Kenny Rogers discovered Don Henley and Shiloh, the group Henley was in at the time. Kenny Rogers brought them to LA, put them up in his home and produced their album. Rogers had the publishing rights to Henley's music. When Henley went to join the Eagles, Rogers gave (not sold)Henley the rights to his music.

Hootie considers Kenny Rogers an influence.

Kenny Rogers was not pure country. His music was a fusion of several genres : rock country folk jazz r & b.

Posted by Zuzu on Tuesday, 09/29/2015 @ 15:31pm

ZUZU

Like the post on Kenny Rogers. I was young but in the late 1970's and early 80's Kenny Rogers was 1 of the hottest artists out there. He was ubiquitous on TV, movies, concerts. His songs seem to saturate radio. My Grandma even had his cassette tapes and albums. He worked with great artists Dolly Parton and Lionel Richie and influenced several artists. You could make The Gambler today it would be big hit. Especially with the Poker boom today. He's 70+ years old now. He deserves to be in RRHOF in some way. We've Got Tonight, Lucille and Lady were big hits as well. They played Islands In The Stream to death. KING

Posted by KING on Tuesday, 09/29/2015 @ 17:24pm

King,

Thanks. He was born in 38 so he only just a few years away from 80. I always liked his duets with Dottie West - When Two Fools Collide and I Feel Sorry For Anybody That Isn't Me Tonight. Coward of the County was another good one.

He does deserve recognition as a solo, as a First Edition or as a New Christie Minstrel. I was just checking out some videos on the First Edition and I'll write something on that one later. I forgot how much I enjoyed this music.

Posted by Zuzu on Tuesday, 09/29/2015 @ 18:09pm

Kenny Rogers should have been eligible in 1983.

He released his first record in 1958, a doo wop song called That Crazy Feeling. Although it didn't chart nationally, it was big in Houston where he was already known for being in a doo wop group called the Scholars. It went to #3 locally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS-W_xZMdoE

Posted by Zuzu on Tuesday, 10/17/2017 @ 23:18pm

people need to check before writing

Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town is not a Kenny Roger's song

First Edition

please look up and correct

Posted by Zuzu on Wednesday, 11/28/2018 @ 23:17pm

RIP Kenny Rogers

Posted by Roy on Saturday, 03/21/2020 @ 02:33am

His credentials for the R&R HoF are debatable, but he did bring country to a pop (and rock?) audience.

Rest in Peace Kenny Rogers, 1938-2020.

Posted by Joe on Saturday, 03/21/2020 @ 11:12am

My most sincere condolences to the family and friends on the passing of Kenny Rogers. I am certain that he will be missed. By the way, my favorite song by Kenny Rogers had been 'The Gambler. ' Although this song had been written by Don Schlitz, it had been Kenny Roger's version which had been the most successful.

Well, what do you think?

Posted by Enigmaticus on Sunday, 03/22/2020 @ 17:45pm

Sad to hear about Kenny Rogers, RIP.. I spent a few hours today listening to some his early hits with The First Edition, then later known as Kenny Rogers and The First Edition. From 1967 to 1970 they scored 7 Billboard Top 40 hit singles, all of which appear on their Greatest Hits LP from 1971(the Silver album cover), which was a very huge seller in the early 70's and achieved Platinum status. One of my first early LP's I owned as a kid after The Monkees records and CCR's "Bayou Country". The 7 Hit singles are great for a dose of Kenny Rogers playing Rock/ Country Rock with The First Edition. Of course you have "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town", a #6 hit on the Hot 100, "Just Dropped In", reaching #5, and "Something's Burning", hitting #11. "But You Know I Love You" charted at #19, "Tell It All Brother" reached #17, "Reuben James" hit #26, and "Heed The Call" made it to #33. All are great, and an excellent cover of Mac Davis',"I Believe In Music" is also on the Greatest Hits LP. The First Edition is also considered as being pioneers in the development of Country Rock and were influential towards that genre's artists going forward. Very cool listening tunes for those who enjoy that particular era of music from the late 60's and early 70's..

Posted by Will N. on Sunday, 03/22/2020 @ 23:54pm

Kenny Rogers would make a great Special April 2020 Artist of the Month along with the Artist selected by the Random Number Generator. Mr. Rogers could utilize a boost in his songs and albums inducted in the projects. I can see by the number of FRL Regulars commenting on his passing and love of his music that he was respected and well-loved. It's also a way to get some Country artists recognized where there are definitely a great pool of genre songs that could be inducted. What do you think? KING

Posted by KING on Monday, 03/23/2020 @ 01:32am

King we don't do special artist votes for recently departed artists in the way you suggested. You are always welcome to nominate him for the artist vote to maybe be picked next month by the random generator. You could also nominate some of his music in the album and song projects.

Posted by Greg F on Monday, 03/23/2020 @ 02:10am