There was also another musician. I think my husband said it was a guitarist from Jefferson Airplane. He said that they quite frequently got together and would play and write music together. He had cassette tapes of them singing together back then and Kenny's voice really improved. Of course those have deteriorated beyond listening to. They had when I met him.
Oh Becky! Thanks so much for sharing this about your husband and the Special Forces group. Wow. Those tapes would be worth a bit of money if you had them restored. No kidding. Those are like one of a kind. Maybe it's worth looking into to find a professional restorer. You've inspired me to look for one as well. The last time I tried to play my old cassette tapes from musicians I knew, the tape came unglued from the reel. I don't know how to repair it.
Jefferson Airplane, now there's another group worthy of a hub. Hmm. Gotta go. Just kidding.
See you at the Emerald Wells cafe soon, I hope. How about breakfast, on me. My treat.
Peg
That would be wonderful Peg. Except that I am a night-owl, from too many years of working night shift and I usually don't get up til lunch.
As for putting the tape back on the reel, if you are really lucky and very careful, you can take the cassette apart and use scotch tape to reattach it to the reel. Then glue it back together and it should work. The hard part is getting them apart in one piece, I mean 2 pieces.
I know for a fact that the tapes that he had were all transferred to CD and he threw them all away. Those that worked got saved on CD and the rest are garbage.They were one of a kind because he recorded them.
Brunch then? If you still have those CDs, of course they are one of a kind but besides that, they are unknown and undiscovered early recordings of someone famous that have never been released. Did you ever see the movie "Eddie Lives?" Great movie about a band's old demo tapes that were discovered and released.
If you have those CDs of the cassette recordings they would certainly be valuable. If not commercially, then to Mr. Kristoffersen himself. He just released a new album of all his old demo tapes.
Wow I could sit here all day Peg, just listening to all of these videos. This brings back so many memories. Hard to believe he is in his 70's, and still sexy and handsome. Just where does the time go.
You did a wonderful job Peg and I'm pressing all the buttons.
Rose, I can listen to these all day long too, and even into my dreams at night. He is a true wordsmith and genius at capturing the emotions and putting them into songs. So nice of you to stop in and listen. Hope to see you soon. Thanks for the encouragement and votes.
Thanks for giving the background of this marvelous writer, singer and performer. I always enjoyed his work, though I had no idea of the scope of his career until you enlightened me. Don't you think his songs were best when sung by him? What an interesting voice.
This conversation in the comment section is almost as interesting as the article. I said almost. The songs really say a lot about the time period of when he wrote them, don't they.
Lynda,
Hi and it is good to see you today. Have been wondering how things are going for you. The musician I dated was a ringer for Cat Stevens though he did a nice job on many of Mr. Kristofferson's songs. I learned a bit about his work from that, more while preparing this hub. It is a learning experience, writing, isn't it? But then, you already know that.
Yes, his voice is unique and pulls at my heart strings. I do like his versions better.
Cygnet, my swan, The comment section is now further enhanced by the light of your presence. Thanks for dropping in.
It was a "kinder, gentler nation" and world back then, or so it seemed. Not so much hate being broadcast on TV and the media. The songs of the era were mirrors of that. Miss seeing you and hope your book sales are soaring! Peg
You, my blind squirrel friend, have made my day. I just want you to know that my books are doing well. I'm still working on the second novel. Now plan to have it out June 30th of this year.
I'm also got a resolution to get more articles written. I plan to write 366 articles this leap year as well as a blog post every week. We'll see how it goes.
Roger Miller also had a big hit with "Bobby McGee", and Ray Price had a big hit with "Help me make it through the night."
Good Hub.
Donna, Extremely glad to hear your book sales with "When God Turned His Head" are doing so well. No surprise there. I loved the first one. Hope you will forgive my reluctance to edit as I feel others are more qualified and skilled. Truly. There are folks here on HubPages that have taught classes in writing etc..
I will be looking forward to your 366 articles and blog posts. My blog has cobwebs.
WillStarr, I remember Roger Miller singing "Trailers for Sale or Rent". Didn't know he recorded "Bobby McGee". Seems like just about everybody did. The list was a mile long. Ray Price, wow. My childhood family had a reel to reel tape we nearly wore out of Country Western Artists and I think he sang "Heartaches by the Number, troubles by the score" on there. So were Hank Williams, Roy Acuff and the Smokey Mountain Boys, Ernie Ford. Great songs. So nice to see you here and thanks for taking time to comment.
Ah, Peg,
This is wonderful, such amazing memories of growing up listening to this music with Mom. I remember hearing about Kris' love for Johnny Cash/ his tremendous influence when we went to Nashville, yet didn't appreciate all the hardships he has encountered through life. Especially loved Janis-- nothing like her voice!
You did a comprehensive and heartfelt job on this tribute. Voted UP & UABI, mar.
Hi Will
Thanks for these great links. I loved them both. Each performer really put their own special personality into the songs. Loved the version by Ray Price.
