Grammy-winning country music icon Kris Kristofferson, who passed away at age 88, is remembered by Barbra Streisand as a talented performer, respected figure and genuine friend.
- Sep 30, 2024
AceShowbiz - Barbra Streisand has shared a heartfelt tribute to her "A Star Is Born" co-star Kris Kristofferson, who passed away on September 28, 2024. Reflecting on their friendship and professional partnership, Streisand spoke of the qualities that made Kristofferson not just a talented performer, but also a deeply respected figure in both music and film.
"The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in L.A., I knew he was something special," Streisand wrote on social media. "Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing, which eventually became 'A Star Is Born'."
Their collaboration on the 1976 version of "A Star Is Born" became one of the most iconic moments in both of their careers. Kristofferson played the role of troubled rock star John Norman Howard, winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, while Streisand's performance cemented her as a powerhouse in film and music.
In the film, the duo performed "Evergreen", the love theme that Streisand herself had written for the movie. The song went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song, becoming a hallmark of their collaboration.
Streisand fondly recalled the magic of their musical partnership, "In the movie, Kris and I sang the song I'd written for the film's main love theme, 'Evergreen.'" Their chemistry on-screen translated into a genuine friendship that endured beyond the film's success.
Streisand shared a memorable moment from her 2019 concert in London's Hyde Park, where she invited Kristofferson to join her on stage to sing "Lost Inside Of You" from A Star Is Born. "He was as charming as ever, and the audience showered him with applause," she wrote. "It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved."
Kristofferson's career extended beyond "A Star Is Born", with 19 entries on the Billboard 200, including the No. 1 "A Star Is Born" soundtrack alongside Streisand. He also claimed three No. 1 albums on the Top Country Albums chart and penned classics like "Me and Bobby McGee", "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", and "For the Good Times".
Streisand closed her tribute with a message of sympathy for Kristofferson's family, particularly his wife of 40 years, Lisa. "My thoughts go to Kris' wife, Lisa who I know supported him in every way possible."
Country music legends like Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and LeAnn Rimes shared their condolences and celebrated Kristofferson's contributions to music and film.
