Kris Kristofferson Headshot

Kris Kristofferson

Date of Birth: June 22, 1936 (86)

Birth Place: Brownsville, TX, USA

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Kris Kristofferson BIO

Born in Texas and raised in a military family, Kris Kristofferson, a Golden Gloves boxer, studied literature at Oxford, went on to serve in the army and turned down an assignment to teach at West Point because, inspired by songwriters like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, he moved to Nashville to pursue his music.

He achieved remarkable success as a country songwriter at the start of the 1970s and by 1987, it was estimated that more than 450 artists had recorded Kristofferson's compositions.

His renown as a songwriter triggered Kristofferson's successful career as a performer and that, in turn, brought him to the attention of Hollywood, leading to his flourishing career as a film actor. Kristofferson has acted in more than 70 films. In 1977 He won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in "A Star Is Born." He's appeared in cult favourites including the "Blade" trilogy, "Lone Star," "A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries," "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," "Blume In Love," "Cisco Pike," and "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid." Recent films include "Fast Food Nation," "Dreamer: Inspired By A True Story," "The Jacket," "Silver City," "He's Just Not That In To You," and "Dolphin Tale."

Heralded as an artist's artist, Kris Kristofferson has recorded 30 albums, including three with pals Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings as part of the Highwaymen. He has spent three decades performing concerts all over the world, in most recent years in a solo acoustic setting, which puts the focus on the songs. Many would have hung their hat by now. Instead, Kristofferson barely has paused for breath. He's released several recent high watermarks including the increasingly intimate A Moment of Forever (1995), The Austin Sessions (1999) and This Old Road (2006), and he produced some of his finest work with the deeply personal Closer to the Bone (2009) and Feeling Mortal (2013). Kristofferson has reached living legend status, but that hasn't changed or hindered his creativity. His current CD, The Cedar Creek Sessions, was recorded live at Austin's Cedar Creek Recording Studio in June 2014. Released in time for Kristofferson's 80th birthday in 2016, the double-CD set is a snapshot of the legendary songwriter in the twilight of his life.

In addition to many other awards, Kristofferson is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, winner of the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award from the Songwriter Hall of Fame, and was honoured with the American Veteran's Association's "Veteran of the Year Award" in 2002. In 2007, Kristofferson was honoured with the Johnny Cash Visionary Award from Country Music Television and in 2009 BMI lauded Kristofferson with the Icon Award. He received the Frances Preston Music Industry Award from the T.J. Martell Foundation in March, 2012. In 2014, Kristofferson was honoured with a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award and the PEN Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award.

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Kris Kristofferson News

Garth Brooks Announces 2024 Dates for New Las Vegas Residency

Garth Brooks/Plus ONE will give fans the opportunity to see Garth up close and personal on The Colosseum stage. No two shows will be the same, with varying band members and the occasional special guest, fans are promised a once in a lifetime performance each and every night. Whether it be one fiddle player, percussion and background vocals.

Big Loud Records Inks Label Deal with Charles Wesley Godwin

Influenced by craftsmen like Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, Ryan Bingham, Willie Nelson, Chris Knight, and more, his two already released LPs, Seneca and How the Mighty Fall, showcase an artist born at the cross section of blue-collar sensibilities, cinematic country-folk soundscapes, and sharp-minded songwriting.

Dolly Parton Focused Record of the Month Subscription Coming to Vinyl Me, Please

Vinyl Me, Please and Dolly Parton will launch a monthly record club devoted to the legendary career and peerless catalog of Dolly Parton. Starting in April 2023, Vinyl Me, Parton will give Dolly Parton fans a monthly connection with Dolly’s catalog on vinyl, with twelve Records of the Month spanning the entirety of Dolly’s recording career.

Garth Brooks Announces New Las Vegas Residency

Garth Brooks/Plus ONE will give fans the opportunity to see Garth up close and personal on The Colosseum stage. No two shows will be the same, with varying band members and the occasional special guest, fans are promised a once in a lifetime performance each and every night. Check out how to buy tickets to see Garth Brooks in Las Vegas now!

Jerry Lee Lewis Passes Away at 87

This nearly lifelong musician and singer had recorded new music and performed around the world for most of his life. For 2006’s “Last Man Standing”, Lewis sang a number of rock, blues and country classics with some help from such famous admirers as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Buddy Guy.

Alan Jackson To Receive the 2022 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at 'The 56th Annual CMA Awards'

The Country Music Association has revealed its 2022 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient—chart-topping Country Music superstar Alan Jackson. Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood and Lainey Wilson will take the CMA Awards stage for an all-star tribute to the Country Music Hall of Fame member.

