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Kris Kristofferson dies at 88

Kris Kristofferson dies at 88

Los Angeles (USA) (EFE).- Kris Kristofferson, the country music legend and winner of the Golden Globe for best actor, died at the age of 88 at his home in Hawaii, the family spokesperson reported.

The Texan artist died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Maui (Hawaii), reported Ebie McFarland, the star’s spokesperson.

Kristofferson marked a milestone in country music and was part of the ‘Highwaymen’, which together with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, brought together the best country singers at the time in 1985.

The origins of Kristofferson

Born Kristoffer Kristofferson in Brownsville, Texas, on June 22, 1936, the musician “changed the language of country music” by playing socially progressive songs, his representative noted.

Singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson leaves his handprint in the cement during his induction at the Hollywood RockWalk, in Hollywood, California (USA). EFE/Paul Buck

The artist marked a stage in American music, Rolling Stone magazine considered him “one of the best songwriters of all time” by extending his influence, country music extended beyond its limits.

From weapons to country

He got closer to music by working in the maintenance of “Columbia Records”, the studio where some of his most admired artists such as Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan recorded.

That was after abandoning a promising career in the army, which took him to Germany in the early 60s, and which came from family influence.

He studied literature at the University of Oxford, knowledge that surely helped him compose his songs once he renounced military life.

Archive photograph from 2017 showing the American musician, actor and singer, Kris Kristofferson, during his performance at the Jardins de Pedralbes Festival in Barcelona (Spain). EFE/Alejandro García.

Some songs that, after rising to fame in the late 60s, would have been performed by more than 450 artists within a decade, when they had also made the leap to the big screen.

From country to screens

And Kristofferson was not only a singer-songwriter, but he also marked an era in Hollywood, where he participated in more than 70 films, including ‘A Star is Born’, from 1976, in which he shared the screen with Barbra Streisand and It won a Golden Globe for best actor.

He also participated in the ‘Blade’ saga and a series of important titles, although what really marked his life was music.
To his credit are classics like ‘Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down’, ‘Help Me Make it Through the Night’, “For the Good Times” and “Me and Bobby McGee”.

Tribute from the world of music and cinema on the networks

Singers, filmmakers and music journalism specialists pay tribute this Monday on social media to the country legend and also actor Kris Kristofferson, who died on Saturday at the age of 88 at his residence in (Maui) Hawaii.

“What a great loss. What a great writer. What a great actor. What a great friend! I will always love you. Dolly,” wrote celebrated country artist and actress Dolly Parton on her X account.

“Heartbroken by the recent death of legendary country singer Kris Kristofferson…Rest in peace legend,” publishes the ‘Rock History’ portal in a message that includes a video of the singer performing “Highwayman” live at the Nassau Coliseum, in 1990.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the loss of legendary country music icon Kris Kristofferson. The beloved artist, singer, songwriter and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame has left an indelible mark on music history. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” writes the US Country Music Association.

Comedian and singer Chad Prather called him one of the “greatest,” while songwriter Jimmy Webb reminds him: “Today we lost a fellow highwayman. May God be with you, Kris.”

Actor Russel Crowe remembers him for the “life he led!” The Good Company. For being a great man. See you on the road, friend,” he emphasizes, while singer Leann Rimes talks about him as “an epic being with the biggest heart,” who she will miss.

And the Country Museum of Fame in the United States says of the singer that “he believed that creativity is a divine gift and that those who ignore that gift are condemned to unhappiness. He preached that a life of the mind gives voice to the soul, and his work not only gave voice to his soul but to ours as well. He leaves a resounding legacy.”

The singer and actress Barbra Streisand evoked with a heartfelt message the 1976 film “A Star is Born” in which she worked alongside the late Kris Kristofferson and for which she won the Golden Globe for best actor.

‘This article may contain information published by third parties, some details of this article were extracted from the following source: efe.com’

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