Emotions were running high at the 2024 CMA Awards when Ashley McBryde delivered a touching tribute to the late Country Music Hall of Famer, Kris Kristofferson.
Earlier in the night, she arrived on the red carpet in a stunning plum colored dress with bedazzled accents and an attached cape. For her performance, she changed into a Canadian tuxedo with a denim vest and jeans.
Standing in the center of the b-stage with just her and a guitar, the Arkansas native honored the musical legend with the ballad, “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” off his self-titled album of 1970. It’s said that the story, which caused a bit of controversy at the time of its release for being “too provocative,” was inspired by a Frank Sinatra interview with Esquire. When asked what he believed in by the outlet, Sinatra responded “Booze, broads, or a bible…whatever helps me make it through the night.”
Kristofferson then turned that one line into an honest narrative about a man craving intimacy with a woman as a way to shut out the struggles he was dealing with. This track went on to garner great success with several other artists who recorded their own renditions over the years, including Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Sammi Smith, and more.
Despite any negative opinions it may have received from the public at the time, “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” will forever be remembered as a staple in his catalog, and last night, Ashley McBryde made that clear with her tender delivery. As her silky vocals bright life to the lyrics, images of Kristofferson’s life and career flashed across the screen, allowing the members of the county music community present to remember the lasting impact he made on the genre.
At the end of the acoustic performance, the camera panned over to his wife, Lisa Meyers, revealing how moved she was as she blew kisses to McBryde and gave her a standing ovation.
The Life And Legacy Of Kris Kristofferson
Kristofferson was born Kristoffer Kristofferson on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas. He went on to become an icon of country music and is responsible for revolutionizing the genre with his unique blend of intricate rhymes and socially conscious themes. However, before the success, the artist had years of obstacles put in front of him while grinding as a songwriter in Nashville. Those struggles were no match for the former Army Ranger. He even turned down a teaching position at West Point for the chance to pursue his dreams in Music City.
He eventually broke through the scene with songs like “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” famously performed by Johnny Cash, and “Me and Bobby McGee,” which became a signature hit for Janis Joplin. But it was his time with the legendary supergroup The Highwaymen with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson, that truly cemented his place in the genre’s history.
Throughout his career, Kristofferson established himself as a versatile and valued figure within the country music community and was celebrated for his achievements as both a musician and an actor, unclouding his Golden Globe win for his role in A Star Is Born.
A Slew Of Accolades To His Name
A whole new set of challenges came to head as Kristofferson began fighting depression and substance abuse. With support from his wife, Lisa Meyers, he went on to produce powerful music well into his later years. His resume includes numerous accolades, such as his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and lifetime achievement honors from BMI, The Recording Academy, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, among many others.
The country music community lost the legendary figure on Saturday, September 28 when he died peacefully at his home in Maui, Hawaii, surrounded by family. The 88-year-old was known as a renowned artist, singer, songwriter, actor and activist. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake; and seven grandchildren.
His family shared the following statement just one day after his passing: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28 at home. We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all.”
The post Ashley McBryde Honors Kris Kristofferson with Emotional ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’ Tribute at 2024 CMA Awards appeared first on Country Now.
