3 Incredible Duets for the Ages Featuring Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson led many lives when it came to his relationship with country music before passing away on September 28, 2024. One included his life as a performer, a frontman. Another was Kristofferson writing songs for other artists that would go on to become hits. The third was the man joining another on stage in duets for the ages.

Here below, we wanted to explore the latter. Three songs that featured Kristofferson with another musical icon as they sang together a song that has since stood the test of time. Indeed, these are three incredible duets with Kris Kristofferson that will be heard forever.

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“Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends” with Rita Coolidge from Natural Act (1978)

Written by Kristofferson, this song was first recorded by Bobby Bare. But then Kristofferson and his country star-wife Rita Coolidge recorded it for their final duet LP Natural Act in 1978. Here below, they perform the song together with lovely harmony, singing about endings while also wishing never to find out how the story will conclude. It’s a juxtaposition of beauty and sadness and on the offering, the two, who were married from 1973 to 1989, offer,

This could be our last goodnight together
We may never pass this way again
Just let me enjoy ’till its over
Or forever
Please don’t tell me how the story ends

See the way our shadows come together
Softer than your fingers on my skin
Someday this may be all
That we’ll remember
Of each other
Please don’t tell me how the story ends

“Lovin’ Her Was Easier (than Anything I’ll Ever Do Again)​” with Rosanne Cash (2009)

Written by Kristofferson in 1971 for his LP The Silver Tongued Devil and I, he later sung the tune with Rosanne Cash several times, including in 2009 at the AVO Session music festival in Basel, Switzerland. Singing over an acoustic guitar finger-picked by Kristofferson, the two country legends croon together about the pains of life and the ease of love. The two sing,

I have seen the mornin’ burnin’ golden on the mountain in the skies
Achin’ with the feelin’ of the freedom of an eagle when she flies
Turnin’ on the world the way she smiled upon my soul as I lay dyin’
Healin’ as the colors in the sunshine and the shadows of her eyes

Wakin’ in the mornin’ to the feelin’ of her fingers on my skin
Wipin’ out the traces of the people and the places that I’ve been
Teachin’ me that yesterday was somethin’ that I’d never thought of trying’
Talkin’ of tomorrow and the money love and time we had to spend
Lovin’ her was easier than anything I’ll ever do again

“For The Good Times,” with Tanya Tucker (1982)

This song by Kristofferson was first cut by country singer Bill Nash in 1968 before its writer tracked it for his debut LP in 1970. But here, some 12 years after Kristofferson recorded it himself, he sings it with country star Tanya Tucker. Showing glowing chemistry and singing over an acoustic guitar, slide, and violin strings, the two offer words about love and endings,

Don’t look so sad
I know it’s over
But life goes on
And this old world will keep on turning
Let’s just be glad
We had some time to spend together
There’s no need to watch the bridges
That were burning

Lay your head upon my pillow
Hold your warm and tender body
Close to mine
Hear the whisper of the rain drops
Blowing soft against the window
And make believe you love me
One more time
For the good times

Rosanne Cash & Kris Kristofferson photo: YouTube