Yesterday, the legendary Kris Kristofferson passed away at the age of 88. Kristofferson’s legacy will live on in country music through his prolific career as a songwriter, recording artist and actor, solidifying him as one of the best there ever was.
Although the Highwaymen member is one of the most well-known songwriters to date, he had little faith in his skills when he got his foot in the door early in his music career. So much so that even after being nominated for his first major awards, the possibility of him winning didn’t even cross his mind.
In 1970, during the third annual CMA Awards, Kris Kristofferson won Song of the Year.
I’m sure you, as the reader, are thinking, “Yes, we all know he took home the award.” But the real story comes from behind the camera, explaining why Kristofferson was so shy when giving his speech.
The song that earned him the award was “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” which Johnny Cash famously recorded for his album The Johnny Cash Show. (Readers, pause here. If you are unfamiliar with how he landed a helicopter in Johnny Cash’s yard to pitch him the song, take a brief intermission to read that, then return to this story.)
Back then, the awards show was still held at the Ryman Auditorium (the home of the Grand Ole Opry at the time), and Kristofferson was not expected to win. Hell, even the CMA did not expect Kristofferson to win the award, so they sat him at the very back of the Opry house.
On the TV screen, viewers saw a man who looked obviously uncomfortable being anywhere but behind a guitar as he shyly accepted his award. But, on the other side of the camera, in the back of the auditorium, those around Kristofferson recalled a dramatic reaction that was the complete opposite of the meek character that stepped up the microphone.
Kristofferson was so shocked he nearly knocked himself out. After Roy Clark called his name, he snapped back in the pew chair, nearly knocking himself out. Marty Robbins, seated nearby, urged Kristofferson to get moving as he had a long way to get to the stage. Still in shock and not dressed to appear on national television, he waltzed up onstage to accept in jeans, a white t-shirt, and a suede jacket.
As he steps up to the microphone, he nervously combs through his hair, keeping his eyes down the entire time. He takes long pauses as he delivers his short and sweet speech, as he A) is a wordsmith with lyrics, not with public speaking, and B) had not prepared a speech because (once again) he was not expecting to win the award.
“Appreciate it, Roy…”
I think Marty and Merle must’ve been laying out. I want to thank Johnny Cash, and I’m glad I wasn’t against ‘The Day I Started Loving You Again.’”
He saunters away after he takes his trophy.
In an interview reflecting on the moment, after watching himself on stage, Kristofferson later said:
“I haven’t figured out what the hell I’m doing up on the stage because I’m basically uncomfortable doing it.”
Nevertheless, comfortable or not, Kris Kristofferson had finally kicked down the door of country music.
He was one of the greatest songwriters of our generation, winning his first notable award.
If you aren’t familiar with “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” listen and see why it deserved this award.
