09/29/2024
Gutted to hear about Kris Kristofferson passing away. Impossible to overstate the impact he had on me personally and as a writer. This is one of the last photos that I took of him down in the lower mainland back in 2010. I will never forget meeting him back in 1975 backstage at a Gordon Lightfoot concert in Edmonton nor any of the times we spent hanging out at concerts and festivals all over North America. The kindness he and the whole band showed to a young 17 year old songwriter and guitar picker on that first night afforded me the first time that I felt like I actually belonged, surrounded by other creative people and welcomed into that whole family that led to so many friendships and encounters and hangs. Stephen Bruton is gone. So is Donnie Fritts. Johnny's gone now as is Waylon. Tony Joe White, Tina Turner, Gerry McGee.... Hundreds of more great musicians that I got to know, hang out with, open for or play with due to Kris being as generous as he was to me. Feeling my mortality deeply today, but buttressed by the deep respect I feel for this man, his humanity, and his gifting.
Love to Lisa and all the kids. Also to Rita and to all that he touched so deeply. You all have my heart and I extend my absolute deepest condolences to all his family, friends, and fans. Thank you, Kris, for everything you created, you gave, and you did. A legend among legends. Blown away to have called you a friend. I'm going to have to sit with this news for awhile to fully take it in. Love deeply people, and freely.
