Christopher Kristofferson is a prominent figure in the music industry, having had a successful career as a country singer, songwriter, and actor.
His songwriting talents are evident in many of his hits, including “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Good Times,” “Sunday Morning Comes” and “Help me get through tonight” Other famous artists have also covered it.
Although Kristofferson has retired, his impact on the country music genre is still recognized and praised.
contour
- Full name: Christopher Christopherson
- Stage name: Kris Kristofferson
- Date of birth: June 22, 1936
- Age: 87
- Birthplace: Brownsville, Texas
- Country: United States
- Occupation: Singer
- Height: 1.83 m
- Parents: Lars Henry Kristofferson, Mary Ann Ashbrook
- Siblings: Karen Kirschenbauer, Kraigher Kristofferson
- Spouses: Fran Beal, Rita Coolidge, Lisa Meyers
- Children: Tracy Kristofferson, Kristofferson Jr., Jesse Kristofferson, Jody Kristofferson, Johnny Kristofferson, Kelly Kristofferson, Blake Kristofferson
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $50 million
Early life and education
Christopher Christopherson was born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, to Lars Henry Christopherson and Mary Ann Ashbrook.
He grew up with his two siblings, Karen Kirschenbauer and Kraigher Kristofferson. After completing his undergraduate degree at Pomona College in California, he studied literature at Oxford University.
Profession
Christopherson began writing songs while serving in the Army. After his discharge in 1965, he moved to Nashville to continue his songwriting career.
His first big break came when Johnny Cash recorded his song “Me and Bobby McGee” was released in 1969. This prompted other artists, such as Janis Joplin and Jerry Lee Lewis, to cover his songs. This skyrocketed Kristofferson’s career and made him a popular songwriter.
Kristofferson’s most famous songs include “Help Me Make It Through Tonight,” “For the Good Times,” and “Come Sunday Morning.”
He is also known for his introspective lyrics, husky voice, and exploration of social and political themes in his music.
His albums, such asKristofferson” (1970) and Me and the Silver Tongue Devil (1971)which established him as a major artist in the early 1970s and launched his successful recording career.
Kristofferson’s talents weren’t limited to music. He was also very successful in acting, rising to fame in Hollywood.
In 1973, he won thePat Garrett and Billy the Kid” and went on to star in other notable films such as “Alice no longer lives here” (1974),A Star Is Born” (1976), and “Blade” (1998).
Awards and nominations
Grammy Awards:
- 2014: Won the Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2017: Nominated – Best American Country Album (The Cedar Creek Sessions)
- 1991: Nominated – Best Country Vocal Collaboration for “Highwayman 2” (with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings)
- 1986: Nominated – Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “Highwayman” (with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings)
- 1976: Won – Best Country Duo or Group Vocal Performance for “Lover Please” (shared with Rita Coolidge)
Academy of Country Music Awards:
- 2014: Won the Poet Award
- 2006: Received the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award
- 1986: Nominated—Country Video of the Year for “The Highwaymen: Highwayman” (shared with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings)
- 1986: Nominated – Album of the Year for “Highwayman” (shared with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings)
- 1986: Won – Single Record of the Year for “Highwayman” (shared with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings)
Other awards:
- 2003: American Spirit Free Speech Award from the American Music Association
- 2004: Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
- 2006: Received the Johnny Mercer Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame
- 2007: CMT’s Johnny Cash Visionary Award
- 2009: 57th BMI Country Music Awards BMI Icon Award (48 BMI Country Music and Pop Music Awards in career)
- Nominations: Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year, Grammy Award for Best Country Song, Grammy Award for Song of the Year, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Musical or Comedy, Juno Award for International Album of the Year
Social Media
- Instagram: @kristofferson
- Facebook account: Kris Kristofferson
Personal life
Christopherson, 87, was married three times. His first wife was his high school sweetheart, Fran Beer, with whom he had two children, Tracy and Kris Jr.
He later married the famous singer Rita Coolidge, their relationship was highly publicized, and they had one daughter, Kathy Christopherson.
Christopherson married his third wife, Lisa Meyers, and they had five children: Jesse, Jody, Johnny, Kelly and Blake.
Discography
- Christopherson (1970)
- The Silver Tongue Devil and I (1971)
- Border Lords (1972)
- Jesus Was a Capricorn (1972)
- Sneaky Lady Sideshow (1974)
- Who Should Bless and Who Should Blame (1975)
- Something Surreal (1976)
- Easter Island (1978)
- Shake Hands with the Devil(1979)
- Skinny (1981)
- The Fall (1986)
- The Third World Warrior (1990)
- A Moment of Eternity (1995)
- Austin Conference (1999)
- This Old Road (2006)
- A sense of intimacy in the bones (2009)
- Mortal Feelings (2013)
- Cedar Creek Conference (2016)
net worth
Kris Kristofferson has accumulated quite a bit of wealth over the course of his career.
While some reports put his net worth at around $50 million, other reports predict it could be as high as $160 million.
Whatever the exact amount, it’s clear that Christopherson’s talent and hard work have brought him great financial success.
