Three Chords and The Truth: Essential Country Music Songs: “Help Me Make It Through The Night”- Sammi Smith. Many have found Kris Kristofferson wanting as a singer- as a singer he sounds like a frog that he has even admitted but as a songwriter he is among the elite songwriters of the 20th Century. Kristopperson said in an interview Frank Sinatra inspired him to write this song- in an Esquire interview Sinatra was asked what he believe in and he said “Booze, broads, or a bible…whatever helps me make it through the night.” Kristofferson even had a compilation album once where one disc was Kris singing his song- the other was of famous covers by other artists. “Help Me Make It Through The Night” appeared on Kristofferson’s first album Kristofferson in 1970. Later in 1970 country singer Sammi Smith covered it and it became a #1 country single- and crossed over into the Billboard Pop chart where it peaked at #8. A number of artists have covered this song since Elvis, Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell and others- but none of them touch Sammi Smith’s version. Back in the early 2000’s a book came out called Heartaches By The Number which ranked in the authors opinions- the Top 500 country songs ever. Sammi Smith’s “Help Me Make It Through The Night” sat at #1.
slicethelife 
Long time since hearing this one. It’s earned #1. Kris has written some good ones.
A song I wish I could have written- Me and Bobbie McGee- his greatest and one of the best written songs ever. IMO.
Yes, that is solid gold, no matter who sings it. Didn’t he write The Man in Black also?
Johnny Cash wrote that.
Oh ok. In my mind for some reason I thought Kris did.
I think I was thinking of Sunday Morning Coming Down. Didn’t Johnny Cash have a hit with that?
Yes Johnny had a hit with that- written by Kris!
I was looking at some of his other hits. There is a rain/reign of them. Why Me Lord is one of my favorites. I see Willie Nelson covered more than a few of Kris’ songs!
Kris in the early 70’s was really writing up a storm. Brought sexuality into country music songs. Dotie West was offered Help Me Make It Through The Night first but turned it down because it was too suggestive..
I have this 45 single. Was a favorite of my mother’s.
When I bought that book years ago- I was surprised to see it at #1- but not a bad pick- a great single.