Legendary singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson (Photo: The New York Times)

Born in Brownsville, Texas, on June 22, 1936, Kristofferson was a gifted musician and singer known for his emotional songwriting and distinctive husky voice. His music often features melancholic melodies about loneliness, pain, and love.

Film critic Chris Bumbray said, "I think what probably made him stand out the most was the fact that he came into the industry as a mature person, right? He didn’t even start writing songs until he was in his 30s, which is quite late if you look at the music business."

He had a number of lives before he ever became a country singer, Chris said, adding that Kristofferson had an amazing career and his country songs were so beautiful.

Kristofferson created classic songs like "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down," "Help Me Make it Through the Night," "For the Good Times," and "Me and Bobby McGee". 

As his songs gained popularity, Kristofferson moved into acting, starring in films like the 1976 remake of “A Star Is Born” with Barbra Streisand, which earned him a Golden Globe. He also appeared in Marvel's “Blade” in 1998 alongside Wesley Snipes.