
Kristofferson Live 1970 s
Kris Kristofferson’s first album, released as Kristofferson in 1970, then as Me and Bobby McGee in 1971, is still on sale today. Many songs have become standards and recorded by artists as diverse as Elvis Presley and Janis Joplin. Having listened to these tracks for years, I wanted to see him perform them.
I was just a child when I bought that first LP, it was meant as a gift for my Dad but there was something about the songs, lyrics and honesty in the music that gripped me then and never let go. Music was slow to reach sanctioned South Africa back then, and after starting work a large portion of my salary was spent importing records from dealers in the USA via a record bar in Durban, Manhattan Music. My buddy Doreen loaned me a few bucks (after telling me I was crazy!) when I underestimated the postage costs, and my stash grew.
I bought up every record that Kris made, and then every CD, and then every DVD. After relocating back to to the UK I was finally able to see him perform live. I traipsed from London to Castle Bar – Glasgow to Edinburgh, Birmingham to Manchester. He spoke to me from the stage, politely signed my DVDs despite the “no autograph” policy, and I learnt what a real gentleman he is first hand.
Of all the DVDs I have seen, there is precious little video footage of his early years. I have combed everywhere and watched everything I have been able to find, but there has always been a gap in original Kris Kristofferson live 1970 s material. Hard to imagine why as the music from the era has endured through time, it seemed odd that video was so scarce.
I was delighted to discover this footage last week and played it expecting a replay of a poor quality video that I had seen before. What I saw and heard blew me away! I just couldn’t believe the quality and the sound of the work, and finally got to see Kris play those old tunes around the time he recorded them.
Having spoken to the copyright holder I can now share this with you and hope that watching this early broadcast from the time of that first album brings you the same pleasure. If you haven’t already seen it, you are in for a real treat, and I hope you enjoy it as I do.
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Many thanks to KCET for granting permission for me to share this KCET vintage session, presented by Artbound Studio A with other fans out there.
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I have been a huge fan since seeing Kris in A Star is Born in 1977. I was 14 then and Kris’ music has basically been the soundtrack of my life. So grateful for all the memories, beautiful music and lyrics XXX
A much younger Kris but really good seeing the then guy who wrote those ageless so clever lyrics and his understanding of human nature and it’s waywardness and contradictions. I’ve been a fan since I was 15 listening to my brother’s albums, 47 years ago now!
Hi, Gen – Yes, Kris has had a remarkable music career & has been & remains the force behind much of the music & lrics that have shaped lives. Thanks for your comment, & best regards – Donna