I wanted to share a new book I received called Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs in exchange for this review. Inside this post is my affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage from the products, you purchase.
I don’t know about you, but I grew up on Kristofferson’s music. As soon as I saw the title of the book, I found myself humming some of his songs. If I had been #Homeschooling Charlie still, we could have used the book in our music class.
I saot down and opened Kristofferson 67 Astounding Songs I got stopped by the first page that reminded me as much as we love Kristofferson he has passed on. I was sad to find out Kris died before he could read the book because I believe he would have liked the story a lot.
I had forgotten about Rita Coolidge until the Author mentioned her. I was able to check out some of her music to share with my son which was a #teachingmoment as we listened to her songs with and without Kristofferson.
I was also surprised to find the Author had mentioned “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” with singers like Hank Williams Sr, Jr, 111, June Carter Cash and so many other wonderful singers. As you reading the book make sure you click on the link so you can hear the songs the Author is discussing.
In the book we learn about Country Music, and Bluegrass and one of my dad’s favorite songs of all time
Me and Bobby McGee”. As well as many other songs I could sing right along with Kristofferson and see movies he was in playing along beside the music.
If you’ve ever listened to Kristofferson’s music and considered yourself a fan of his music, you need to purchase a copy of Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs which you will find on my record shelf. Make sure you take the time to check out the illustrations and make sure all Music School Teachers have a copy of this book.
About:
Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs explores the depth and artistry of Kristofferson’s lyrics with a special focus on his masterful use of sound and repetition. His lyrics use rhythm and tone to shape stories—heightening a character’s anger, joy, or excitement, slowing a line for impact, or driving it forward with urgency. The characters he brings to life are authentic, often grappling with thorny predicaments, and his signature wit shines throughout.
For each song, Richard Somma offers his interpretation—not as a definitive answer, but as a starting point to inspire readers to find their own meanings. Richly illustrated, this book aims to bring Kristofferson’s music to life in a new way. Above all, Somma’s greatest hope is that readers will find new appreciation and enjoyment in Kristofferson’s remarkable songs.
“In Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs, Richard Somma dives deep into the evocative world of one of country music’s most influential songwriters. This book is an insightful exploration of Kris Kristofferson’s lyrics, offering readers a unique perspective on his artistry.
Somma’s analysis not only illuminates the genius behind Kristofferson’s work but also invites readers to experience his music on a deeper, more personal level. The book focuses on the intricate ways Kristofferson uses rhythm, tone, and repetition to amplify the emotional weight of his storytelling.” – Charnjit Gill, author of Pray Tell
Meet the Author:
Retired high school math teacher Richard Somma, author of the recently released book, Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs, is making the case for something unexpected in today’s guidance programs— Kris Kristofferson’s songs.
It’s not about music education. It’s about emotional intelligence, and helping students navigate a world where crisis feels constant, he says.
For years, Richard taught students to think logically. But listening to Kristofferson’s lyrics—paired with their music—he realizes their messages could help young people navigate loneliness, loss, and doubt in a confusing world.
If the songs were a part of guidance programs he says, counselors could use them to:
- Help students engage emotionally and think critically through exposure to songs rich with ambiguity and complexity
- Explore how crisis is part of the human condition that calls for problem solving
- Model radical empathy—for others and for ourselves.
One Kristofferon song Richard points to as an example: “Chase the Feeling”—about addiction, shame, and the temptation to escape it all. It raises more questions than it answers, and that’s exactly the point.
Richard Somma, author of Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs, was a math teacher for forty-eight years and a Kris Kristofferson fan for just as long. In his late thirties, Richard took to writing when he attended the Breadloaf School of English, an intensive master’s and continuing education program for teachers.
Studying under Ken Macrorie and David Huddle, Richard honed his craft and gained appreciation for good writing like that of the late country music star Kris Kristofferson. For Richard, chronicling Kristofferson songs has made “feelin’ good easy,” as Kristofferson himself writes in “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