My sister, my friend,
Memories and melodies with Mom, so sweet to remember. The music really brings back the times so true and clear. We used to delight in making fun of the country songs Mom loved but I have grown to love them now for their ability to take me back to those days. Steel guitars, twangy voices, trains, cowboys and lost loves. Ah, sweet. Come on back again, won't you? Thank you for the lovely words. Peg
I've heard of some of his songs like Me and Bobby McGee when my dad would play his vinyl. Thanks for the hub, I didn't know he was influenced by a 17th century poet.
It used to be that the general public knew a lot more about composers. The composers were the stars, not the singers, because everyone sang their songs. Announcing the composers of the songs at concerts died out with Sinatra.
A handsome man with an awesome voice that I could drool over day after day. Great hub Peg, bringing back many memories. Net:)
Hi Mandy, Playing the vinyl. Ah yes, our long playing records and hi fi stereos of the day were nothing compared to the tiny iPods now. I'm glad your Dad introduced you to this musician.
FloraBreenRobison, I agree that the stars and performers have taken the spotlight. There used to be more recognition for the writers even within the titles like "Burl Ives Sings Irving Berlin".
Net, He is a handsome one with an unmistakeable voice. Here's me wiping off the drool as I listen once again.
Dear Peg,
I knew you were Southern before reading your profile... you are so welcoming and beautiful in personality.
With Net as my other cyber-sister and the fact that now we are all drooling over the same music, perhaps Earl needs to put some Kris on the Emerald Wells jukebox to keep us gals satisfied...? Such soulful pastry-eating lyrics, you know... just sayin, mar!
Morning Marie, (Blush) Maybe he could invite Kris in as a special guest. Now that would be soulful inspiration for pastry-eating. I might even be inspired to get my hair done for the event. Annette is a beautiful soul like you. No wonder you two are good friends. See you at the Cafe?
Dear Peg ~ I remember this song! I also remember Barbra Streisand & Kris Kristofferson in A Star Is Born. Whoo-hoo! Loved this hub. Blessings, Debby
Thanks sweet Debby. And thanks for the subtle clue so I would spell check Barbra's name. I had it wrong. Fixed it! Return of blessings to you, Peg.
Mike can't put Kris on the jukebox at the cafe. It is the wrong era. The cafe is much earlier. Elvis made it though.
As for the cd's. They never made it to the cd's. They had gotten unplayable before CD's came out.
Yeah. She does have a unique way of spelling her name. Once corrected, once remembered. Blessings, Debby
Becky, Too bad about the CDs. And Elvis is okay with me.
Thank you Debby!
Great hub. Great man... l saw him in England just 3 or 4 years ago Silver white, hair and beard. Still as handsome. Also the kindest face l´ve ever seen.
l love the way you´ve put so much of his music on here., It was a real treat. Thanking you kindly, maám.
I love the song sung by Martina McBride...yes, Kris had talent, that's for sure. I do recall him playing in a few older movies too! Interesting hub. : ) Voted up!
Hi peg! Loved this hub! Love these artists,listened to every one of them.
thank you for highlighting this wonderful but underrated artist
Hello Dim, That would be so great to see him performing live. You are the lucky one. Nice to know his face matches his great songs. Truly good to see you here and hope your holidays are bright and cheery. Peg
Girltalksshop, me too! Martina McBride really did this song right. Yes, the older movies when we were all younger. Ah. Sweet Memories.
Baygirl33 Hey there. Thank you so much. These are some of the good ones for sure. I appreciate you stopping by to listen and thanks for the nice comments.
This was a very interesting hub, I have often wondered about him. I think he is one of the best song writers ever. He didn't have a great voice, but was good enough to get you to listen. I enjoyed his movie career too.
Up and aweesome.
Chris
Thank you CMerritt. He is truly a great song writer and I really do like his voice. Honestly. It has just the right timbre to convey sincerity and tells the tale of his stories with its brilliant raspiness. Thanks for your visit and the nice comments.
This is a fabulous Hub. Thank you. I just saw Kris the other day in the film "A Dolphin Tale." A very talented man and writer of magnificent songs.
James, Hi there. Glad to see you today when I checked in. I've been wanting to see that film with Kris. Thank you!
What a terrific hub on Kris Kristofferson -Such a huge talent and amazing song writer who had a hand in making other singers famous with his songs. You've done a great justice to him and I thank you so much!
I just added your "squash hub" link to my hub on squash. Take a look.
Thanks Audrey. He is a great performer and writer. Thanks for stopping in for a listen. And thanks for the link on the squash hub.
Hello Peg. I don't usually deliver coffee. But for you I'll make an exception. Are things going ok? We have missed you.
Thank you Mck. It is so nice of you to make a coffee delivery. Things are moving along slowly with a few hiccups. More medical procedures tomorrow - CT Scans to address some issues. More appts on Tuesday am and pm. Then again Friday. How about you?
A wonderful hub!
Thank you Antonrosa. I look forward to reading some of your work as well.
Just Ask Susan Level 8 Commenter 5 months ago
I've always been an admirer of Kris Kristofferson.I didn't realize that he was in his 70's. Loved him in the movie A Star Is Born. Enjoyed the videos that you included in your hub.
Up and Awesome! and Interesting too.