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ENTERTAINMENT

Kris Kristofferson to receive Woody Guthrie Prize

Juli Thanki
jthanki@tennessean.com
Kris Kristofferson looks on during The Life and Songs of Kris Kristofferson at Bridgestone Arena.

2016 has been a big year for Kris Kristofferson: on March 17 (which Mayor Megan Barry proclaimed to be Kris Kristofferson Day in Nashville), the legendary singer-songwriter was celebrated with a star-studded tribute concert at Bridgestone Arena; on Friday, he'll release a new album called "The Cedar Creek Sessions," and on June 22, he'll celebrate his 80th birthday.

Kristofferson has also been named the third recipient of the Woody Guthrie Prize. This honor is awarded annually to an artist who exemplifies the life and spirit of Guthrie by advocating for the less fortunate and serving as a positive force for social change. Pete Seeger and Mavis Staples received the Woody Guthrie Prize in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

“With over 50 years of social activism as a voice for disenfranchised, Kris was an obvious choice to receive the 2016 Woody Guthrie Prize,” said Woody Guthrie Center Executive Director Deana McCloud in a statement. “It is an honor to recognize his incredible career and tireless work to make positive improvements in our society.”

Kristofferson will receive the prize Oct. 18 during a special ceremony at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, Okla. Musical guests, including singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, will perform Kristofferson's songs during the event. Tickets ($50-60) can be purchased at cainsballroom.com. Proceeds will help support the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa.

Stars to honor Kris Kristofferson's unbelievable career