There’s no one quite like Kris Kristofferson. However, there are quite a few country artists out there that have a similar vibe; and many of them were friends and contemporaries of the “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” hitmaker. Let’s dive into six musicians you should listen to if you like Kris Kristofferson!
1. Waylon Jennings
It makes sense why Waylon Jennings would be the first on our list of musicians to listen to if you like Kris Kristofferson. Jennings was part of the supergroup known as The Highwaymen with Kristofferson, as well as Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. Nelson makes an appearance on this list, but we opted to not include Johnny Cash, simply because we believe Cash’s solo music was a little bit too different from Kristofferson’s music to consider him a “similar” musician. However, Jennings is right up your alley if you enjoy Kristofferson’s discography.
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2. Guy Clark
Guy Clark was one of a few notable musicians in the outlaw country genre right along with Kristofferson. He released more than 20 albums before his death in 2016, many of which have been covered by the likes of Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and more. His debut 1975 album Old No. 1 is essential listening, and there’s also something to be said about his 2013 final release, My Favorite Picture Of You.
3. Willie Nelson
He’s one of the most well-known outlaw country artists of all time, and he’s also worked extensively with Kristofferson in The Highwaymen and beyond. Willie Nelson’s own son spoke about how Kristofferson was always around when he was a kid, considering his dad and Kristofferson were good friends. Nelson doesn’t have the gruff, ornery old-man vibe that Kristofferson is loved for, but his music is certainly similar.
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4. Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson collaborated often, notably on the song “Okie From Muskogee”. Like Kristofferson, Haggard was an expert country songwriter that explored themes similar to Kristofferson. Many would think the pair are quite different from each other, and they certainly are different musically. However, if you listen to albums like Okie From Muskogee and Mama Tried, you’ll hear the similarities.
5. Bobby Bare
Bobby Bare isn’t really an outlaw country singer, but he did lean toward progressive country. And you might just enjoy his music as a Kristofferson fan, considering he wrote a few songs for Bar. “Come Sundown” and “Please Don’t Tell Me How The Story Ends” were two Top 10 hits written by Kristofferson and performed by Bare. Songs like “Detroit City” and “500 Miles Away From Home” are essential listening for Kristofferson fans when it comes to overall sound.
6. Jessi Colter
Jessi Colter is an impressive singer-songwriter and one of few women in the outlaw country genre who explores similar themes as Kristofferson in her music. She’s known for collaborating with a number of musicians, namely her second husband Waylon Jennings. “I’m Not Lisa” is her biggest song, but we think A Country Star Is Born is a great album to listen to if you’re a Kristofferson fan.
Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns
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