Local musicians and others are sharing their tributes and memories on the passing of country music icon Kris Kristofferson at the age of 88.
Kristofferson was known for penning Me and Bobby McGee, a ballad made famous by Janis Joplin, and Help Me Make it Through the Night, a hit for Sammi Smith.
He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and was recognized with numerous Grammy, Golden Globe, and Country Music Association awards and nominations in a variety of categories, including Song of the Year, Single of the Year, and Album of the Year.
He was also widely recognized for his acting ability. Among his more notable performances was opposite Barbara Streisand in A Star Is Born, for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Krista Puddester, the daughter of the late local promoter Leo Puddester, recalled the time her dad brought Kristofferson to St. John’s in 2006. She says Kristofferson’s first stop on arrival in St. John’s was to the hospital to visit with her dad, Leo.
Photo via Facebook
Host of VOCM’s The Cabin Party, Brian O’Connell, noted “he left us with such a great catalog of music,” saying many artists felt his impact on the country music scene.
