Kris Kristofferson, Songwriter, Singer, Actor
![By Ron Baker (Kingsnake) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://usercontent1.hubstatic.com/12403974.jpg "By Ron Baker (Kingsnake) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons")
Kris Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, Texas on June 22, 1936. A dependent of a military father, their family traveled around settling eventually in California.
A powerful icon who continues to perform into his eighties, Kris is known to many as a master singer, songwriter and actor in over fifty movies. In the early years before finding fame, he once swept floors at Columbia Records in Nashville trying to support his young family. After joining the National Guard for a while and in an attempt to promote his original songs, he borrowed a helicopter and landed it in Johnny Cash's front yard hoping the established musician would listen to a tape of his recordings.
Different versions of the stunt have evolved over the years as recalled fondly by the pair. Kristofferson humbly describes himself as Johnny's former janitor while Johnny Cash says Kris jumped off the helicopter with a demo tape in one hand and a beer in the other. Kris liked Johnny's version so much he goes with that story. Old stories tend to improve with age.
Roger Miller was the first to record Kristofferson's tune, Me and Bobby McGee. The song became a U.S. number one hit single for Texas native, Janis Joplin in 1971. Countless other musical artists recorded this hit including Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers in 1969, Roger Miller, also in 1969, Gordon Lightfoot, 1970, Jerry Lee Lewis in 1971 and 1972, Johnny Cash, 1972 Olivia Newton John, 1973, Joan Baez, 1984, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings, Jeannie C. Riley, Melissa Etheridge, Anne Murray, LeAnn Rimes, The Grateful Dead, Sam the Sham, Willie Nelson and others such as Pink, 2004, Dolly Parton in 2005, and Sheryl Crow.
Me and Bobby McGee
Kris Kristofferson penned words to songs that would become major hits for many other performers including Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Ray Price, Waylon Jennings and more. His song "Me and Bobby McGee" topped the charts at number one, recorded by "The First Queen of Rock" Janis Joplin, on her posthumous album "Pearl".1
Various sources name Kris Kristofferson as both a lover and friend of Ms. Joplin from the onset of her career until her untimely death of an overdose in 1970. Although Kristofferson says the song was not written for her, it is most often associated with Janis Joplin. In his original version of the song, Bobby McGee was a female.
Award Winning Musician
In 1970, he won the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year, "Sunday Morning Coming Down" first recorded by Ray Stephens in 1969 before it became a number one hit for Johnny Cash.
He earned a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1972, as the writer of "Help Me Make It Through The Night". The version sung by Martina McBride includes a charming introduction by the man himself. The hit song has been recorded by a multitude of famous singers including Jerry Lee Lewis, Gladys Knight and Willie Nelson.
He won a Grammy in 1973 for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for his song "From the Bottle to the Bottom" sung with former wife, Rita Coolidge.
In 1974 he again took the award for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for "Lover Please" also performed with Ms. Rita Coolidge and in 1976 for "Lover Please."
His awards continued in the years that followed when in 2014 he entered the Grammy Hall of Fame culminating with a Lifetime Achievement Award alongside The Beatles, The Isley Brothers and others.
Beyond his many well received songs and movie song tracks, Kristofferson achieved stardom in films like Semi Tough with Burt Reynolds, Lonestar in 1996, The Blade Trilogy, Cisco Pike with actor Gene Hackman, A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries, The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea, Bloodworth (2011), Traded in 2016 in which he worked at the age of 80 along with a multitude of other starring roles.
He is the winner of three Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
Born in Brownsville, Texas, Kris' childhood family moved frequently like most military families. He was the eldest son of a Major General in the US Army Air Corps, now known as the US Air Force. His father was the driving force behind Kris' enlistment in the Army.
After finishing a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from Southern California's Pomona College, he attended the University of Oxford as a Rhodes scholar. Kristofferson is reputed to have been influenced by William Blake, the 17th Century songwriter, illustrator and poet. William Blake's work promoted pursuing one's God given talents to their fullest regardless of the risk, a philosophy that Kris Kristofferson embraced in life. Blake's work spoke to the common man, much like the words behind Kristofferson's songs. His bold, honest lyrics and songs that tell real life stories endear him to his audiences.
