RIP Kris Kristofferson
To a certain generation Kris Kristofferson was an actor first, singer second. Such was his ubiquitous presence on screen. Kristofferson had some memorable roles, most just shy of award season recognition.
So his death at age 88 should refocus his legacy on his music. For a time in the early 70's he was the best songwriter Nashville had produced in years. His greatest songs changed the way Country writers would eventually write their songs. Where did this come from? Perhaps it was his time in the Military or just the desire to see things differently, directly. The brutal honesty of "Sunday Morning Coming Down" might be his greatest song. But that would leave out songs about relationships on their last legs: "For The Good Times", "Help Me Make It Through The Night". All of these songs and more made Kristofferson more of a Rock star, aligned with the Outlaw movement, than anything.
Once he went "Hollywood" his writing suffered even though he still made music. He also became a standard bearer for a new generation of writers. And let's not forget his left-leaning political leanings, which led to him sticking up for Sinead O'Connor when few would. But despite becoming a presence more in front of the camera, Kristofferson never stopped performing. Always chasing his muse. By the time of his last performances he had nothing left to prove. A game changer whose songs will continue to be discovered. I'm so glad he never let the bastards get him down.
posted by Tom Lane at 12:57 PM
