Country’s Biggest Stars Honor Kris Kristofferson at Nashville Concert ‘The Life and Songs of Kris Kristofferson’

Kris Kristofferson's impact on the music world is undeniable and last night's (March 16) tribute concert, The Life and Songs of Kris Kristofferson, exemplified his role. 

Written by Annie Reuter
Country’s Biggest Stars Honor Kris Kristofferson at Nashville Concert ‘The Life and Songs of Kris Kristofferson’
Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media

Kris Kristofferson’s impact on the music world is undeniable and last night’s (March 16) tribute concert, The Life and Songs of Kris Kristofferson, exemplified his role, having inspired both the audience and the artists who shared the stage with him at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

From a heartfelt speech by Eric Church, who said if it wasn’t for Kristofferson and his song “To Beat the Devil” he wouldn’t be here today, to Emmylou Harris expressing her disbelief that she’d be performing “The Pilgrim: Chapter 33″ with the legendary songwriter, Kristofferson’s influence was felt.

Throughout the two-and-a-half hour concert, artists in the country, Americana and Bluegrass community honored Kristofferson by performing a song he wrote as he and his wife sat side stage, embracing each singer as the song came to a close. Kristofferson joined several artists, including Reba towards the end of “Me and Bobby McGee,” where she walked over to him and held the microphone for them both to sing the final chorus.

One highlight of the evening included Jennifer Nettles’ spirited cover of “Worth Fighting For.” She was the first artist to receive a standing ovation as she powerfully belted the chorus, hanging on each note for added dramatic effect as the audience roared in approval. Meanwhile, Jessi Colter impressed on her old-timey version of “The Captive.” Walking over to the piano, she said she always thought it was the greatest love song Kristofferson has ever wrote.

“I don’t think there’s anybody who ever so succinctly told the story of the human condition,” she said. “He doesn’t need any definition. I don’t know how he wrote this song and I don’t know why. Maybe one day I’ll find out.”

Buddy Miller, who was the co-musical director for the evening alongside Don Was, followed suit and performed Kristofferson’s “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” which was a No. 1 hit for Ronnie Milsap in 1974. Miller and the backing band for the evening added memorable musical accompaniment with wavering pedal steel and transformed the venue into a church with the help of backing singers the McCrary Sisters.

While Ryan Bingham brought the grit for “The Taker” with his deep vocals, Lee Ann Womack brought the heart with the achingly beautiful “Nobody Wins,” which was recorded by Brenda Lee. Lady Antebellum’s harmonies impressed as the trio performed what Hillary Scott called “one of our personal favorite Kris Kristofferson songs,” the striking “Help Me Make It Through the Night”

Later, Dierks Bentley, with the help of the Travelin’ McCourys, added Bluegrass music to the mix with a blend of banjo, fiddle, upright bass, mandolin and guitar for their swampy take on “From the Bottle to the Bottom.”

Hank Williams Jr. had the entire venue on its feet for his spirited “If You Don’t Like Hank Williams” before Eric Church told the emotional story of how we was a day from leaving Nashville and giving up on music completely if it wasn’t for Kristofferson and his song “To Beat the Devil.”

“I had a rough time in Nashville,” Church told the audience. “Like a lot of people who have been told ‘no’ a lot, I played that game where if I get told no one more time I’m out of here. I’m packing up, I’m going back to North Carolina.”

He then explained that he went into a meeting knowing full well that it was his last and if it didn’t work out he’d pack up his things and head home.

“I played half a song and the guy said, ‘I don’t know where you’re from, I don’t know much about you but I’d go back there.’ That’s one time I was going to and I went to my car in the parking lot of this publishing house and I just got The Austin Sessions on CD and the next song was ‘To Beat the Devil’ and it talked about the very thing I was going through,” he recalled. “So, I decided to stay one more day after I got drunk and the next day I got a publishing deal so I’m here. I’m here because of that man.”

And with that, he played the heartfelt “To Beat the Devil,” adding that “this song and Kristofferson saved my life.”

Nineteen songs into the night, Willie Nelson took the stage to perform the fitting “Living Legend” before Kristofferson joined him and traded verses on the poignant “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” In one of the most memorable moments of the evening, Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson then took the stage with Nelson and Kristofferson for “Highwayman” as the audience hung on every word.

The Bridgestone Arena once again was transported to church for the show’s finale, “Why Me, Lord?” with Kristofferson at center stage as each performer from the evening stood behind him and sang as if they were in a gospel choir.

In tribute to Kristofferson, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry declared March 16, 2016, Kris Kristofferson Day in Nashville. The only time Kristofferson approached the microphone to address the audience, he shared his appreciation for Music City.

“Thank you. I’m speechless, Nashville. You saved my life again,” he said.

While Nashville may have saved his life, Kristofferson’s music undeniably saved and inspired many others as each of the nearly 30 musicians on the stage last night can attest. The Life and Songs of Kris Kristofferson was a joyful celebration of Kristofferson’s impact and the legacy he continues to leave.