Under pressure from a family steeped in military tradition, Kristofferson later joined the Army and trained as a helicopter pilot in the era of the Vietnam War. Having achieved the rank of Captain, he left the Army to pursue a career in music, turning down a job as Professor of Literature at West Point, much to the disappointment of his family.
Described as "magnetic" in his starring role in A Star is Born in 1976, where he co-starred with Barbra Streisand, his movie career spanned the years. He played Martin "Rubber Duck" Penwald in Convoy in 1978, as Abraham Whistler in Blade in 1998, returning in Blade II and Blade Trinity, 2004. In 1989, he played the lead role in the film, Millennium with Cheryl Ladd, a movie where time travelers take the victims of airplane disasters to the future.
He returned to the silver screen starring in A Dolphin's Tale in 2011, as father of veterinarian Dr. Clay Haskett, played by Harry Connick, Jr. also featuring Ashley Judd and Nathan Gamble. He also played in When Angels Sing, released in 2013, as the Colonel along side of country music star, Willie Nelson, as Nick, in this film certain to become a Christmas classic.
From the Original Movie A Star is Born
A survivor of multiple marriages, a successful career in the Army, and years of struggling to make a name in the music business, this Award Winning actor and performer continues to wow audiences with his life enriched, well-wizened voice singing wistful tunes and writing heartfelt words. His latest album, Closer to the Bone, demonstrates his viability as a valued and well-loved performer.
Now in his eighties, Mr. Kristofferson remains a favorite singer, story teller, actor and performer. His work bridges generations from the children of the sixties to a new and vibrant audience who recognize and appreciate his tenacity and talent.
Kris Kristofferson has spanned the decades with his charm, talent and magnetism for drawing dedicated fans who remain faithful followers. For more information, his official website can be found here.
© 2011 Peg Cole
Comments
Thanks, Peg. He was a helicopter pilot, and he volunteered for Viet Nam, but they sent him to Germany...
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Thanks for the visit and the clarification, Vista15. I thought I had read somewhere about him being a pilot in the VietNam era. It is likely that I was wrong. I edited the article to remove any mention of that service. Thanks for your input.
I have 2 hub pages on Kris, if you're interested.
I also administrate the Facebook group, I Love Kris Kristofferson.
Kristofferson was never in Viet Nam.
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Hello Audrey, I'm glad to know that you love Kris Kristofferson, too. I appreciate your visit and thanks for sharing his story with others. How I wish I could see him in concert.
This song writer/singer is immensely talented. I love this biography and tribute to Kris Kristofferson. I will certainly share this hub Peg in the hopes that others will come to appreciate him as he deserves.
Thanks so much!
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Dahoglund, Hi there and thanks for dropping by. He is still a classic, just like you are.
Good biography of Kristopherson. I didn't know he and I share our birth year. Me and Bobby McGee is a classic, I think.
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Lucky you, Mary615. I've wanted to go to a live concert for Kris Kristofferson for a long time now. What a great treat that must have been. He is such a dynamic singer. Thanks for the votes, the visit and for sharing this hub.
Kris came to our town about four years ago and I was lucky enough to get a ticket. He put on a wonderful performance; just him and his guitar alone on the stage. He sung his old favorites and it was wonderful. I have not seen his newest movie, but I'm going to. I enjoyed listening to your videos; I never tire of Kris K.
Voted UP, and shared.
It was good. Small venue mafe it special!
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Wow, Rebecca. I sure would like to see Kris Kristofferson in concert. I've seen others like Harry Chapin and Gordon Lightfoot but not him. Maybe someday!
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I was fortunate enough to see Kris perform once. He was great! Thanks for this background info. Interesting, especially his humble beginnings.
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Hello Guest Dan Sanders. Nice of you to drop in and read this tribute. He is one of my all time favorites, too. Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you an excellent piece about one of my all time favorite singer song writers. Well done
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Thank you Bobbi. I'm still learning more about him and he is amazing.
