What's happened
Kris Kristofferson, the influential country music singer-songwriter and actor, passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88. Known for hits like 'Me and Bobby McGee' and his role in the outlaw country movement, Kristofferson's legacy spans decades in both music and film.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Kristofferson was described as 'cut from a thicker, more intricate cloth than most celebrities today,' highlighting his multifaceted life as a soldier, scholar, and artist. The New York Times noted his role as a 'communal conscience for the town' of Nashville, emphasizing his impact on the genre's evolution. The Scotsman reflected on his legacy, quoting Willie Nelson's sentiment that 'there's no better songwriter alive,' underscoring Kristofferson's revered status among peers.
How we got here
Kristofferson's career began in the mid-1960s after he abandoned a military path to pursue music in Nashville. His unique songwriting style and collaborations with legends like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson helped shape the outlaw country genre.
More on these topics
-
Kristoffer Kristofferson is a retired American
actor, musician and songwriter. Among his songwriting credits are the songs "Me and Bobby McGee", "For the Good Times", "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", and "Help Me Make It Through the Night", all of which were
-
John R. Cash was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide.
-
Willie Hugh Nelson is an American musician, actor, and activist. The critical success of the album Shotgun Willie, combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger and Stardust, made Nelson one of the most recognized artists in cou
-
The island of Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands at 727.2 square miles and is the 17th largest island in the United States.
-
Toby Keith Covel is an American country singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. Keith released his first four studio albums—1993's Toby Keith, 1994's Boomtown, 1996's Blue Moon and 1997's Dream Walkin', plus a Greatest Hits package for various d
-
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, author, and visual artist who has been a major figure in popular culture for more than 50 years.