It has been a year since the world lost Kris Kristofferson at the age of 88. Throughout his life, he has been known for being a country music legend, an outlaw country pioneer, an iconic member of the supergroup The Highwaymen, and one of Hollywood’s most seasoned actors. He had previously announced his retirement a few years before his death, but his contribution to music and Hollywood has always remained a discussion.

Kristofferson is known for hits such as “Help Me Make It Through The Night”, “Lovin’ Her Was Easier (Than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)”, and “Why Me”, and movies such as A Star Is Born (1976), The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea (1976), and Planet of the Apes (2001). Years into his music career, he became one of country music’s biggest stars and an integral staple of the genre. He was also one of the leading pioneering figures of the outlaw country movement, which challenged the main conventions of regular country.

Kris Kristofferson Was a Member of The Highwaymen

The Highwaymen were a supergroup which consisted of Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings. They formed in 1985 and remained active until 1996, as Jennings and Cash’s health started to decline. Jennings died in 2002, and Cash died in 2003, which leaves Nelson as the only living member. Nelson and Kristofferson reunited on several occasions until Kristofferson’s retirement and death.

Kristofferson, Nelson, Jennings, and Cash released The Highwaymen’s first two albums without an official name, and their single, Highwayman, became a number-one hit. All four members of the supergroup contributed largely to the outlaw country movement, a movement in which country music moved away from the polished Nashville sound to a raw, introspective style. Kristofferson, Nelson, Jennings, and Cash were more authentic and grittier in their music, and as they gained more success, more listeners became familiar with outlaw country.

As a soloist, Kristofferson did not have much charting success, despite “Why Me” reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country chart. The Highwaymen introduced the broader audience to Kristofferson, who went on to listen to his previous singles. As The Highwaymen brought Kristofferson more fame and attention, this helped cement him as a legend in the outlaw country movement and country music.

Kris Kristofferson is Outlaw Country Music’s Legendary Pioneer

Despite low charting success as a soloist, Kristofferson became one of the leading figures of the outlaw country music movement due to his personal songwriting and gravelly voice. The Highwaymen alum focused on making music about real-life struggles and authenticity. Kristofferson was much more successful as a songwriter, as his listeners resonated with his songs that express his vulnerability and tell stories of real-life experiences and challenges.

During a time when country music was declining for the likes of rock, Kristofferson helped revive the genre with this innovative movement that told real, relatable stories and narratives, and rejected the Nashville country music style that was more upbeat and neat. While outlaw country music was slowly coming into fruition, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones were rising in popularity, and country music was declining into a formulaic genre that focused on Nashville’s mainstream sound from the likes of Dolly Parton and Peter Wagoner. The movement declined in the 70s, but Kristofferson and his fellow Highwaymen were still huge figures of the movement.

Kristofferson is one of the most important figures in outlaw country music because of his life experiences. Before becoming one of Hollywood’s iconic stars and a staple of the outlaw country music movement, he served in Vietnam. His life experiences, from his upbringing to serving in Vietnam, refined and influenced his songwriting about real-life successes and struggles, especially with hits such as “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” (sung by Cash) and “The Prisoner”.

One Year After Kris Kristofferson’s Death, Country Music Continues to Mourn the Legend

Kristofferson may not be as huge a mainstream success as other country music stars, but his contributions to country, specifically and especially outlaw country music, are a lot more important and iconic than many think. His songwriting and vivid storytelling in his music resonate with the audience and tell real stories, making him one of the most authentic voices in country music. Although the movement has since declined, Kristofferson’s involvement is still impactful, as are many artists, including Gladys Knight and Al Green.

As a soloist and as a member of The Highwaymen, Kristofferson brought a lot of authenticity and rawness into country music, which the Nashville mainstream country sound lacked during the time. He was a voice for those who faced immeasurable struggle with his music that is true to life. A year on since his sad passing, his role in the outlaw country music movement will never be forgotten and will always be celebrated.