John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, from left, Dierks Bentley and Sheryl Crow perform "Me and Bobby McGee" at the 53rd annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Dierks Bentley, Sheryl Crow + More Pay Tribute to Kris Kristofferson on the 2019 CMA Awards

Dierks Bentley, Sheryl Crow, Chris Janson, John Osborne of Brothers Osborne and The Eagles' Joe Walsh honored the 2019 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Kris Kristofferson, with a rousing performance of "Me and Bobby McGee" during the 2019 CMA Awards in Nashville on Wednesday night (Nov. 13).

The Lifetime Achievement Award was originally given to its namesake Willie Nelson in 2012 to recognize an artist who's "achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, record sales, and public representation at the highest level."

Kristofferson, who was unable to attend the award due to a scheduled concert date in Iowa, wrote "Me and Bobby McGee" after producer Fred Foster suggested he write a song for Bobbie McKee, a secretary on Music Row. Kristofferson misheard the name, but went on to write and record one of the most iconic country and rock songs in history. The song has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, including Roger MillerJohnny Cash, Dolly Parton and, of course, Janis Joplin. Joplin recorded the song for her 1971 album Pearl.

Kristofferson, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, Songwriter Hall of Fame member and three-time Grammy winner, has written and performed some of the most beloved country songs of all time, including "Help Me Make it Through the Night," "Sunday Morning Coming Down," "Me and Bobby McGee," "For the Good Times" and more.

Previous recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers.

Kristofferson is currently on tour, with upcoming concert dates in Evansville, Ind., St. Louis, Springfield, Mo. and Denver, Colo.

Now Watch: 10 Legendary Instruments of Country Music