Kris Kristofferson is an American country singer, songwriter and actor from Brownsville, United States. Born in 1936 and dying in 2024, he works across country, americana, folk, country pop, outlaw country and progressive country.

Songwriting

Kristofferson is best known for songs that become hits for other artists, including “Me and Bobby McGee”, “For the Good Times”, “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night”. His writing helps define outlaw country, a movement that rejects the Nashville music machine in favour of independent songwriting and producing.

Groups and collaborations

In 1985, he joins fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in The Highwaymen, the country supergroup. He is also a member of Kris Kristofferson and the Borderlords.

Acting and recognition

As an actor, Kristofferson is known for roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid, Blume in Love, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, A Star Is Born, Convoy, Heaven’s Gate and the Blade film trilogy. A Star Is Born earns him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. He is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Labels

His recordings appear on KK Records and Resaca Music.