Some of Country music’s biggest stars came out to honor the iconic Kris Kristofferson on Wednesday night. The show, billed as The Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson, brought out over 20 acts over the course of three hours, all performing songs written by the poet himself.
Opening the show was a performance of the song “Kristofferson” by songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall with Larry Gatlin singing harmony. The night continued with performances by outlaw legend Jessi Colter (“The Captive”), Americana musician Buddy Miller (“Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends”), and contemporary country/pop artist Jennifer Nettles (“Worth Fighting For”).
Regardless of which sub-genre you lean more toward, everything was represented and represented well. Kristofferson sat on the side of the stage the entire night, and was very obvious about how much he seemed to enjoy each performer’s take on his songs. One of my favorite performances of the night was hearing Dierks Bentley turn “From the Bottle to the Bottom” into a bluegrass jam alongside the Traveling McCourys. Alison Krauss also delivered a haunting performance of “Casey’s Last Ride.”
The show also featured video messages from friends who were unable to attend including Barbra Streisand. At one point in the show, Nashville mayor Megan Barry took the stage to proclaim March 16 as Kris Kristofferson day in Nashville. Had I known earlier, I would have called in sick to work.
The night closed with Kristofferson, backed by all of the night’s performers, taking everyone to church with a powerful version of “Why Me Lord.” As the show ended and the lights went up, he was certain to thank everyone for coming with a few handshakes from the stage. This was one night that will never be recreated.
SETLIST:
Kristofferson – Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall, & Larry GatlinJesus was a Capricorn – Jack IngramThe Captive – Jessi ColterPlease Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends – Buddy MillerHere Comes That Rainbow Again – Martina McBrideThe Taker – Ryan BinghamNobody Wins – Lee Ann WomackWorth Fighting For – Jennifer NettlesLoving Him Was Easier – Rosanne CashChase the Feeling – Rodney Crowell & Emmylou HarrisThe Pilgrim: Chapter 33 – Emmylou Harris & Kris Kristofferson
[INTERMISSION]
From the Bottle to the Bottom – Dierks Bentley & The Travelin’ McCourysHelp Me Make It Through the Night – Lady AntebellumUnder the Gun – Darius RuckerFor the Good Times – Jamey Johnson & Alison KraussCasey’s Last Ride – Alison KraussIf You Don’t Like Hank Williams – Hank Williams Jr.To Beat the Devil – Eric ChurchMe & Bobby McGee – Reba McEntireLiving Legend – Willie NelsonSunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down – Willie Nelson & Kris KristoffersonHighwayman – Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson, Shooter Jennings
Originally posted here.
