General Discussion

His athleticism in high school and college gained him national recognition. He completed his full term as a Rhodes Scholar with high achievement. He joined the Army, underwent Ranger training, and rose to the level of helicopter pilot. He was offered a commission and a position at West Point as an instructor of English courses. He turned it down and separated from the service. His parents were dismayed with his decision, and they became estranged from him. He relocated to the southern states and took jobs from a janitor at the Grand Ole Opry to a helicopter pilot ferrying workers to and from offshore drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. He said he wrote "Me and Bobby McGee" while sitting on an oil tank on a drilling rig. His songwriting brought him accolades in 1970 when he won for best composer for the two major county music academies - for two different songs sung by two different artists. He was nominated for the best actor Oscar in 1976 for his performance in "A Star is Born." He overcame alcohol addiction and presents himself as an empathetic person. Thanks for sharing the video.