Ten Questions With Kris Kristofferson
January 09 2013
Kris Kristofferson's talents are as far-reaching as his impact on the musical landscape. Among his classic songs that have influenced generations of artists and music lovers are "Me and Bobby McGee," "Help Me Make It Through the Night," and "Sunday Morning Coming Down."
Q: What does it mean to be a member of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame?
One more piece of the Dream of my life coming true.
Q: How did you get started writing songs?
When I was eleven I wrote a song called, "I Hate Your Ugly Face." They have been coming to me ever since.
Q: How did you get your first song recorded?
Persistence. I worked almost two years as a janitor at Columbia Recording Studios and flying helicopters off shore on the Gulf of Mexico, then finally got "Jody and the Kid" cut.
Q: Where does the inspiration come for you songs?
From everywhere. Everything you experience can inspire a creative expression.
Q: How do you tell a good song from a great one?
By how good it makes you feel for how long.
Q: What's one lesson you've learned about songwriting that you can pass on to future songwriters?
If you're in it for the love, the money doesn't matter. Life's too precious to be wasted on anything but love.
Q: Are there any songs that you wish you had written?
There are many songs I love, and I love the ones who wrote them.
Q: Where were you when you first heard your first song on the radio?
Brownsville, Texas. Mexican music… oh, you mean my song. Nashville, "From the Bottle to the Bottom," by Faron Young, At Tootsie's Orchid Lounge.
Q: Given everything it has taken to be a successful songwriter, would you do it all over again?
You're kidding, right?
Q: What advice do you have for up and coming songwriters?<
Hang out with songwriters you respect and admire.