US singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson, an iconic figure in country music who famously appeared alongside Barbra Streisand in “A Star is Born,” has passed away at 88, as confirmed by his family.
The family’s statement did not specify a cause of death for the artist, honored in the Country Music Hall of Fame and a Grammy winner, celebrated for his timeless compositions such as “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Mr. Kristofferson performed solo for many years but also collaborated in the renowned supergroup The Highwaymen.
In the realm of film, the Golden Globe winner is remembered for his role as Whistler alongside Wesley Snipes in the “Blade” vampire trilogy.
“We’re all incredibly grateful for the time we had with him. Thank you for showing him love all these years, and when you spot a rainbow, know he’s smiling down on us all.”
Singing and acting
Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson experienced a transient childhood due to his father’s military career. He studied at Pomona College in California and later attended Oxford as a Rhodes scholar, as stated on his official website.
He enlisted in the army while nurturing his passion for music and songwriting. Although offered a teaching position at West Point, he opted instead to pursue his dreams in Nashville, where he began submitting his songs for other artists to record.
He eventually secured his own record deal and released his debut album in 1970, achieving acclaim both as a performer and songwriter for various hit artists.
Johnny Cash took “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” to the top of the charts, and Ray Price followed suit with “For the Good Times.”
“Me and Bobby McGee” became a posthumous success for Janis Joplin, who had a romantic relationship with Kristofferson.
Bob Dylan remarked on Kristofferson’s impact, stating, “You can look at Nashville pre-Kris and post-Kris, because he changed everything,” a quote featured on Kristofferson’s website.
Mr. Kristofferson later transitioned to acting, where his striking looks led to collaborations with directors Sam Peckinpah and Martin Scorsese.
Kris Kristofferson starred alongside Barbra Streisand in the 1976 film ‘A Star is Born’
The major breakthrough came with “A Star is Born” (1976), where he portrayed a washed-up rock musician who discovers a new talent in Streisand’s character.
He won the Golden Globe for Best Actor for his performance in the film, which was a remake of a 1937 classic that was also reimagined in the 1950s with Judy Garland and again in 2018 featuring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.
As a solo artist, his album releases declined after the 1980s, while The Highwaymen enjoyed success with three popular albums over the following decade, and he frequently collaborated with Willie Nelson in later years.
Mr. Kristofferson continued to tour until the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, although he faced memory difficulties and announced his retirement from music in early 2021.
The legendary singer-songwriter is survived by his third wife, Lisa, and his eight children.