Ani DiFranco Comes To Overture's Capitol Theater On Saturday, November 5

Overture Center for the Arts and FPC Live present Ani DiFranco with The Righteous Babes Revue: Gracie and Rachel, Pieta Brown, Jocelyn Mackenzie on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. in Capitol Theater.

Canadian Country Music Star Melissa Endean Releases Cover Version of 'FOLSOM PRISON'

Canadian country music recording artist Melissa Endean has released her latest single, 'Folsom Prison,' on which she worked in collaboration with John Carter Cash. This recording is a cover of the Johnny Cash classic that ranks among Rolling Stone Magazine's greatest country songs of all time, and it earned Cash his very first career Grammy.

Boch Center Re-Introduces Folk Americana Roots Hall Of Fame

The Boch Center has re-introduced the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame (FARHOF), an education initiative located inside the iconic Wang Theatre in Boston.

The King Center Announces Two Additional Shows and BSO Single Tickets

The King Center for the Performing Arts has announced two additional shows coming to the Space Coast!  Elko Concerts Presents, writing, singing, and performing artist, Gordon Lightfoot: The Legend in Concert on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 8 PM.

Dame Olivia Newton-John Celebrated with a 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Her Debut Album 'If Not For You'

The beloved and iconic Dame Olivia Newton-John is celebrated this week with a remastered, 50th anniversary release of her hit debut album, If Not For You, on both vinyl and a 2-CD Deluxe Edition featuring six previously unreleased recordings. Get the scoop on the new release.

Tickets On Sale For Ani DiFranco With The Righteous Babes Revue At Overture's Capitol Theater

Overture Center for the Arts and FPC Live will present Ani DiFranco with The Righteous Babes Revue: Gracie and Rachel, Pieta Brown, Jocelyn Mackenzie on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. in Capitol Theater.

Canadian Country Music Recording Artist Melissa Endean Drops New Single 'Til We're Dirt'

Canadian country music recording artist and rising star Melissa Endean is celebrating the release of her new single, Til We're Dirt, a dark yet catchy song that pushes the boundaries of country music for a completely unique sound.

Dawn Derow and Peter Calo Will Perform in Backyard Troubadours Concert

For two evenings this September, Cotuit Center for the Arts is proud to present Dawn Derow and Peter Calo in Backyard Troubadours, with Joe Santerre on bass and Marty Richards on drums.

Oh Boy Records Will Present 'The Summer of Oh Boy Records'

Recently named Label of the Year at the 2022 A2IM Librea Awards, Oh Boy will release pressings of two of John Prine’s albums: Aimless Love (1984)—Prine’s first full-length album, which was completely fan-funded and launched the label—will be released August 26, while the GRAMMY-nominated, German Afternoons (1986), will be available September 16.

Legendary Gordon Lightfoot Returns To Overture Center On Thursday, June 16

Canadian sing-songwriter and guitarist Gordon Lightfoot returns to Overture Center on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 8 p.m. in Capitol Theater.

BWW Interview: Academy Award-winner Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew of The Boxmasters Talk New Music and Tour

Formed in 2007, The Boxmasters have recorded an impressive and diverse catalogue of music that touches on their love of a wide array of influences, but most importantly, the rock and roll of the 1960's. Listening to The Boxmasters, one can hear obvious odes to the Beatles, Byrds and Beach Boys, but also important to The Boxmasters are The Mothers of Invention, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine and Big Star.

Comedian Jon Daly to Release New 'Ding Dong Delicious' Comedy Music Album

Comedian Jon Daly (Kroll Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm) has announced his debut full-length album Ding Dong Delicious. Alongside the announcement, he premiered the music video for the Kraftwerk-esque lead single “Addicted to Computers”, featuring Martha Kelly and Fat Tony.

Brand New Karen Dalton Collection 'Shuckin' Sugar' to Be Released Via Delmore Recordings

Musical archaeologist and record label Delmore Recording Society is honored to announce an all-new collection, Shuckin' Sugar, from legendary blues and folk singer Karen Dalton. Available April 23rd on vinyl as a Record Store Day exclusive, followed by a wide release in CD and digital formats on May 6th, Shuckin' Sugar is a riveting 12-track live set recorded in 1963-1964, featuring the earliest known duets of Dalton (with then-husband, guitarist, and songwriter Richard Tucker) and seven never-before-heard solo performances. The collection is accompanied by an 8-page (LP)/24-page (CD) booklet featuring a treasure trove of newly discovered unseen and rare photos, as well as newspaper clippings, artwork by Dalton, and a heartfelt 6,000-word essay by veteran UK journalist and author Kris Needs.

Kris Kristofferson FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Kris Kristofferson has written 1 shows including A Night With Janis Joplin (Composer).

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