Legendary singer, songwriter and three-time Grammy award winner Kris Kristofferson performs in concert Sunday at Lincoln Theater in Yountville

Kristofferson is known for his distinctive voice, and perhaps even more so for his remarkable success as a country songwriter in the 1970s. Hits like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down” and “For the Good Times,” were not only chart-toppers, but they also went a long way to redefine country music and position it for its meteoric rise in popularity beginning in the 1980s and continuing to the present. By 1987, it was estimated that more than 450 artists had recorded Kristofferson’s songs.

Kristofferson’s new album, “This Old Road,” his first in 11 years, is a statement about where he is in his life right now. “It’s a reflective time of life and I see many blessings,” he said. “This Old Road” contains 11 songs that range in topic from love, gratitude, aging, war, and his ever-present theme of freedom. The overriding theme, according to Kristofferson, is honesty.

What got Kristofferson back into the studio this time? “The producer, Don Was — he’s a creative director and positive spirit.”

Was, who has worked with Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones, set out to emphasize Kristofferson’s fine lyrics and distinctive voice with only subtle accompaniment — by Was himself (bass, piano, backing vocals), longtime sidekick Stephen Bruton (guitar, mandolin, backing vocals) and Jim Keltner (drums). The result is a collection of music that makes the listener feel as if he is in Kristofferson’s living room.

Kristofferson, a Rhodes Scholar, turned down a teaching position at West Point and took a job as a janitor at Columbia Records, hoping to get his foot in the door of the music business. He had a dream of becoming a songwriter, and he realized far more than that.

In 2007, Kristofferson was honored with the Johnny Cash Visionary Award from Country Music Television. “It was an honor in my mind since John was very special, he was my hero, my inspiration and friend,” he said.

Johnny Cash is among several names Kristofferson mentions when asked about artists who have influenced him and his music: “Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, William Blake ... anyone who was influential in my life and music,” he said.

At age 71, Kristofferson is still on the road doing concerts about half the year; he spends the balance working on films or “resting at home.” All in all, he’s comfortable with his life and lifestyle at this point. “What I like about being 71 is the ease at which I move through this world. My work is accepted, respected and I’m grateful for my life.”

And the most important thing he’s learned?

“To follow your heart,” he said.

Tickets, which range from $45 to $65, are available through the Lincoln Theater Box Office, 944-1300 or www.lincolntheater.org.

Kris Kristofferson

Sunday, Oct. 21, 5 p.m.

Lincoln Theater,Yountville

Tickets: $45 to $65

Box Office, 944-1300 or www.lincolntheater.org.