But not for long.
Since hisdeath on Sept. 28at 88, Kristofferson has been eulogized for hissongwritingandacting.
I spoke Spanish before I spoke English, he said in 1982.
Kris Kristofferon joined Martin Sheen in 1987 to demonstrate against a U.S. nuclear test explosion.Steve Northup/Getty Images
I felt very close to the farm workers and their problems.
But it was never like that with Kris.
Consistently over the years he would be with the farm workers in good times and bad.
These college kids remind me of the 50s, he told theLos Angeles Timesin 1978.
They say, Im not going to let them take food out of my babys mouth.
So you say, Hey, you got it wrong.
They put the foodonthe table.
It was so disillusioning.
I didnt know there were so many little Republicans running around.
That association wasnt nearly as controversial as ones Kristofferson took soon after.
Afterward, two Southern California radio stations banned his songs (and Nelsons too).
But Kris used his stardom for the benefit of others.
He lent his hand to those who were being oppressed.
Shes always had courage.)
As Kristofferson toldEsquireduring that period, Ive been a radical for a long time.
I guess its too bad.
Id be more marketable as a right-wing redneck.
But I got into this to tell the truth as I saw it.
But Kristofferson seemed to thrive on the confrontations that his deeply held beliefs brought him.
