Fly Away Highwayman
If you haven't heard the news, this past Sunday the world lost a legend when Kris Kristofferson passed away at the age of 88. Kristofferson was part of the country group the Highwaymen and with his passing and the previous passing of Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, that just leaves Willie Nelson left.
I have a feeling if anyone had money on it, they probably never would have guessed Willie would be the last man standing. My introduction to Kristofferson came in a much different way than a lot of people. It actually wasn't until I was much older that I learned Kris was a songwriter and singer. I didn't really grow up listening to country music and although there was a lot of crossover back in the 70's, it totally passed me by.
In fact, many people might be surprised to learn that Kristofferson was a singer and songwriter because most modern folks only know him as an actor. Most specifically Whistler from the Blade movies. My introduction to him happened a bit before that though.
The year was 1989 and a scifi/mystery/thriller movie was released called Millenium. Sure, Kristofferson had been in many films before that. Probably most notably, his co-starring role with Barbra Streisand in one of the many remakes of "A Star Is Born", but for me, Millenium is the show that always sticks in my head.
At least until 1999 when the Mel Gibson (before he went crazy) movie "Payback" came out. Kristofferson was in that one too and he was awesome in it. There were actually a lot of really good stars in that movie. Great show!
An NTSB investigator seeking the cause of an airline disaster meets a warrior woman from 1000 years in the future.
That's the plot summary for Millenium. I know, it probably sounds corny as hell to you. Also, looking back at the trailer now, it was definitely corny as hell, but man, it was so good too. Actually, this movie might have been one of the last original ideas that Hollywood ever had.
Okay, that might be a stretch, but I love me a good 80's movie!
With over 121 credits on IMDB to his name, it is pretty clear Kris Kristofferson was a true renaissance man. In case you haven't guessed, my #threetunetuesday post sponsored by @ablaze is dedicated to Kris.
While the Johnny Cash version of "Sunday Morning Coming Down" is my absolute favorite, this song written by Kristofferson has been covered by a multitude of artists over the years. There is something really simple but profound about it. It's also interesting to me that Kris passed away on a Sunday. Very fitting in fact.
I think it gives this song a little extra meaning. The tone that Cash had fits this song really well and you can't help but wonder who Kristofferson had in mind to sing it when the penned this tune. Kristofferson actually has just about as many writing credits to his name as he does acting credits. If you want to check some of the best ones out, take a look at this article from Rolling Stone magazine.
I bet a fair number of people are going to be floored by this one. While Janis Joplin certainly sings the most iconic version of this song, "Me and Bobby McGee" was actually written by Kristofferson. I actually feels like it gives the song a bit more depth and meaning when you consider that Bobby was originally a girl not a boy.
If I had to be honest, I probably enjoy the Janis version of this song a bit more. She just had an amazing voice and along with "Piece of my Heart", this is likely one of her most well known songs.
There was definitely a sadness in Kristofferson's songs that you can't hide from. It slaps you right in the face. If you look at that list I shared above, pretty much all of the songs have this hint of longing or somberness to them. The last song I am going to share is no exception to that.
I decided to include this cover of "Help Me Make It Through The Night" by Tyler Childers because quite honestly, Tyler is one of the few artists these days who I would say can stand with Kris. Back in the day, there was a group of country artists who were bucking the trend of country music. They were rough and rowdy where most country music while sad was pretty tame. Willie, Waylon, Merle, David Allen Coe, Cash, and Kristofferson were a part of that group and the Highwaymen was born out of it.
These days, there is a small group of artists who are throwing back to that time and while much of current country music is more like pop music and goes by the nickname "bro country", artists like Tyler Childers, Zach Bryan, Sturgill Simpson, and Jason Isbell are capturing that Highwaymen spirit in their songs.
That's why I really had no choice but to include this cover as my last tribute to the great Kris Kristofferson.
I hope you enjoyed the songs this week. At the very least, I hope you maybe learned something new.
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Great post !PIMP
Indeed!
Kristofferson was such a legend, a great actor and singer/ songwriter. His performance in Payback was one of his best, that was fun film! I love all of your choices today. The Highwaymen were an awesome band, filled with all stars. They were a fun band to listen to, and were definitely bucking the trend back in the day.
I don't know Tyler Childers real well, I liked the song though. I'll have to check him out some more. I haven't listened to much country lately, just haven't thought about it. I'm going to put on some Highwaymen today though for sure!
I'm actually pretty familiar with a lot of their solo stuff, but not much of the stuff they did together. Like I said, I didn't listen to a lot of country back in the day, but I have been doing my best to make up for that now.
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Kris Kristofferson amazing talent, always enjoyed his music and acting. Sad loss seeing creators now reaching the age of saying goodbye. Each song selected great to listen to once again.
Thank you! Yes, we are losing far too many great people too soon.
With slapstick stuff put out of late I have been watching some great old movies with my son when we have time, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia. Now you reminded me of A Star is Born or Heaven's Gate, perhaps sons would enjoy watching 'Blade' series, more their timeline.
I never really got into the Blade movies, but I know a lot of people liked them. I hear they are making a second Gladiator movie now.
Having boys, renting movies over weekends we watched them leaning towards adventure type shows. Will have to ask now they adult whether they would bother to look at them again.
Ugh I saw this the other day! Really sad but he lived to a nice old age that's for sure so we can only appreciate that.
Similar to you, I was introduced to him as an actor! I first got introduced to him in Blade and damn, he was a fantastic actor in those movies. When I realized he was part of Highwaymen I was shocked! Really glad to have experienced these things before he passed, so I could appreciate the breadth of his talent.
For sure. I haven't dug into more of his stuff besides the hits yet, but I think I plan on doing that next week.
9gag was all over this news and it was sad news indeed. When things like this happen I check the age and 88 well, that's a good amount of time on this earth. I hope to be fortunate enough to make it that distance in this race.
For sure, he lived a full life. I never really realized just how prolific he was.