"An icon of country music, Kenny Rogers redefined the genre. His dozens of chart-topping hits crossed over into pop and R&B, creating a whole new sound that caught the ears (and hearts) of a global mainstream audience. The indelible mark he left is evident in his songbook of ballads, anthems and duets: “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Through the Years,” “We’ve Got Tonight” and of course, “Islands in the Stream” with Dolly Par- ton, his longtime partner and friend. After a 60-year career during which he cranked out 39 studio albums and 80 singles (including 24 No. 1s on the country charts) and sold 100 million records, ultimately Kenny decided it was time to fold ’em. In 2015, the hall of famer announced his retirement with a two-year farewell tour that brought him across six continents to say goodbye to fans. Sadly, it would be for good: On March 19, 2020, he died from natural causes at the age of 81. In 2023, Kenny’s voice returns with Life Is Like a Song, a collection of previously-unreleased music, curated by his widow, Wanda Rogers. “This is a very special record to me and our family because it really tells the story of our life together,” she says, “and I feel his fans will also relate to it in a big way because it walks the listener through the seasons of life that we all experience in one way or another.”"
KENNY ROGERS
KENNY ROGERS • SINGER. SONGWRITER. STORYTELLER.
THROUGH THE YEARS • From his early solo success to the Country Music Hall of Fame: a look back at the incredible life and career of Kenny Rogers.
COUNTRY CROSSOVER • After two decades playing jazz, folk, rock and psychedelic pop, the Houston native returned to his roots and became a breakout star with 1977’s “Lucille.”
HIS VERY FIRST HIT • At 19, Kenny scored a gold single with “That Crazy Feeling.”
BY THE NUMBERS • The country crossover’s achievements add up to one rich musical career.
FOOLS COLLIDE • Kenny teamed up with country music veteran Dottie West for two chart-topping albums that established them as one of the biggest duet acts ever out of Nashville.
BIG DREAMS, BROKEN HEARTS • In 1995, Kenny starred as himself in a CBS biopic about Dottie.
THE GAMBLER • Kenny hit the jackpot with his 1978 signature song, introducing a Wild West persona that he parlayed into a popular TV movie franchise.
JOHNNY CASH BET ON BLACK • Months before Kenny, he also released “The Gambler,” but didn’t like it.
MADE FOR TV • Ranking all five movies in the Emmy-nominated The Gambler series.
SHARING THE LOVE • In 1979, the country singer experimented with R&B, collaborating with Commodores leader Lionel Richie, who wrote “Lady”—and became a lifelong friend.
WE ARE THE WORLD • Kenny lent his voice—and recording studio—to Lionel Richie’s star-studded anthem.
KENNY & DOLLY • A match made in country music heaven, Kenny and Dolly Parton first came together for 1983’s “Islands in the Stream,” considered one of the greatest duets of all time.
WHY THEY NEVER DATED • The two made beautiful music together—but not that kind.
TIMELESS TWOSOME • They had something going on! Kenny and Dolly Parton’s most iconic 1980s moments.
DYNAMIC DUOS • Double the star power: Kenny collaborated with some of the most powerful voices in country, adult contemporary, pop and rock.
THE TOP 10 • Dozens of his singles hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Here’s a closer look at the very best of the best.
HOLIDAY SPIRIT • The country star recorded six Christmas albums and his annual festive tours became family traditions.
KENNY’S LADIES • Married five times over the span of four decades, the country legend admitted three of his divorces were “85% my fault.”
PASSION PROJECTS • A true...
