Kenny Rogers

Who Was Kenny Rogers?

Kenny Rogers, a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and musician, became an iconic figure in the country music scene and beyond. In 1978, after establishing himself as both a solo artist and a member of various bands, Rogers released The Gambler, which featured the title track that became a major hit across both country and pop charts. The song earned him his second Grammy Award. Rogers further cemented his legacy through successful collaborations, most notably with country legends Dottie West and Dolly Parton. His duet with Parton, “Islands in the Stream”, became a chart-topping hit, and he also published several books, including his 2012 autobiography.

Early Life and Career

Born on August 21, 1938, in Houston, Texas, Kenneth Donald Rogers, known to his family as Kenneth Ray, grew up in a modest household with his parents and six siblings in a federal housing project. From a young age, Rogers showed an interest in music, and by high school, he was determined to pursue a career in the industry. He bought a guitar and formed a local rockabilly band called the Scholars, which enjoyed some local success.

Rogers’ first notable professional recording came in 1958 with the hit single “That Crazy Feeling” for the Carlton label, and he performed it on Dick Clark’s popular show American Bandstand. Shifting his musical style, Rogers later played bass in the Bobby Doyle Trio, a jazz band. In 1966, he joined the New Christy Minstrels, and after a year, he left the group with a few bandmates to form the First Edition. The band’s fusion of folk, rock, and country gained attention, particularly with the psychedelic hit “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).” The group soon became known as Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, enjoying further success with songs like “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” and a syndicated music show.

Mainstream Success

In 1974, Kenny Rogers left The First Edition to pursue a solo career, shifting his focus to country music. His debut solo single, “Love Lifted Me,” reached the Top 20 of the country charts in 1975, marking the beginning of his solo success. Two years later, Rogers reached the pinnacle of country music with the release of “Lucille,” a poignant ballad about a man abandoned by his wife. The song not only topped the country charts but also made it into the Top 5 on the pop charts, earning Rogers his first Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male.

Riding the momentum of this success, Rogers released The Gambler in 1978, which became another massive hit. The title track garnered both country and pop chart success, while also securing Rogers his second Grammy Award. His career continued to soar with subsequent hits such as the tender ballad “She Believes in Me,” and the 1979 album Kenny, which featured chart-topping tracks like “Coward of the County” and “You Decorated My Life.” During this period, Rogers also published Making It With Music: Kenny Rogers’ Guide to the Music Business (1978), offering his insights into the music industry.

Duets with Dottie and Dolly

In addition to his solo work, Rogers enjoyed success through collaborations with other artists. His duets with country legend Dottie West produced multiple chart-topping hits, including “Every Time Two Fools Collide” (1978), “All I Ever Need Is You” (1979), and “What Are We Doin’ in Love” (1981). Rogers’ 1981 cover of Lionel Richie’s “Lady” topped the pop charts for six consecutive weeks, further cementing his status as a crossover star.

Rogers also collaborated with pop stars such as Kim Carnes and Sheena Easton, expanding his appeal across genres. In 1980, Rogers began a successful acting career, starring in TV movies based on his songs, such as The Gambler (1980) and Coward of the County (1981). On the big screen, he played a race car driver in the 1982 comedy Six Pack.

One of his most iconic collaborations came in 1983 with Dolly Parton on the hit duet “Islands in the Stream.” Written by the Bee Gees, the song topped both the country and pop charts and earned the duo the Academy of Country Music Award for Single of the Year.

Photography and Business Ventures

Rogers’ interests extended beyond music. An avid photographer, he published his first collection, Kenny Rogers’ America, in 1986, showcasing images taken during his travels. Photography was a passion Rogers described as second only to his music. He released a second collection, Your Friends and Mine, in 1987.

Rogers also ventured into the business world. In 1991, he launched Kenny Rogers Roasters, a restaurant franchise that was later sold to Nathan’s Famous, Inc. in 1998. That same year, he founded his own record label, Dreamcatcher Entertainment, and starred in an off-Broadway Christmas show, The Toy Shoppe.

His 1999 album She Rides Wild Horses marked a return to the charts, with the hit “The Greatest,” a song about a boy’s love for baseball. He also scored a hit with “Buy Me a Rose,” further demonstrating his enduring popularity.

Later Years

Rogers embraced fatherhood again in 2004 when, at 66, he and his fifth wife, Wanda, welcomed twin boys, Jordan and Justin. Despite his age, Rogers joked about the challenge of keeping up with their energy. That same year, he published Christmas in Canaan, a children’s book that was later adapted into a TV movie.

In 2009, Rogers celebrated his career with Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years, a musical retrospective. By then, he had sold over 100 million albums worldwide. His accomplishments were further recognized in 2013 when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the CMA Awards.

Rogers continued to release music, including the 2012 album You Can’t Make Old Friends, and the 2015 holiday album Once Again It’s Christmas. In 2016, he embarked on a farewell tour, which he announced would be his final one.

Final Years and Death

In 2018, Rogers canceled the remaining dates of his farewell tour due to health challenges, having previously pulled out of a scheduled performance at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. He expressed gratitude for the support of his fans over his long career.

Rogers passed away from natural causes on March 20, 2020, at the age of 81, at his home in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

A&E Biography Special

In April 2020, A&E aired Biography: Kenny Rogers, a two-hour special chronicling his life, career, and legacy. The special featured never-before-seen interviews, behind-the-scenes moments from his 2017 farewell concert, and tributes from luminaries like Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, and Chris Stapleton, offering a heartfelt tribute to one of country music’s most beloved figures.