Anika Markle Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes Scholar, prolific songwriter, and actor, passed away at 88 in his Maui home, surrounded by family. No cause was given.
Born in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson gained fame in the late 1960s with songs like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” His songs, often recorded by others, became country music standards.
In addition to music, Kristofferson had a successful acting career, starring in films like A Star Is Born (1976) and Blade (1998). He was known for his intellectual depth, memorizing William Blake, and incorporating folk lyrics into country music. Alongside peers like Willie Nelson and John Prine, he represented a new generation of country musicians with counterculture influences.
Kristofferson also co-founded the country supergroup The Highwaymen with Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings. His sharp political lyrics, especially in the 1980s, sometimes hurt his popularity, but he remained steadfast in expressing his views.
In his personal life, Kristofferson turned down a teaching position at West Point to pursue music and worked as a janitor in Columbia Records’ studio before finding success. His career in music and film spanned decades, earning him a place among the legends of country music. Kristofferson retired from performing in 2021 but made occasional guest appearances, including at Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration in 2023.