Issue #71: Remembering Kris Kristofferson

A songwriter's songwriter who wrote for everybody else too.

By Natalie

There's never a great way to remember someone in writing who would have easily done a better job themselves, and Kris Kristofferson — master of the existential crisis and the total mundane tragedy that is the human condition (best distilled simply by being hungover) — is king of that category. Absent some wise, grounded but poetic observation about life and death, honoring this icon of art and principle (how often do we get both!) seems easiest through his work — specifically, using it to reinforce just how broad his impact was as a songwriter.

Kristofferson wasn't just a pillar of the marketing strategy that was outlaw country, didn't just help translate Dylan for a zillion country songwriters to come. His songs are American standards, genre be damned; lyrics and melodies that shaped the whole sound of the '70s and thus everything that came after. Given how canonical his recordings are considered in retrospect, it's easy to forget that in the moment, his songs were best known as performed by other people — and not only the Ray Prices, Janis Joplins and Johnny Cashes of the world. Everyone — everyone — was recording "Help Me Make It Through The Night" and "For The Good Times" and (especially) possibly the most honest hymn ever written, "Why Me." 

Below are a few Kristofferson takes you may not have heard yet (or should definitely revisit!); tried to avoid the obvious but some of them may still be! All wonderful, though.

"Help Me Make It Through The Night" by Gladys Knight & the Pips

Not really obscure but absolutely masterful, in typical Gladys fashion. The live version below is unbelievable, the recorded version is unbelievable, she ethered this one — and as a bonus, does a classic '70s-style talking intro explaining how much she loves the song and how personal it is. I love gender-flipped takes on this one; that first line carries so much weight, and changing the direction of its command just…feels better to me. 

"For The Good Times" by Al Green

Another not so deep one but — there is no Al Green version of a song that isn't among the very best versions of that song ever recorded. Stretching it out to over six minutes, Green gives every single line time, space and perfect flourishes — perhaps nowhere more than on "Make believe you love me…one more time."

And on the country front, this version by Otis Williams and the Midnight Cowboys is perfect.

And! Perfect Spanish/English version from Big Lu y Los Muchachos (with gratuitous wah-wah pedal???). 

"Me and Bobby McGee" by Roger Miller

Roger Miller was the first person to record this song, and it was one of Kristofferson's earlier significant credits, and I just think more people should remember that! Because I love Roger Miller! He plays it totally straight, but it's still great.

"To Beat The Devil" by Johnny Cash

Another early one; a slightly less-known Cash/Kristofferson track. "I guess I'll die explaining how the things that they complain about are things they could be changing…" that's it, all of it.

"Why Me" by Tanya Tucker

Out of 500 bazillion versions of this song, nobody brings the pathos like Tanya and that vibrato. She matches the drama of the lyrics effortlessly and almost conversationally; not one is phoned in. Full church and full country, all at once. 

"Nobody Wins" by Brenda Lee

Sit tight through the intro and try to tune out the string schmatlz: this is a pivotal track from Brenda's comeback era, a showcase of her incredible skill as a vocalist and interpreter. (Brenda Lee deserves your attention wayyyy beyond "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"!)

"Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" by Sammi Smith

You can't talk about outlaw country without talking about Sammi Smith, and too many people do!

Also! In Portuguese because why not!! 

"The Law Is For The Protection Of The People" by Kelsey Waldon

We need more contemporary political Kristofferson covers!!! Thank you Kelsey!

"I'd Rather Be Sorry" by Loretta Lynn

Kristofferson's presence as a songwriter for more "conventional" (if Loretta can be called that) Nashville singers is, I think, overlooked. Great song, and of course Loretta nails it. (See also: Tammy Wynette, "Help Me Make It Through The Night") 

"Just The Other Side Of Nowhere" by Dottie West

Similar story. Kris had something for everyone!!

"Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends" by Joan Osborne

Country songs are supposed to be sad, according to popular understanding; Osborne takes this sad country song and gives it as classic a treatment as possible — including powerful, old-school vocals. 

Also can't ignore that the inimitable Freddy Fender recorded this one in English and Spanish.

"I've Got to Have You" by Lena Horne

Can you tell I was having too much fun on Discogs?

"Loving Her Was Easier" by José Feliciano

Again, about a zillion versions of this song to choose from — but Kristofferson did it as a pop song (it was not promoted to country radio) so that other pop versions would sound great makes a lot of sense. 

"Enough For You" by Billie Jo Spears

It sounds like '70s country, and so, basically, it sounds perfect. 

"If You Don't Like Hank Williams" by Rayburn Anthony

And finally — Kristofferson had an underrated sense of humor.