Country music legend Kris Kristofferson has passed away at the age of 88. Known for hits like “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” Kristofferson’s family announced his death on Sunday without revealing the cause. He was also a member of the supergroup The Highwaymen and starred in films like “Blade” alongside Wesley Snipes. Born in Texas in 1936, Kristofferson had a diverse career that included studying at Oxford, serving in the army, and finding success as a singer-songwriter in Nashville.
After signing a record deal in the 1970s, Kristofferson achieved success with his unique voice and songwriting skills. He wrote hits like “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” which was popularized by Johnny Cash and “Me and Bobby McGee,” which became a hit for Janis Joplin. Bob Dylan once said that Kristofferson changed everything in Nashville with his music. The singer also found success in acting, starring in films like “A Star is Born” alongside Barbra Streisand, for which he won a Golden Globe.
Despite experiencing some setbacks in his acting career, Kristofferson continued to work in TV and film roles. He also released albums with The Highwaymen and collaborated frequently with Willie Nelson. Touring extensively until the Covid-19 pandemic, Kristofferson announced his retirement from music in 2021 due to memory loss. His contributions to country music were significant, as he gave voice to the soul of many through his body of work. Kristofferson is survived by his third wife, Lisa, and eight children.