Kris Kristofferson: Did You Know?

Texas-born Kris Kristofferson is a three-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter and singer. Popular songs in Kristofferson's catalogue include "Me and Bobbie McGee," "Help Me Make it Through the Night," "Sunday Morning Coming Down" and "For the Good Times." In addition to his success as a songwriter and singer, Kristofferson is a well-regarded actor.

Most people know about Kristofferson the songwriter and Kristofferson the actor. Here are a few facts you probably didn't know about Kristofferson the man.

Rugby Player

While at Pomona College, Kristofferson was on the rugby team. An accomplished college athlete, he was honored with an appearance in Sports Illustrated. During his college years, Kristofferson and others on the rugby team revitalized the Claremont Colleges Rugby Club - which is still considered an important part of Southern California's rugby community. He graduated summa cum laude from Pomona College in 1958, with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature.

Rhodes Scholar and Golden Gloves Boxer

Kristofferson received a Rhodes scholarship to the University of Oxford to study English Literature. While at Oxford, he trained on classical guitar and started writing songs. Always athletic, Kristofferson became a skilled boxer at the university. In 1960 he graduated from Oxford with a Master's degree.

Army Captain, Helicopter Pilot and Airborne Ranger

After university, Kristofferson joined the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of Captain. While at Fort Rucker, he completed flight training and Ranger School. During his military service, Kristofferson was an infantry captain, a helicopter pilot and an airborne ranger with the 8th Infantry Division.

College Professor and Janitor

The Army sent Kristofferson to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to teach English. With dreams of being a songwriter, he left West Point for a janitorial job at a recording studio in Nashville, TN. In fact, in 1966 the talented songwriter was sweeping floors at a Columbia Records' studio when Bob Dylan recorded parts of the "Blonde on Blonde" album.

Bob Dylan had a major impact on Kristofferson's music, as did Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams. In addition to his own successes, the prolific songwriter penned some of the most covered tunes in country music. Many of these songs also became pop crossover hits.

Sources:
St. Louis Today
The Independent UK
Wild Bill Guarnere.com - digital tribute to William J. Guarnere, a member of the 101st Airborne, 506th P.I.R. Easy Company, United States Army