Kenny Rogers

Biography

Kenneth Ray Rogers (August 21, 1938 – March 20, 2020) was an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and entrepreneur. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and was particularly popular with country audiences, but also charted more than 120 hit singles across various music genres, topping the country and pop album charts for more than 200 individual weeks in the United States alone. Rogers sold more than 100 million records worldwide during his lifetime, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Early Life and Career

Kenneth Donald Rogers was born in Houston, Texas. Growing up in a federal housing project, he knew by high school that he wanted to pursue a music career. He started a rockabilly group called the Scholars and had a local hit. As a solo artist, he released the single "That Crazy Feeling" in 1958. He later joined the Bobby Doyle Three, a jazz group. In 1966, Rogers became a member of the folk group the New Christy Minstrels. A year later, he and other members formed the First Edition. The group, later billed as Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, had several hits, including "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)" and "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town."

Solo Stardom and Crossover Success

After The First Edition disbanded in 1976, Rogers embarked on a solo career. His 1977 hit "Lucille" was a major success, reaching number one in 12 countries and winning a Grammy Award. This was followed by a string of hits including "The Gambler," "She Believes in Me," and "Coward of the County." His album "The Gambler" won him another Grammy. The song's success led to a series of popular television movies in which Rogers starred. Throughout the 1980s, Rogers achieved significant crossover success with hits like "Lady," written and produced by Lionel Richie, and duets such as "Islands in the Stream" with Dolly Parton and "We've Got Tonight" with Sheena Easton. He was also one of the artists who participated in the 1985 charity single "We Are the World."

Collaborations

Rogers was well-known for his successful collaborations with other artists. He recorded a series of popular duets with Dottie West, winning two CMA Awards together. His duet with Dolly Parton, "Islands in the Stream," became a massive international hit. He also had successful duets with Kim Carnes on "Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer," and with Ronnie Milsap on "Make No Mistake, She's Mine," which won a Grammy.

Later Career and Legacy

In the 1990s, Rogers continued to record and tour. He launched a restaurant franchise called Kenny Rogers Roasters in 1991. He also established his own record label, Dreamcatcher Entertainment. In 1999, he scored a number one hit with "Buy Me a Rose." Rogers was a respected photographer and published several books of his work. His numerous accolades include three Grammy Awards, 11 People's Choice Awards, and a Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Country Music Association. His final concert was held in Nashville in October 2017.

Personal Life and Death

Rogers was married five times and had five children. His fifth marriage was to Wanda Miller, with whom he had twin sons. Rogers passed away on March 20, 2020, at the age of 81, under hospice care at his home in Sandy Springs, Georgia.