Veteran Sound Project

The singer-songwriter is well known for his long acting and music career. He helped form country supergroup “The Highwaymen” that included Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson. Additionally, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004. What many don’t know, is his military background before the acting and fame.

Kris grew up in a military family with his father in the Army Air Corps (later became the Air Force). He experienced the usual military family expectations of constantly moving around base communities. Later in life, Kris would attend Pomona College graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in literature. Walking in his father’s steps (except joining the regular Army instead) Kristofferson joined the military and soon became a helicopter pilot.

Somehow Kristofferson juggled his music ambitions while on active duty, eventually, he decided to leave the Army declining a teaching position at West Point. For the most part, his family outcasted him after this decision. Kris than traveled to Nashville and truly started his music career as mostly a songwriter. After recognition from Johnny Cash, he released his debut album “Me and Bobby McGee” Years later, Kristofferson would have his acting debut in “The Last Movie”.

Kristofferson was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 1985 and has received dozens of BMI (Broadcast Media Incorporated) awards. In 2011, Kristofferson was awarded the veteran of the year award at the American Veteran Awards (fellow veteran Willie Nelson presented the award). He released his most recent album, The Cedar Creek Sessions in June of 2016.