After the news of legendary country music star Kris Kristofferson’s passing, he is remembered for his amazing achievements throughout his life, including his time in the military.
Kristofferson’s passing was announced in a statement by his family. The Country Music Hall of Famer died peacefully at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 88.
His legacy in the music industry is undeniable, achieving things most could only dream of. He released over 20 studio albums and was a member of the supergroup The Highwaymen with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson. Alongside writing classics like “Me and Bobby McGee,” made famous by Janis Joplin, Kristofferson also became successful as a Hollywood actor, starring opposite Barbra Streisand in the 1976 blockbuster A Star Is Born.
And although it’s clear he has always had the talent to achieve great things, none of this might have happened without his service in the military.
Kris Kristofferson’s Military Service and How It Shaped His Country Music Career
Kristofferson came from a long line of military members, and after graduating from college, he joined the Army in 1960. He completed Ranger School and went on to train as a helicopter pilot. Throughout this time, his love for country music remained strong; he played and wrote songs, even forming his own band while stationed in Germany.
After completing his time overseas, Kristofferson was offered a position teaching English literature to cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. However, he chose to pursue his passion for music instead and turned down the opportunity.
After making the move to Nashville to launch his music career, it was a slow start for Kristofferson. He spent years as a janitor at Columbia Studios, trying to get his music heard by dropping demo tapes onto desks, hoping they would land in the hands of someone important in the industry.
Once he turned 30 and grew tired of getting nowhere in his music career, Kristofferson’s Army training came into play. He decided to use his military skills to take a helicopter and fly it to Johnny Cash’s house, landing on his front lawn to personally deliver a demo tape.
Although this could have ended badly for him, this wild choice finally got Kristofferson’s music heard. Johnny Cash listened to the demo of “Sunday Morning Coming Down” and liked it so much that he recorded it, marking the beginning of Kristofferson’s career. And the rest, as they say, is history.