The multitasker Kristofferson’s career took off in the late 1960s. The American, with roots in Texas and Sweden, wrote classics such as “Sunday mornin’ comin’ down”, “Help me make it through the night” and “For the good times”.
Also be an actor
He was a performer himself, but many of his songs gained most attention when performed by others – such as Janis Joplin’s version of “Me and Bobby McGee” which she recorded shortly before she died of an overdose in 1970.
Kristofferson was also an actor, and played, for example, the main role opposite Barbara Streisand in “A star is born” (1976), for which he was awarded a Golden Globe. He also played in “Blade”, which premiered in 1998.
Guest performance on stage
He married singer-songwriter Rita Coolidge in 1973. They had a successful career as a duo, winning two Grammys, before parting ways in 1980.
Kristofferson’s grandmother and grandfather were first-generation immigrants to the United States from Sweden.
Kris Kristofersson retired from performing and recording music in 2021, and since then has only made occasional guest appearances on stage. According to family spokesperson Ebie McFarland, he fell asleep surrounded by his family.