I'll be watching his new movie too! Thanks for the votes and the visit.
Hi PegCole17,
I love his movies and songs. Thanks for writing this hub as I learned more about him. And I cannot wait to see his new movie.
I voted up and awesome.
Have a great day,
Bobbi Purvis
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Hello Heidithorne. I recently watched Blade again and realized I had forgotten much of the movie. It was a pleasure to see him in that role. Thanks for noticing the CD in the picture. I had to dig that one up out of the dusty zone but I must have played it a zillion times in the distant past. Now I just go to YouTube and listen.
Definitely a fave in entertainment! My fave role for him is in Blade as Whistler. Perfectly cast! BTW, love the pic of the cassette. Dang, I remember those pre-CD, pre-MP3 days. :)
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Thanks for dropping in Jaye and I appreciate your comments about Kris Kristofferson. I love his music too. Your votes and sharing was appreciated.
I'm glad this is making the rounds again since I previously missed it. This is a wonderful profile of and tribute to a multi-talented star. I've enjoyed Kristofferson's lyrics, recordings and acting roles for decades and am delighted that he's still actively touring in his seventies.
Voted Up, Useful, Awesome and Interesting/Shared
Jaye
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Oh Dim! How I wish I could have been there to see him play and it is wonderful to know what a kind and considerate man he is. I, also, find myself tearing up to his heartfelt songs so beautifully penned and sung. One day I hope to see him in concert, too. Thank you for sharing that wonderful insight to this truly talented man.
What wonderful timing. My husband and l went to see Kris in concert last friday.
He has done a short tour of Britain.
We've seen him before but once is never enough to be in the presence of talent like his.
He is so kind, after standing ,singing for 2 hours he spent another hour shaking hands and signing autographs.
The words of some of his songs are just so heartwrenching , l was not the only one silently weeping at the concert.
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Thanks for dropping in, Bat115. He is a great singer and performer. Nice to meet you.
Great Hub. Have always been a fan of Kris in his singing and acting! Such a legend!
Thank you my dear Peg (of my heart) for your update on our beloved friend and colleague and please keep in touch.
Have a happy , safe and joyous Easter with your family and friends with 3 big Canadian hugs from Colin, Tiffy and Gabriel at lake erie time 2:02pm
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Hello Epi. Thanks for dropping in on Kris today. I love his work and he is so cool.
About Mike, we are all sad to see his work disappear. It was sudden and unexpected. He wrote in answer to my inquiry that he is having health challenges at the moment. Hoping to get more info and a good report from him soon. Keeping him in my prayers for now as I do you.
Good Friday and Happy Easter to you Colin
Love, Peg
Well my friend this is a dream hub presentation for me as I am a big fan of this 'man' ......one of the best songwriters ever and a formidable screen presence too. I take it that your 'subject' here was a labor of love for you too. Thank you for making this a definitive and essential tribute.
Sending sincere Good Friday and Easter greetings to you from Colin and his cats at lake erie time ontario canada 11:37am
p.s. - I am kind of concerned for our buddy Mike aka Mckbirdbks - his hubs are all gone; is he alright? It was a shock for me to see this.
Won't be there in September! Will be there in March.
Loved your hub!
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Me too Baygirl! He is quite a hunk and I love his music. Hoping to see you in September at "our" place in the sun. Peg
Hi Peg!
Thanks for writing about Kris.He is such a sexy free-spirited looking guy! Lots of great songs and an intellect too.Man! I love all his songs!
Oh for the good old, olden days!
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Thanks Carol. I plan to learn more and update this one soon. I hope to learn a lot more information to include here. He is one of my favorites too.
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Hello Whalefeather2. He is an awesome actor too! I love Me and Bobby McGee and Sunday Morning. Thanks for stopping in.
One of my favorites and it was fun learning a few new facts.
He is an awesome actor as well..most of my all time favorite songs were written by him!
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Thank you Antonrosa. I look forward to reading some of your work as well.
