This year we lost a number of names in the country music scene. Reba McEntire took the time to pay tribute to legends like Kris Kristofferson during her time at the ACM Awards.
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While presenting the event, McEntire paid respects to the woman who presented her first ever ACM award. Naomi Judd, who died by suicide in 2022, was the first of many tributes she made for the evening.
Later, McEntire sang a cover of 'Me and Bobby McGee' by Kris Kristofferson. During the song, images of the artist were shown on the screen. The heartfelt tribute had more than a few people dabbing at their eyes.
After her ACM awards performance, McEntire took the time to pay respects to the other icons of country. "Tonight we remember Kris (Kristofferson), and all those in our extended country music family who passed on this past year. And that list includes my buddy Joe Bonsall from the Oak Ridge Boys," she began. "The wonderful singer songwriter Melba Montgomery, the highly respected music publisher Ben Vaughn, and Dolly Partons husband of 60 years, Carl Dean," she said.
AMC Awards Pays Tribute To Legendary Musician Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson was recognized by the ACM awards a number of times for his contributions to the country music scene. He won the ACM Poet's Award in 2013. He also took home the ACM Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award in 2005 and ACM Single Record of the Year in 1985.
Kris left his mark on the music scene, not just in his own genre, but also across the board. As a result, he has been regarded as possibly one of the best songwriters in the history of American music. Kristofferson loved his profession. He was quoted as saying, "the great thing about being a songwriter is you can hear your baby interpreted by so many people that have creative talents vocally that I don't have."
The writing, and solo career of Kris Kristofferson, were remembered by McEntire during the ACM awards. I have no doubt many of the artists in the crowd have taken inspiration from him in their work.
