Actor and singer Kris Kristofferson performing at Cadogan Hall in central London (Yui Mok/PA) Grammy-winning singer and actor Kris Kristofferson has been remembered as an “inspiration” who left a “resounding legacy” following his death at age 88. The American country music star died “peacefully” at his home in Maui, Hawaii on Saturday, a statement issued on behalf of his family said. During his career, the veteran musician wrote a host of classic standards which were covered by artists including Janis Joplin and Johnny Cash and he worked with film directors including Martin Scorsese.
A post shared by Kris Kristofferson (@kristofferson) His family also confirmed the news on his Instagram account, writing in the statement: “We’re all so blessed for our time with him. “Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.” Born in 1936 to an Air Force major general, Kristofferson served as an army ranger who flew helicopters in the US Army during his own stint in the service.
He also studied literature at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar after finishing his undergraduate degree at Pomona College in California. Kristofferson later pivoted his career to music and headed to Nashville to pursue being a professional songwriter. He went on to write standards such as Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down, which became a hit for Cash, For The Good Times, which became a number one for Ray Price, and Me And Bobby M.