A wonderful hub!
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Thank you Mck. It is so nice of you to make a coffee delivery. Things are moving along slowly with a few hiccups. More medical procedures tomorrow - CT Scans to address some issues. More appts on Tuesday am and pm. Then again Friday. How about you?
Hello Peg. I don't usually deliver coffee. But for you I'll make an exception. Are things going ok? We have missed you.
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Thanks Audrey. He is a great performer and writer. Thanks for stopping in for a listen. And thanks for the link on the squash hub.
What a terrific hub on Kris Kristofferson -Such a huge talent and amazing song writer who had a hand in making other singers famous with his songs. You've done a great justice to him and I thank you so much!
I just added your "squash hub" link to my hub on squash. Take a look.
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James, Hi there. Glad to see you today when I checked in. I've been wanting to see that film with Kris. Thank you!
This is a fabulous Hub. Thank you. I just saw Kris the other day in the film "A Dolphin Tale." A very talented man and writer of magnificent songs.
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Thank you CMerritt. He is truly a great song writer and I really do like his voice. Honestly. It has just the right timbre to convey sincerity and tells the tale of his stories with its brilliant raspiness. Thanks for your visit and the nice comments.
This was a very interesting hub, I have often wondered about him. I think he is one of the best song writers ever. He didn't have a great voice, but was good enough to get you to listen. I enjoyed his movie career too.
Up and aweesome.
Chris
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Baygirl33 Hey there. Thank you so much. These are some of the good ones for sure. I appreciate you stopping by to listen and thanks for the nice comments.
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Girltalksshop, me too! Martina McBride really did this song right. Yes, the older movies when we were all younger. Ah. Sweet Memories.
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Hello Dim, That would be so great to see him performing live. You are the lucky one. Nice to know his face matches his great songs. Truly good to see you here and hope your holidays are bright and cheery. Peg
Hi peg! Loved this hub! Love these artists,listened to every one of them.
thank you for highlighting this wonderful but underrated artist
I love the song sung by Martina McBride...yes, Kris had talent, that's for sure. I do recall him playing in a few older movies too! Interesting hub. : ) Voted up!
Great hub. Great man... l saw him in England just 3 or 4 years ago Silver white, hair and beard. Still as handsome. Also the kindest face l´ve ever seen.
l love the way you´ve put so much of his music on here., It was a real treat. Thanking you kindly, maám.
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Becky, Too bad about the CDs. And Elvis is okay with me.
Thank you Debby!
Yeah. She does have a unique way of spelling her name. Once corrected, once remembered. Blessings, Debby
Mike can't put Kris on the jukebox at the cafe. It is the wrong era. The cafe is much earlier. Elvis made it though.
As for the cd's. They never made it to the cd's. They had gotten unplayable before CD's came out.
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Thanks sweet Debby. And thanks for the subtle clue so I would spell check Barbra's name. I had it wrong. Fixed it! Return of blessings to you, Peg.
Dear Peg ~ I remember this song! I also remember Barbra Streisand & Kris Kristofferson in A Star Is Born. Whoo-hoo! Loved this hub. Blessings, Debby
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Morning Marie, (Blush) Maybe he could invite Kris in as a special guest. Now that would be soulful inspiration for pastry-eating. I might even be inspired to get my hair done for the event. Annette is a beautiful soul like you. No wonder you two are good friends. See you at the Cafe?
Dear Peg,
I knew you were Southern before reading your profile... you are so welcoming and beautiful in personality.
With Net as my other cyber-sister and the fact that now we are all drooling over the same music, perhaps Earl needs to put some Kris on the Emerald Wells jukebox to keep us gals satisfied...? Such soulful pastry-eating lyrics, you know... just sayin, mar!
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Hi Mandy, Playing the vinyl. Ah yes, our long playing records and hi fi stereos of the day were nothing compared to the tiny iPods now. I'm glad your Dad introduced you to this musician.
FloraBreenRobison, I agree that the stars and performers have taken the spotlight. There used to be more recognition for the writers even within the titles like "Burl Ives Sings Irving Berlin".
