Kris Kristofferson stands out as one of the few entertainers to carve out distinct careers in both music and acting. A former Rhodes scholar, he became a celebrated songwriter and performer, while also establishing himself as a prominent actor in the late 1970s. Ironically, despite his success with best-selling singles and albums, he seldom sang in his film roles, which primarily showcased his dramatic talents. Throughout the years, Kristofferson faced personal challenges but consistently found ways to reinvent his career in the entertainment industry. He played a pivotal role in revitalizing Nashville’s stagnant country music scene of the early 1970s with his innovative songs and performances. Additionally, he garnered critical acclaim, receiving the Best Actor award from the Foreign Press Association for his performance in the musical A Star Is Born (1976).
Born in Brownsville, Texas, on June 22, 1936, Kristofferson learned to play guitar in high school, and at Pomona College in Claremont, he excelled in both athletics–competing in football, soccer, and boxing–and academics. A talented writer, he won four short story contests hosted by Atlantic Monthly and earned a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford University, where he studied the works of William Blake. However, after several of his books went unpublished, Kristofferson became disillusioned with academia and turned to songwriting, performing in England under the name Kris Carson.
The mid- and late 1960s proved to be challenging years for Kristofferson. He juggled jobs as a janitor at Columbia Records by night and a bartender at the Tally Ho Tavern by day, all while promoting his songs. Despite the hardships, he remained determined to push his material. In the summer of 1969, Roger Miller scored a hit with Kristofferson’s Me and Bobby McGee, which also became a popular track for Janis Joplin. That same year, Kristofferson gained recognition with a successful performance at the Newport Folk Festival and made multiple appearances on Johnny Cash’s ABC TV variety show. His career began to gain momentum as he signed a record contract with Monument, and his songs were picked up by artists like Ray Price, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Ronnie Milsap. Additionally, a successful engagement at the Troubadour in Los Angeles during the summer of 1970 solidified his reputation as a nightclub attraction.
Kris Kristofferson passed away on 28 September 2024. Read his full bio in Hollywood songsters: Singers who act and actors who sing—A biographical dictionary (2003). Find it in RILM Music Encyclopedias.
Listen to a performance of The silver tongued devil and I below.
