5 Kris Kristofferson Songs Made Popular by Other Artists

Kris Kristofferson was among the greatest songwriters of the 20th century. He was one of the driving forces behind the Outlaw Country movement. However, his songs found success across genre and sub-genre divides. His ability to paint vivid portraits of the human condition through a unique and poetic lens brought him acclaim from critics and fellow artists alike.

Unfortunately, Kristofferson didn’t see much chart success. He notched six top 10 albums with two of those going to No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. However, his singles didn’t see as much commercial success. His 1973 single “Why Me” was the only one to top the charts. Other artists found more success with Kristofferson’s work. Today, we’ll look at five tracks penned by the late songwriter made famous by other performers.

[RELATED: 3 Quick Facts on Kris Kristofferson: The Most Interesting Man in Country Music History]

“Sunday Morning Comin’ Down”—Johnny Cash Brings Kristofferson Song of the Year

Ray Stevens was the first to record “Sunday Morning Comin’ Down.” He released his rendition of the song in 1869, a year before Kris Kristofferson dropped his debut album. However, Stevens saw little chart success with the song.

The next year, Johnny Cash recorded the song live at the Ryman Auditorium as part of his television show. He released the song as a single from the album The Johnny Cash Show and it topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Later, Cash’s rendition would win Song of the Year at the CMA Awards, an award that went to the songwriter.

“Me and Bobby McGee”—Janis Joplin’s Kris Kristofferson-Penned Classic

Country legend Roger Miller was the first to record this Kris Kristofferson classic. Other artists also recorded and found success with the song. However, no version found as much acclaim as Janis Joplin’s posthumously released 1971 cut from the album Pearl. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971 and set the gold standard for renditions of the song.

“Help Me Make It Through the Night”—Sammi Smith Takes Kristofferson to No. 1

Kris Kristofferson penned “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and included it on his 1970 debut album. Later that year, Sammi Smith released her version as the title track and lead single from her album. It became one of the most successful country singles of all time. It topped the Billboard country chart and was a top 10 hit on the all-genre chart. Additionally, Smith’s version of the song brought her the Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

Since then, countless artists including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Joan Baez, and Tammy Wynette have put their spin on the song. More recently, Tyler Childers recorded a version of the song and regularly includes it in his concerts.

“For the Good Times”—Ray Price Gets a No. 1 Hit with This Kris Kristofferson Track

Kris Kristofferson wrote “For the Good Times” in the late ‘60s. Bill Nash was the first to record it in 1968. Kristofferson would later record it for his debut album in 1970. However, no one saw more success with the track than Ray Price.

Price, who had already established himself as a trailblazer and country legend hadn’t had a No. 1 hit in more than a decade. Then, he recorded “For the Good Times” in 1970 and it went to the top of the Billboard country chart. Additionally, his rendition of the song peaked at No. 11 on the all-genre Hot 100, giving him his first and only Top 40 pop hit.  

“The Taker”—Waylon Jennings Finds Success with Kristofferson’s Songs

Waylon Jennings released The Taker/Tulsa in 1971, one year after Kris Kristofferson released his debut album. The 10-track album contained four Kristofferson-penned songs including the lead single and partial title track, “The Taker.”

Written by Kristofferson and Shel Silverstein, “The Taker” peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

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