Net, He is a handsome one with an unmistakeable voice. Here's me wiping off the drool as I listen once again.
A handsome man with an awesome voice that I could drool over day after day. Great hub Peg, bringing back many memories. Net:)
It used to be that the general public knew a lot more about composers. The composers were the stars, not the singers, because everyone sang their songs. Announcing the composers of the songs at concerts died out with Sinatra.
I've heard of some of his songs like Me and Bobby McGee when my dad would play his vinyl. Thanks for the hub, I didn't know he was influenced by a 17th century poet.
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My sister, my friend,
Memories and melodies with Mom, so sweet to remember. The music really brings back the times so true and clear. We used to delight in making fun of the country songs Mom loved but I have grown to love them now for their ability to take me back to those days. Steel guitars, twangy voices, trains, cowboys and lost loves. Ah, sweet. Come on back again, won't you? Thank you for the lovely words. Peg
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Hi Will
Thanks for these great links. I loved them both. Each performer really put their own special personality into the songs. Loved the version by Ray Price.
Ah, Peg,
This is wonderful, such amazing memories of growing up listening to this music with Mom. I remember hearing about Kris' love for Johnny Cash/ his tremendous influence when we went to Nashville, yet didn't appreciate all the hardships he has encountered through life. Especially loved Janis-- nothing like her voice!
You did a comprehensive and heartfelt job on this tribute. Voted UP & UABI, mar.
Both were big country hits:
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WillStarr, I remember Roger Miller singing "Trailers for Sale or Rent". Didn't know he recorded "Bobby McGee". Seems like just about everybody did. The list was a mile long. Ray Price, wow. My childhood family had a reel to reel tape we nearly wore out of Country Western Artists and I think he sang "Heartaches by the Number, troubles by the score" on there. So were Hank Williams, Roy Acuff and the Smokey Mountain Boys, Ernie Ford. Great songs. So nice to see you here and thanks for taking time to comment.
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Donna, Extremely glad to hear your book sales with "When God Turned His Head" are doing so well. No surprise there. I loved the first one. Hope you will forgive my reluctance to edit as I feel others are more qualified and skilled. Truly. There are folks here on HubPages that have taught classes in writing etc..
I will be looking forward to your 366 articles and blog posts. My blog has cobwebs.
Roger Miller also had a big hit with "Bobby McGee", and Ray Price had a big hit with "Help me make it through the night."
Good Hub.
You, my blind squirrel friend, have made my day. I just want you to know that my books are doing well. I'm still working on the second novel. Now plan to have it out June 30th of this year.
I'm also got a resolution to get more articles written. I plan to write 366 articles this leap year as well as a blog post every week. We'll see how it goes.
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Cygnet, my swan, The comment section is now further enhanced by the light of your presence. Thanks for dropping in.
It was a "kinder, gentler nation" and world back then, or so it seemed. Not so much hate being broadcast on TV and the media. The songs of the era were mirrors of that. Miss seeing you and hope your book sales are soaring! Peg
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Lynda,
Hi and it is good to see you today. Have been wondering how things are going for you. The musician I dated was a ringer for Cat Stevens though he did a nice job on many of Mr. Kristofferson's songs. I learned a bit about his work from that, more while preparing this hub. It is a learning experience, writing, isn't it? But then, you already know that.
Yes, his voice is unique and pulls at my heartstrings. I do like his versions better.
This conversation in the comment section is almost as interesting as the article. I said almost. The songs really say a lot about the time period of when he wrote them, don't they.
Thanks for giving the background of this marvelous writer, singer and performer. I always enjoyed his work, though I had no idea of the scope of his career until you enlightened me. Don't you think his songs were best when sung by him? What an interesting voice.
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Rose, I can listen to these all day long too, and even into my dreams at night. He is a true wordsmith and genius at capturing the emotions and putting them into songs. So nice of you to stop in and listen. Hope to see you soon. Thanks for the encouragement and votes.
