A SUITCASE FULL OF DREAMS

A SUITCASE FULL OF DREAMS

Norman Warwick finds books to remind us of the sidetracks and detours taken by ´the man with a  guitar and a suitcase full of dreams´

Who knows whether the definitive biography of Kris Kristofferson is yet to be written?

I certainly cannot add any insight to the works of writers such as Edward T: Rogers and William H Martin, who have each come up with a pithy title, each of which seems to encapsulate the mental portrait I hold of the man.

I met him only once, at a UK music festival. He had only come down from the stage about thirty minutes earlier but I had missed his entire performance because of a pre-arranged interview with another Americana artist. By now Kristofferson was ensconced behind the serving hatch of his caravan and was signing items purchased by fans who inundated him with questions. He was patience and politeness personified.

His brilliant, sparkling eyes showed clearly how receptive he was to such fans. It was the first time I really understood the phrase bright eyes. He was film star in looks, but much less so in attitude. as he gave extensive answers to a score of intriguing questions.

Meanwhile, his equally film-star looking daughter was handling the cash and the stock levels and somehow kept the queue moving along.

I was very sad to hear of Kristofferson´s death last month. Songs like Me And Bobby McGee and For The Good Times, and of course, Sunday Morning Coming Down represent a rich legacy he has left us.

I fully expect a new biography to emerge, but among a number of excellent books already written about Kristofferson during his lifetime, let us recommend the following titles.

You might have to search as stock of these titles seems scarce and you may have to seek private owners. Good luck.

BOOKS ON KRIS KRISTOFFERSON

Edward T. Rogers celebrates and commemorates Kris Kristofferson Legend Of Americana.

Kris Kristofferson stood, and will to continue to stand, as a towering figure in the realm of American music, embodying the essence of Americana through his soulful storytelling, raw authenticity, and unwavering commitment to truth. Born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, his journey from military service to music and acting weaved a tapestry of experiences that will define him for ever as an iconic figure in American culture.

From his early years in a military family, Kristofferson was steeped in the values of discipline, duty, and honour. These foundational principles would later inform his artistry, lending depth and resonance to his music and his performances on stage and screen.

After serving as a helicopter pilot in West Germany during the Cold War, Kristofferson felt a calling to pursue his passion for music and storytelling. With little more than a guitar and a suitcase full of dreams, he made his way to Nashville, Tennessee, the epi-center of country music, where he honed his craft as a songwriter amidst the bustling honky-tonks and recording studios of Music City.

Despite facing numerous rejections and setbacks, Kristofferson’s perseverance eventually paid off when his songs caught the attention of some of Nashville’s biggest stars, including Johnny Cash and Janis Joplin. With his poetic lyricism and soul-stirring melodies, he captured the longing, the heartache, and the triumphs of the human experience, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation.

But Kristofferson’s influence will always extend far beyond the world of music. With a successful acting career spanning over five decades, he proved himself to be a formidable presence on the silver screen as well. From his breakout role in “A Star Is Born” to his iconic performances in “Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid” and “Blade,” Kristofferson has captivated audiences with his raw intensity and magnetic screen presence, earning critical acclaim and establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.

Many Americana listeners will be aware of the song, Durango, by John Stewart. At the time John wrote the song there had been whispers that he might have been in line for the role in the film Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid that was in fact eventually offered. A magnaminous line in his lyrics suggest that Kristofferson “would make the best Billy The Kid of them all.”

Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Kristofferson remained grounded in his roots, never losing sight of the values that guided him throughout his life. Whether performing on stage or on screen, he brought a sense of authenticity and truth to every role, drawing upon his own experiences and emotions to breathe life into his characters.

Beyond his contributions to music and film, Kristofferson also used his platform as an artist to speak out on issues of social justice and activism. Whether performing at benefit concerts, participating in political rallies, or lending his support to charitable causes, he has always been an outspoken advocate for change and equality, using his music and his voice to amplify the voices of the marginalized and the oppressed. Today, as we look back on Kristofferson´s lifetime of achievement and influence, we share his sense of gratitude and humility. The artist himself was always grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference in the world through his art and his activism. And though the road may have been long and at times challenging, his legacy as a true icon of Americana – a legend whose music and message will continue to resonate for generations to come – remains as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. Kris Kristofferson truly stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for artists and activists alike, reminding us all of the transformative power of art to change hearts, minds, and the world.

Kris Kristofferson

The Song That Built America.

by William H. Martin

Embark on an extraordinary literary journey through the soul-stirring melodies and poignant verses that shaped a nation in “Kris Kristofferson: The Song That Built America.” This compelling book weaves a captivating narrative that transcends the boundaries of biography, immersing readers in the life and legacy of a troubadour whose songs echo through the corridors of American history.

Set against the sunlit landscapes of Texas, where Kris Kristofferson first discovered the twang of country tunes and the soulful resonance of Delta blues, the narrative unfolds as a lyrical tapestry. Each page resonates with the indomitable spirit of a troubadour whose music became the very foundation of America’s musical identity.

This isn’t just a biography-it’s a melodic journey through Kristofferson’s early years, military service, and academic pursuits. Readers are transported into the familial drumbeat of military life, where duty and discipline lay the groundwork for the resilience and rebellious spirit that would become synonymous with the troubadour’s artistry.

As the narrative winds its way through the vibrant atmosphere of 1950s and 1960s California, readers witness the transformative influences of the counterculture and folk revival movements. The beatnik scene and the free-spirited ethos of the era become threads in the rich tapestry of Kristofferson’s songwriting prowess, adding depth to the layers of his evolving identity.

The tale takes an international turn as Kristofferson, stationed in West Germany, finds solace in his guitar amid European landscapes. The camaraderie of fellow soldiers contributes new hues to his sonic palette, broadening the spectrum of influences that shape his burgeoning artistry.
The crescendo of the narrative occurs when Kristofferson makes the audacious decision to trade a potential military career for the unpredictable terrain of Nashville: the crucible where traditional norms clash with winds of change. The honky-tonks and recording studios became the backdrop for a musical evolution, and Kristofferson’s compositions, a fusion of Southern heritage and countercultural spirit, transformed into a pioneering force that redefined the boundaries of country music.

“Kris Kristofferson: The Song That Built America” is more than a biography; it’s a symphony of influences that reverberate through time. It captures the essence of a troubadour whose melodies became the threads weaving through the very fabric of American history.

This book invites readers to traverse not only the life of Kris Kristofferson but also the social and cultural reverberations of an entire nation, leaving them captivated by the harmonious echoes of a song that built America.