CAPTURED MEMORIES: Former manager recalls fond memories with singer, songwriter Kris Kristofferson

Kristofferson ,88, died Saturday at his Hawaii home.

Angelica Toruno

Sep 30, 2024, 10:10 PM

Updated 3 days ago

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A former manager of singer, songwriter Kris Kristofferson shared his fond memories with News 12 on Monday.
"I remember being with him and it was fun, it was always fun," said Michael Friedman at his home in Rowayton, Connecticut.
Friedman was in his mid-20s, just a few years younger than Kris Kristofferson was when he became his manager.
“He had this charisma that was palpable. He would walk into a room and people would just go quiet," said Friedman.
Friedman interacted with many big names throughout his career in the 1970's including, Bob Dylan, Rita Coolridge, Janice Joplin among many others, but he says Kris Kristofferson was his favorite.
"It's been over 50 years since I worked with him but he's always been a model for me and he was just the nicest, humble gentleman and a truly wonderful guy and a great spirit and be missed for a long time," said Friedman.
Kristofferson ,88, died Saturday at his Hawaii home.
Friedman says the gifted singer, songwriter everyone fell in love with was just as charming and down to earth as he seemed.
Kristofferson's lax persona was one of the characteristics Friedman admired. He says it shined through in one of his fondest memories with the musician.
Kristofferson and Coolridge were getting ready for their performance on "The Dean Martin Show" when Friedman and a producer had a disagreement.
"He looked up at me and he said, 'How did it go?' And I said, 'Pretty well, I just got us kicked off the show.' So, he didn't miss a beat, he said, 'Well man, I'm starving let's go to Pink's and get a couple hot dogs,'" laughed Friedman.
They ended up still being on the show, but it's one of the many stories Friedman has in the vault.
Also important were the photographs he captured of the musician.
To see Friedman's photography, click here.