Sophia Michaels
The music and film industry mourns the passing of Kris Kristofferson, who died at age 88 on September 28, 2024, at his home in Maui, Hawaii. A Texas native, Kristofferson became renowned as a singer-songwriter and actor, enjoying a prolific career that lasted from the 1960s all the way to the 2020s.
Kristofferson’s life was an intriguing mix of opposites; he possessed a high level of education yet was also a skilled boxer, serving as an Army Ranger who opted against a secure military career to chase his passion for music. He famously worked as a janitor in a recording studio, a position he took to be close to the legendary musicians he admired—many of whom would later acknowledge him as a peer and hold him in high regard.
As we reflect on his impactful legacy, now is the perfect moment to explore the lesser-known facts about Kris Kristofferson.
Kris Kristofferson: A Rhodes Scholar with an Oxford Master’s Degree
Growing up in a military household, Kris Kristofferson experienced frequent relocations due to his father’s career as a major general in the U.S. Air Force. Eventually, the family settled in San Mateo, California, where Kris completed high school.
He enrolled at Pomona College, excelling in creative writing and even winning a contest sponsored by Atlantic Monthly, thanks to the motivation from his professors. After a rocky start in his pursuit of a Rhodes Scholarship, he persevered, encouraged by Dr. Frederick Sontag, and ultimately succeeded, earning him the chance to study at Oxford University. There, he pursued English literature at Merton College and obtained a master’s degree. “It was one of the best experiences of my life,” Kristofferson reflected on being a Rhodes Scholar.
Initially, Kristofferson aimed to write novels rather than songs, expressing a desire to craft the great American novel, although he humorously noted he had not yet achieved that goal.
From Aspiring Athlete to a Revived Rugby Club Leader
At Pomona College, Kristofferson displayed remarkable athletic talents, excelling in various sports while also pursuing his writing aspirations. Initially, he aimed to become a boxer and played football, though he candidly admitted he was neither large nor fast enough to excel naturally in the sport, a fact recognized by those around him.
Kristofferson’s passion for rugby was particularly prominent during his college years. His athletic capabilities gained recognition from Sports Illustrated, highlighting his diverse skills. Notably, he co-founded the revived Pomona Rugby Club, which had lost traction post-World War II. While studying in the UK, he continued to engage in sports, gaining honors for his boxing prowess at Oxford.
His Experience as an Army Ranger and Helicopter Pilot
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After completing his education at Oxford, Kris Kristofferson was expected by his family to join the military. He honored this expectation by enrolling in the U.S. Army as a captain, having trained in ROTC during his time at Pomona College. Following his father, a pilot, Kristofferson learned to fly and became a helicopter pilot after completing flight instruction and Ranger School, a challenging military program. In the early 1960s, he served overseas with the 8th Infantry Division in West Germany, where he began forming a band and writing songs, fueling his growing passion for music.
Upon returning to the U.S., Kristofferson had a chance to teach English at West Point. However, just two weeks before the job started, he was inspired during a visit to Nashville to chase his dream of becoming a songwriter. He declined the teaching position and settled in Nashville, working as a janitor at Columbia Records to get closer to the music scene. During his time at the record label, he was able to observe prominent country music artists at work.
His decision caused his parents to be extremely upset, as they felt he had lost his way between his education and military service. Kristofferson explained to Pomona College Magazine, “They thought that somewhere between Oxford and the Army I had gone crazy. Being nearly disowned was quite freeing for me because I had nothing left to lose.”
