Remembering songwriting legend Kris Kristofferson
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Kris Kristofferson in 2007. Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
Kris Kristofferson, who died over the weekend at 88, was one of country music's greatest poets. His work elevated the genre and set a new standard for lyricism on Music Row.
The big picture: Kristofferson's sprawling legacy includes well-known work as a singer and an actor. He starred with Barbra Streisand in the 1976 remake of "A Star Is Born" and sang alongside Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson in the legendary supergroup The Highwaymen.
- But his most enduring contribution is likely his work as a songwriter, which was informed by his love for literary masters such as William Blake and William Shakespeare.
Zoom in: In the 1960s and '70s, his best songs became instant standards. They were recorded by some of music's biggest stars, including Cash and Janis Joplin.
- "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down," "Help Me Make It Through the Night," and "Me and Bobby McGee," captured the sorrows and joys of everyday life with an elegant simplicity that countless others have sought to emulate.
Between the lines: He was a fierce defender of the working songwriters who followed behind him and was one of the 42 founding members of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
- His clout helped build the organization into a powerful force within the industry.
NSAI board president Lee Thomas Miller called Kristofferson "one of the founding fathers of Music Row."
- "Kris Kristofferson set the bar for greatness in the art of writing songs," Miller said in a statement.
- "The air changed when he walked in the room. Country music, Nashville and NSAI would not be who we are today without the incredible Kris Kristofferson."
What they're saying: Many luminaries paid tribute to Kristofferson in the hours after his death was announced, laying bare the scope of his influence.
- Miranda Lambert called him a hero whose "songs will live forever." Dolly Parton said he was a great writer and a great friend. Ashley McBryde thanked him for "teaching us how to write."
- Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns said he "loved everything" about Kristofferson: "He was a poet of the everyday. You can find joy even in his sad songs."
The bottom line: Kristofferson reflected on his legacy in a 1999 interview. When asked which of his songs he wanted people to sing when he was gone, he mentioned the hit "For the Good Times."
- "It sounded like a pretty good last song," Kristofferson said before reciting the opening lyrics.
Don't look so sad
I know it's over
But life goes on
And this old world will keep on turning
Let's just be glad
We had some time to spend together
There's no need to watch the bridges that we're burning