Wow I could sit here all day Peg, just listening to all of these videos. This brings back so many memories. Hard to believe he is in his 70's, and still sexy and handsome. Just where does the time go.
You did a wonderful job Peg and I'm pressing all the buttons.
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Brunch then? If you still have those CDs, of course they are one of a kind but besides that, they are unknown and undiscovered early recordings of someone famous that have never been released. Did you ever see the movie "Eddie Lives?" Great movie about a band's old demo tapes that were discovered and released.
If you have those CDs of the cassette recordings they would certainly be valuable. If not commercially, then to Mr. Kristoffersen himself. He just released a new album of all his old demo tapes.
That would be wonderful Peg. Except that I am a night-owl, from too many years of working night shift and I usually don't get up til lunch.
As for putting the tape back on the reel, if you are really lucky and very careful, you can take the cassette apart and use scotch tape to reattach it to the reel. Then glue it back together and it should work. The hard part is getting them apart in one piece, I mean 2 pieces.
I know for a fact that the tapes that he had were all transferred to CD and he threw them all away. Those that worked got saved on CD and the rest are garbage.They were one of a kind because he recorded them.
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Oh Becky! Thanks so much for sharing this about your husband and the Special Forces group. Wow. Those tapes would be worth a bit of money if you had them restored. No kidding. Those are like one of a kind. Maybe it's worth looking into to find a professional restorer. You've inspired me to look for one as well. The last time I tried to play my old cassette tapes from musicians I knew, the tape came unglued from the reel. I don't know how to repair it.
Jefferson Airplane, now there's another group worthy of a hub. Hmm. Gotta go. Just kidding.
See you at the Emerald Wells cafe soon, I hope. How about breakfast, on me. My treat.
Peg
Great hub. Kris and Kenny Rogers were helicopter pilots for the Special Forces group that my husband was in. There was also another musician. I think my husband said it was a guitarist from Jefferson Airplane. He said that they quite frequently got together and would play and write music together. He had cassette tapes of them singing together back then and Kenny's voice really improved. Of course those have deteriorated beyond listening to. They had when I met him.
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Dear Mck - You were the inspiration for the title of this one with your keen words. Hope you don't mind that I used the "underappreciated" adjective you provided. It seemed the right one to describe him and his talent.
I keep pushing the buttons on the music and reliving those times myself. Love those songs! I have a couple of demo tapes leftover from the 70s when I dated a musician. Good times.
Never ran across Kris at Pomona? He won 1st prize in a contest sponsored by Atlantic Monthly for a short story he wrote in college. You two would have been great pals.
Thanks for the kind words and votes.
Peg
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Hello Lynn, Oh yes, he is sexy and handsome; a dangerous combination. Time does march on. Heavy sigh, back to you.
Hello Peg, when you get an inspiration for a hub, there is no stopping you. You put this together so fast, and so well. Pomona College is just up the road, I never ran across Kris. lol
I'll just sit here a piece and listen to the music.I did all the voting thing above.
I have always thought he was just plain sexy and forever young. In his 70's dang time marches on. Sigh.
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SubRon, Hello! It is interesting to see how we view others differently once we know a little bit about what they've been through. Thank you for sharing your feelings then and now. There are so many incredible performers whose words come back to haunt them. I'm thinking about John Lennon, when I say this, and how his remark about Jesus and the Beatles' popularity really went wrong somehow. So good to see you here and thanks for the great comments.
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Hi Susan, It was a rude awakening for me as well. In my memories he is still as young as ever; he is as handsome now as he was way back when. Thank you so much for your visit today and for such nice comments. I love him too.
Great song by Kris. Thank you, Peg. Over the years I have been on the "fence" about liking him or not, mainly because of what I perceived as over the top arrogance. But now, having read your hub and finding out so much that I didn't know about him, including that he served in Vietnam, makes me definitely like him.
I've always been an admirer of Kris Kristofferson.I didn't realize that he was in his 70's. Loved him in the movie A Star Is Born. Enjoyed the videos that you included in your hub.
Up and Awesome! and Interesting too.
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