Kristofferson CMA Lifetime Achievement Honoree
• The Country Music Association (CMA) announced that legendary singer, songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson will be the recipient of its 2019 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. A special tribute to Kristofferson is planned during The 53rd Annual CMA Awards, featuring a performance of his classic, “Me and Bobby McGee” by Dierks Bentley with Sheryl Crow, Chris Janson and John Osborne.
“Kris is a living legend whose impact on our genre has been monumental,” said CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. “He is the definition of an icon and someone our community holds with such high regard. I’m thrilled our Board selected Kris this year for one of CMA’s highest accolades. Though he won’t be joining us at the CMA Awards, I hope our tribute performance brings a big smile to his face.”
The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music. The Award was established to recognize an artist who has achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, record sales, and public representation at the highest level. The artist receiving this Award has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre throughout a course of years that have proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on fans and industry alike.
Kristofferson, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, won CMA Song of the Year in 1970 for “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” which was first recorded by Ray Stevens in 1969, and by Johnny Cash in 1970. His songs, “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and “For the Good Times” helped redefine Country music songwriting. By 1987, it was estimated that more than 450 artists had recorded Kristofferson’s compositions.
The 53rd Annual CMA Awards broadcasts live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville next Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 8/7c on ABC. [Photo Credit: Mary Ellen Mark]
